Senior Advisor Digital Messaging and DVE at Candidate Experience Site - Department of Internal Affairs

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

27 Apr, 26

Salary

124891.0

Posted On

27 Jan, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Policy Development, Digital Safety, Operational Advice, Stakeholder Engagement, Analytical Skills, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Resilience, Judgment, Legislation Interpretation, Collaboration, Community Awareness, International Relations, Digital Media Understanding, Complex Organization Experience, Public Policy Knowledge

Industry

Government Relations Services

Description

Type: Permanent Hours: Full time Location: Wellington Business Group: Digital Safety and Investigations Branch: Regulatory and Identity Services Salary: $100,356 - $124,891 Are you passionate about making the digital world safer for all New Zealanders? We are seeking a Senior Advisor to join our Digital Messaging and Violent Extremism team within the Digital Safety Directorate. In this senior operational role, you will provide expert advice and support to a team of Investigators and Analysts working across digital safety including anti-spam/scams and countering violent extremism. You will play a key role in reducing harm by addressing digital threats through collaboration with partner agencies both nationally and internationally. A significant aspect of this position is representing the Digital Safety Directorate on various national and international working groups focused on combating digital violent extremism and scams. This includes engagement with Five Country partners and other international stakeholders working to reduce online harm. Key Responsibilities Liaise with relevant government agencies (NZ Police, Customs, and security agencies) and New Zealand's international law enforcement partners, including Five Country partners, to collaborate on reducing digital violent extremism Represent and support the Manager in internal and external fora, including national and international working groups on combating violent extremism, harmful messaging, and scams Provide operational advice and input to the department's policy function on the development of legislation and regulations pertaining to digital violent extremism Lead and provide advice on the development of operational policies and processes for digital violent extremism and digital messaging Contribute to international policy development and operational initiatives, bringing advice on international best practice Develop and maintain productive working relationships with Internet Service Providers, online platforms, and banks to address harmful messaging and digital violent extremism Maintain awareness and connections with communities impacted by online extremism, including Muslim and Jewish communities What You'll Bring Experience and Knowledge Experience in a policy or operational policy role within central or local government Experience working in a large and complex organisation (desirable) Understanding of modern digital media, communications and messaging platforms, with awareness of technology developments Understanding of the machinery of government and the public policy-making process Skills and Attributes Ability to work across agencies and sectors to achieve measurable progress in outcomes, particularly related to online safety Demonstrated resilience in a complex environment with exposure to objectionable material Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels Strong interpersonal skills to engage with a range of stakeholders including technical specialists and affected communities Strong analytical skills, sound judgement, and decision-making ability Ability to interpret and analyse legislation and translate research and best practice into operational policy Qualifications A relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, international relations, strategic studies, or a related field is preferred. However, we also welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate equivalent experience and expertise in lieu of formal qualifications. Other Requirements Must be able to obtain and hold a Top Secret security clearance Applications close: 5pm, Tuesday, 10 February 2026. For more information please contact: Glenn Williams Job description: To review the full job description, please click here. If you are unable to follow the link, please review the full job description on our careers website. At the Department of Internal Affairs, the work we do makes New Zealand a better place for those born here, and those new New Zealanders who have chosen to call this country home. The Regulatory and Identity Services branch is responsible for regulatory systems and functions related to charities, gambling, anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), digital safety, passports, civil registries, citizenship and identity management. The branch also delivers identity products and services that enable customers to register their life events, access services from other public and private sector agencies and businesses, and travel seamlessly overseas. The branch has programmes of work and support functions that include data analysis and insights, information sharing, forecasting, systems, service design, risk and assurance, intelligence and investigations, engagement and education, operational policy, product innovation, international product strategy and commercial.

Responsibilities

The Senior Advisor will provide expert advice and support to a team working on digital safety, including anti-spam/scams and countering violent extremism. They will represent the Digital Safety Directorate in national and international working groups focused on reducing online harm.