What you will do

You will proactively deliver communication plans and initiatives for Defence Public Affairs to ensure effective and consistent delivery of engaging communications across the NZ Defence Force.

A typical day could include:

• Providing professional advice, planning and support to senior Public Affairs leadership in promoting the NZ Defence Force;
• Supporting the development and implementation of communications plans that promote NZDF's role and purpose;
• Providing expertise in external and internal communications;
• Maintaining awareness across the Defence Force of all communication activity; and
• Ensuring information is engaging, accessible and well presented in NZDF's various communications channels, including print, intranet, internet and social media.

Please note: This is a 12 month fixed term opportunity.

What we need

You will bring a sound understanding of communications and public relations concepts along with an understanding of issues and reputation management. The key to your success will be your ability to develop and manage working relationships; you will be able to influence up as well as develop open communication and information flow across the organisation.

You will also have:

• At least 5 years' experience in public relations, corporate communications or related field, including media;
• Demonstrated experience in best practice internal and external communications;
• Proactive, highly committed and service driven with a desire to add value and capable of identifying and addressing stakeholder needs;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for all levels and complexities;
• Strategic and conceptual thinking with an ability to identify opportunities; and
• An ability to think methodically, establish and maintain sound processes and systems, and respond quickly to complex issues.

Who we are

Defence Public Affairs (DPA) creates, engages, educates and advises to strengthen trust, inspire confidence and achieve NZDF communication and engagement outcomes. A central purpose of DPA is to enhance the NZDF's and New Zealand's strategic and operational effectiveness. Along with this, DPA supports New Zealand Government and NZDF policy, strategy and objectives and acts as trusted advisers for the leaders and people of the NZDF. Through the provision of creative services (including content development, editing, imagery, and design), digital expertise, marketing, media relations and business partnership, DPA provides for the integration of NZDF public affairs activity.

Every hour of every day, 365 days of the year, the New Zealand Defence Force is contributing to the defence, security and well-being of Aotearoa / New Zealand. As a modern, professional military, it is our goal to maintain well trained, equipped and disciplined armed forces that can react to crisis at short notice.

Why Us

NZDF is an inclusive organisation that is open to flexible working arrangements and welcomes applications from people regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, beliefs/opinions, or family circumstances.

In return for your expertise, dedication and hard work, NZDF is offering remuneration reflective of your experience, along with:

• Great benefits for you and your family;
• Discounts Handbook for selected retail, entertainment and service providers;
• 5 weeks annual leave per year;
• Variety, challenge and a chance to influence;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Positive culture, team focused environment.

How to Apply

To view the Position Description and to Apply, please use the links on this page. For further information, contact Tracy Hall on 021 243 1411.

This is a fixed term position for a 12 month period.

Please note: We are also advertising for a permanent Senior Public Affairs Advisor and a Public Affairs Manager. If you are interested, then please apply for these positions as well.

Please note:

• The NZ Government has announced COVID-19 vaccine mandates covering all employees of the NZDF. Under the mandate, in order to be eligible to work within the NZDF, all staff are required to have received the first dose of the vaccine by 17 January 2022, and the second dose by 1 March 2022, and proof of your vaccination status will be required.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.
• If you are an existing NZDF employee (excluding contractors) you must apply through our Internal Vacancies site, via the HR Toolkit.

Applications close on Thursday 3 February 2022.

Please note: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand (NZ) and be able to obtain and maintain the required level of NZ Government security clearance for the position applied for. The minimum citizenship and residency criteria for security clearances to be granted by the NZ Defence Force are as follows:

Higher level Security Clearance

• most preferably a NZ citizen who has resided continuously in this country for the last 10 years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last 10 years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher level.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.