Senior Information Security Advisor

Bring your information security expertise to a role where it truly matters. At MSD, you’ll lead meaningful work that protects sensitive information and supports secure, effective public services — all within a highly collaborative and forward-thinking team.

About the role | Mō te tūnga :

As a Senior Information Security Advisor, you will lead critical work within the Information, Privacy and Security (IPS) Group supporting delivery of MSD’s Services for the Future Transformation Programme. Your expert advice will directly support the Ministry’s strategic and operational goals, ensuring that information is handled with the highest standards of integrity and care.

You’ll work across the organisation, providing trusted guidance on risk, compliance, and best practice, while contributing to the development of policies, frameworks, training, and assurance plans that embed responsible information use across MSD’s operations.

• Providing expert security advice on the Ministry’s systems, practices, and new initiatives — including Certification and Accreditation (C&A) assessments.
• Working collaboratively with information management and privacy colleagues within IPS to ensure all information risks are identified and mitigated.
• Designing and implementing risk-based information assurance activities that align with national security requirements and legislation.
• Developing and leading training and guidance materials, embedding a culture of information responsibility throughout the organisation.
• Building strong internal and external relationships, including cross-agency collaboration.
• Leading assurance reporting, making data-informed recommendations to improve security maturity and mitigate risks.
• A recognised expert in information security, with deep knowledge of frameworks like the Protective Security Requirements (PSR) and the New Zealand Information Security Manual (NZISM).
• Demonstrated experience in risk management, security policy development, and compliance assurance.
• Experienced in dealing with complexity and ambiguity, with the ability to work flexibly to deliver the outcomes required.
• Strong communication and relationship skills — able to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• A collaborative and strategic thinker who can connect advice across a wide operational context.
• Proven ability to mentor and support others, lifting capability across a team.
• Familiarity with public sector requirements and experience working in large, complex environments is an advantage.

Salary | Utu-ā-tau : $119,586.00 - $145,235.00

How to apply

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.

Note : Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.

All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at

Internal MSD Employees

please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Joining us

Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.

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