Deputy Head Policy Data and Support Services

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand is exceptionally proud to represent and serve those who have fought and sacrificed in our country’s best interests by providing exceptional support for veterans and their families: respecting and honouring their service, and celebrating their courage, comradeship and commitment.

We partner with the broader New Zealand Defence Force, and with other government and non-government agencies to support veterans and their families in four key areas:

• Administering and providing advice on a wide range of veterans’ entitlements, services and support.
• Being the Government’s lead advisor on policy relating to veterans.
• Planning veterans’ attendance at commemorations of significant military anniversaries.
• Supporting the government’s relationship with veterans and their representative organisation.

The Deputy Head Policy Data and Support Services provides strategic leadership across key functions within Veterans Affairs including policy development & advisory, business systems & data stewardship, projects, communications and clinical advice.

Core deliverables include:

• Accountable for all non-financial corporate services, ensuring integrated and high-quality delivery across functions.
• Leading a strengthened policy and communications function, representing Veterans’ Affairs externally and driving a coordinated Crown response for veterans.
• Champion co-design with veterans, supporting Te Arataki and embedding lived experience into policy and wellbeing outcomes.
• Strengthen the link between policy and data to enable evidence-based advice, insights, and decision-making.
• Drive continuous service improvements through data led initiatives, feedback, and experience measures.
• Proactively building and navigating critical relationships across VANZ and NZDF to support shared outcomes.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

This role requires deep public‑sector policy experience, a robust understanding of the machinery of government and capability to act as a ministerial advisor.

Along with proven experience leading policy development, cabinet papers, legislative advice, costings and statutory decision‑making, including appeals and reviews you will be comfortable operating within complex legislative and delegation frameworks and translating policy intent into clear operational guidance.

The key skills and experience required include:

• Proven executive leadership in complex environments, with a strong track record leading multi‑functional teams and building high‑performance, accountable cultures.
• Trusted senior advisor with the confidence and judgement to engage credibly with Ministers and executives, providing clear, constructive and influential advice.
• Strong stakeholder and partnership focus, delivering superior service outcomes through trusted relationships, collaboration and a customer‑centred mindset.
• Operational excellence and delivery focus, combining strong planning, project management and organisational capability to meet tight deadlines with accuracy.
• Continuous improvement champion, experienced in applying leading practice to lift performance, service quality and alignment with organisational purpose and values.

If you enjoy shaping policy practice, strengthening delivery, and navigating complexity with confidence and credibility at a senior level, then this could be the perfect career move for 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 Tuesday 20 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.