POSITION DESCRIPTION. Strategic Communications Advisor, Information Assurance and Cyber Security Directorate (IACD)

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1 POSITION DESCRIPTION Strategic Communications Advisor, Information Assurance and Cyber Security Directorate (IACD) Unit/Branch, Directorate: Location: Direct reports: Mission Enablement and Strategic Communications, Information Assurance and Cyber Security Directorate Wellington Nil Salary range: I $90,366 - $135,548 Purpose of position: The Strategic Communications Advisor, leads the design, development and implementation of the stakeholder engagement and communications approach and activities for the Directorate. The Strategic Communications Advisor is responsible for the provision of specialist advice and development of effective and innovative communications with internal and external stakeholders and the public, ensuring that the reputation of the IACD is protected and enhanced. The Strategic Communications Advisor will demonstrate a sound understanding of the strategy and operations of the IACD to achieve and maintain a high level of credibility with the executive and leadership group with a particular focus on on-line and digital communications. The Strategic Communications Advisor will also work across the wider security and intelligence sector, to enhance the New Zealand Intelligence Community (NZIC) approach to communications. Our mission at the GCSB is to protect and enhance New Zealand s security and wellbeing. Our values are Respect, Commitment, Integrity and Courage. Information Assurance and Cyber Security Directorate purpose: The IAC Directorate contributes to the national security of New Zealand by providing technical advice and assistance to Government and organisations with significant national information infrastructures to enable them to protect their information from advanced technology-borne threats. To achieve this, the Directorate provides technical security inspections; high-grade encryption services; information assurance policy

2 and advice; regulation of telecommunications & space activities; and high-end cyber security services to detect and respond to such threats. Key accountabilities Strategic Communications Advice and Planning Leading the provision of balanced and responsive communications advice, support and planning Understanding the operational and communications needs of the IACD and GCSB in order to ensure those needs are reflected in communications priorities and activities Liaising with internal and external counterparts to ensure that communications advice is relevant and responsive to changing requirements Leading the provision of expert advice to IACD management on communications issues Proactively identifying communication/media opportunities Working closely with DPMC communications team to develop a NZIC communications approach Deliverables/Outcomes Communication advice and planning promotes and supports IACD and GCSB s vision, ensuring alignment with NZIC; IACD is able to demonstrate that the Directorate s actions are visibly contributing towards the reduction of harm The executive and managers are provided with expert, reliable and timely advice that enables them to discharge their responsibilities and manage risks effectively Communications (internal and external) have optimal impact on targeted audiences; Opportunities to enhance the Directorate s communications are identified and delivered Direct and one-to-many communications formats and packages Development and Delivery of Strategies Facilitating the publication of IACD documentation on-line that is professional, modern and accurate Proactive provision of one-to-many communications Advising on strategic communications relevant to the IACD mission, including web publications, technical policy such as the NZISM, and Information Security Managing the NCSC portal in consultation with other teams in the Directorate; Oversight of Strategic Communications publications External Relations, Media and Communications Management Taking a leadership role in the design, development and implementation of the IACD s external engagement and communications approach Providing expert services and advice to IACD and GCSB are supported in the communication of strategic achievements and successes externally IACD and GCSB s interests are accurately and effectively represented to external

3 enhance the IACS s external relations Writing, editing and leading the production of specific communications materials and collateral Writing speeches and preparing presentations for the Directorate (and the Director-General as required as required Proactively anticipating media interest and communications requirements to optimally position the IACD and GCSB Ensuring the maintenance of up-to-date content and links on the NCSC, and GCSB websites and portal (and internal Intranets) Provision of mentoring where appropriate, to develop media management and other core communications capabilities Co-ordinating events and announcements as required stakeholders IACD and GCSB receive high quality and timely media and communications advice, which protects organisational reputation and minimises communication risk Communication channels are used effectively, to optimise impact Opportunities for high value communication platforms are proactively identified and pursued Media requests are managed in a proactive and timely manner and are portrayed positively in the media The content and look and feel of media releases, websites and other communications channels are professional, fit for purpose and effectively represent the IACD and GCSB Relationship and Risk Management Identifying potential areas of risk and developing risk mitigation strategies, in consultation with IACD management Effectively managing unexpected risk Relationship Management and Stakeholder Engagement Developing and maintaining relationships across the GCSB and other external agencies to ensure a consistent and wellplanned approach to communication and engagements Developing and owning implementation of a stakeholder engagement plan Influencing and advising managers, identifying key communication and stakeholder engagement issues and delivering or brokering relevant advice Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with other agencies communications teams as required to deliver integrated multi-agency communications Building and maintaining effective working relationships with key media stakeholders IACD are kept informed of emerging and existing risks and opportunities Timely and relevant reporting on key risks Where possible risks are anticipated and successfully mitigated IACD and strategic intent in respect of communications is understood by stakeholders and reflected in planning and engagement activities IACD management and staff activities are aligned with communication strategy; Internal and external engagement is strategic and high-impact. IACD is well prepared for engagements The IACD and GCSB s credibility and reputations are enhanced through effective and high quality relationship building Strong and effective working relationships with media and other agencies positioning the IACD, GCSB and NZSIS well in the public arena

4 Subject Matter Expertise and Leadership Working with the Executive and managers to effectively lead, and develop employees and positively influence their progress towards achieving successful results Demonstrating GCSB values and acting as a role model Coaching and developing appropriate media skills within the business Health and safety (for self) Work safely and take responsibility for keeping self and colleagues free from harm Report all incidents and hazards promptly Know what to do in the event of an emergency Cooperate in implementing return to work plans Be a visible role model at all times Follow GCSB s safety rules and procedures Corporate knowledge and expertise is maintained and shared appropriately The jobholder is recognised as a community asset in their area of expertise The jobholder is a credible representative for the GCSB in the role of media spokesperson. A safe and healthy workplace for all people using our sites as a place of work All requirements in the NZIC Health and Safety policy and procedures are met Other duties Any other duties that fall within the scope of the position Position delegation Financial delegation: None Key stakeholders Internal: External: Executive and Leadership Group IACD Joint Directors-General Office (JDO) Communications team Director-General of GCSB NZIC, in particular, DPMC and the NZIC Communications team Intelligence Community Shared Service (ICSS) staff Other GCSB and NZSIS managers and staff Ministerial Office staff and officials particularly the Office of the Minister Responsible for the GCSB Staff within other government departments Media organisations Sector interest groups Public and Private Sector

5 Person Specification Experience: Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrated depth and breadth of experience ( years plus) of working in an intermediate to senior media role Experience and expertise in the development and management of digital and on-line communications; Relevant experience within the New Zealand public sector A sound understanding of the NZ media environment and emerging trends in media Significant experience in developing and implementing communications strategies and plans A sound understanding of the machinery of government and demonstrated ability and experience of working effectively within a political environment Proven ability to think strategically, understand issues within a wider business context and to prepare and implement media and strategic communications plans that meet strategic and tactical business needs Ability to identify and mitigate political risk Experienced speech writer Effective presentation skills Experience of coaching others in media management An understanding of national security matters, the National Security System, and the role of GCSB and NZSIS within that system, is desirable Possession of highly developed conceptual and analytical skills and experience in developing and implementing workable solutions to ambiguous and complex problems Ability to identify risks and effective mitigation and consistently use sound judgement on key issues using the best evidence available Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to authoritatively and tactfully represent the IACD and GCSB when engaging with customers, the wider intelligence community and other government agencies

6 Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to liaise and collaborate effectively at all levels and an ability to build and maintain strategic relationships Well-developed influencing and negotiation skills Maturity, political nous, sound judgement, flexibility and a sense of teamwork in a demanding and unpredictable work environment, which can involve urgent problem resolution Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and excellence Qualifications and Courses: An appropriate tertiary qualification in journalism, communications or external/public relations A relevant tertiary qualification at a postgraduate level, is desirable Specific Job Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a TSS security clearance Changes to Position Description Positions in the GCSB may change over time as the organisation develops. Therefore we are committed to maintaining a flexible organisation structure that best enables us to meet changing market and customer needs. Responsibilities for this position may change over time as the job evolves. This Position Description may be reviewed as part of planning for the annual performance cycle. Date PD reviewed: 15/08/2018 Signatures Manager s Name Signature Date: Employee s Name Signature Date: