Senior Risk Assurance Analyst

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Join more than 15,000 New Zealanders working for the New Zealand Defence Force and contribute directly to the defence, security, and wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand.

We have an opportunity for an experienced Senior Risk Assurance Analyst to join INFOCOM, supporting the effective management of business risk, including financial, delivery, operational, and technology‑enabled risks.

In this role, you will provide independent and objective risk and assurance services that support senior leaders and governance groups to make informed, transparent decisions while delivering NZDF priorities and digital delivery.

Working closely with stakeholders across finance, delivery, operations, ICT, and security, you will lead assurance oversight, facilitate risk discussions, and ensure business risks are being identified, managed, and escalated in line with NZDF’s risk framework and all‑of‑government expectations.

This will include:

• Leading and delivering complex business risk activities across INFOCOM
• Facilitating enterprise level risk discussions and providing clear, decision‑ready risk intelligence to senior leaders and governance groups
• Supporting an uplift in risk and assurance maturity across INFOCOM
• Supporting the ongoing development and application of NZDF risk frameworks in line with all‑of‑government expectations

This role suits a senior risk and assurance professional who is comfortable working across ambiguity, influencing without ownership, and balancing assurance rigour with operational pragmatism.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will have experience in business risk and assurance within complex organisations or in an enterprise portfolio office. Experience working in technology-enabled environments will be a benefit. You will also have excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, independent advice to senior leaders.

You will also bring:

• A strong understanding of enterprise ICT risk and governance
• Experience writing papers for senior leadership teams
• Experience applying risk and assurance frameworks in practice
• Experience building risk maturity in an organisation
• The ability to analyse complex issues and exercise sound judgement
• Confidence engaging across technical and non-technical teams

No candidate is expected to meet every desired skill / experience listed. If your background differs from what we’ve outlined but you believe you can contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Monday 19 October 2026.

Use the links on this page where you’ll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
• You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.