Advisor International Business

Mō te tūnga | About the role
The Strategic Commitments and Engagement Branch (SCE Branch) plays a critical role in supporting NZDF's international engagement activities, helping advance New Zealand's defence, security, and international interests. As Adviser International Business (Regional), you'll play a key role in enabling the success of NZDF personnel serving overseas by providing expert financial, business, logistics, and administrative support across a portfolio of international Defence Posts, as well as leading and delivering key aspects of the planning, preparation and conduct of courses, seminars and discrete training packages.
In this diverse and globally connected role, you will: * Support NZ Defence Attachés, Office Managers and personnel serving across a wide range of countries. * Provide expert advice and oversight across financial management, budgeting, logistics, travel, and business operations for overseas Defence Posts. * Build strong relationships with stakeholders across NZDF, government agencies, diplomatic networks, and international partners. * Coordinate and support overseas postings, accreditation requirements, diplomatic documentation, and specialised training activities. * Help ensure NZDF's Global Defence Network remains connected, compliant, and well supported around the world. No two days are the same. One day you could be reviewing overseas Post budgets and providing financial advice, and the next supporting an overseas posting, planning to conduct an assurance visit to an offshore Defence Post, or helping deliver training for Defence Attachés preparing for life abroad.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience
We're looking for a highly organised and proactive professional who enjoys building relationships, solving problems, and supporting people in a dynamic international environment.
You'll bring strong financial and business administration capability, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities with confidence and professionalism.
You'll also have: * Experience in financial management, budgeting, reporting, or accounting practices. * Strong administration, business support, or operations experience within a complex organisation. * Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. * Proven relationship management and communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with a wide range of stakeholders. * Experience coordinating travel, logistics, or personnel support activities, alongside sound judgement and problem-solving ability. * A financial or administration qualification (Level 4 or equivalent experience), or the capability to demonstrate equivalent practical expertise. Experience in international business, foreign affairs, defence, government, or diplomatic environments would be advantageous, but is not essential.
No candidate is expected to meet every requirement listed above. If you're excited by the opportunity and believe your skills and experience could add value, we'd love to hear from you.
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 Thursday 6 August 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.