Senior Portfolio Analyst

Mo te tunga | About the role

The Senior Portfolio Analyst role sits within the Portfolio Management Office and plays a critical part in shaping how portfolio wide insights are translated into compelling decisions. You will take complex programme and project data and turn into clear, compelling narratives that help senior leaders understand performance, risks, and opportunities across a large and dynamic portfolio environment.

You'll go beyond reporting - connecting the dots across data, identifying trends and influencing decision-making at a strategic level. This role requires someone who can look beneath the surface, interrogate and synthesise complex information, draw out meaningful insights, and provide clear, evidence-based commentary that supports leaders to make informed decisions across the portfolio.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing regular portfolio reports to supported NZDF government boards, including analysis on performance, themes and trends, outlining potential options and decisions.
• Ensuring that Portfolio Management Office advice is consistent, effective, practical and in line with NZDF Orders and Instructions.
• Being the person of contact for all enquiries relating to reports with the DEI Portfolio Management Office.
• Managing reporting deadlines to ensure that information is disseminated accurately and on time.
• Build strong relationships to gather, challenge, and validate information across the portfolio.

This role is based in Wellington. Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there is the option of working from home 2 days a week.

The salary for this role ranges from $108,130 - $119,496, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.

Applications may be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and Experience

We are looking for someone who combines strong analytical capability with exceptional relationship skills. You might not be the technically polished analyst - and that's okay. What matter most is your ability to connect with people, influence outcomes, and make sense of complexity. You're someone who doesn't just fit the data into a predefined shape, but instead looks at it differently, asks better questions, and finds ways to interpret it.

You'll be intellectually curious, adaptable, and confident working in ambiguity. You can build trust, engage stakeholders at all levels, and bring others on the journey while still delivering high-quality analysis and reporting. If you bring the right mindset, attitude, and relationship approach, technical capability can be developed further in the role.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Demonstrated experience in analytical reporting within a complex environment.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationships management skills.
• Ability to translate data into clear, meaningful insights and stories.
• Strategic and lateral thinking - comfortable working `outside the square'.
• Experience in portfolio, programme, or project environment (desirable).

Nou te rourou | What's in it for you

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 pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Tuesday 30 June 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.