Almost every role in NZSIS and GCSB requires you to hold a national security clearance. We are trusted to hold our nation's secrets and this is a big responsibility.
As you can imagine, the secret nature of our work draws a lot of interest, so our people need to be careful about whey share and who they share it with.
Here are a few things to keep in mind.
It is up to you who you tell, but you should only confide in people who you trust to be discreet. Even then, if you get a job with us, you won't be able to tell them everything about what you do, where you work, or who you work with.
If you've already told people you've applied for a role at the GCSB or NZSIS, don't worry. People apply for jobs and attend job interviews all the time. If you don't bring it up again, most people won't mention it again. If they do, avoid providing further details about your application unless absolutely necessary, for example, if you need them to provide a reference for you.
If you get a role with us, you will be able to tell your family where you work if you want to. But only tell people you trust to be discreet about where you work, and limit the number of people you do tell. The more people who know, the higher the likelihood that someone might inadvertently share this information.
Vetting is the process used to determine if you are suitable to hold a Top Secret Special (TSS) security clearance.
After you apply for a role, and are chosen as a preferred candidate, you move into the vetting stage.
The first step of vetting is filling in an online form. This is followed by reference checks, and then you'll have an interview with someone from our vetting team. This whole process can take several months.
The security vetting process is an examination on a 'whole of person, whole of life' basis, to make a determination of a candidate's suitability to hold a national security clearance.
During vetting we will ask questions about your family, your relationships and partners, the social groups you're connected to, your financial situation, where you've lived, where you've travelled, as well as other questions about your lifestyle. We then make a professional assessment about your suitability to hold a clearance.
More information can be found on the Eligibility to Work for Us page.
Our work sites are secure environments, so there are a few extra rules. For example, the security blinds stay down all day, and you can't have your smart watch or phone on in the building.
There are also some technical limits that mean things you can do 'outside' aren't possible here, and it can take a little time to get used to. Some people find it odd or tricky at first. We're not trying to put you off - it's just something to be aware of.
Most work requires access to a secure system and has to be done in one of our offices. However, depending on the role, you may be able to do some work from home. Ask about this during the recruitment process.
Holding a Top Secret Special clearance means you will not be able to travel to, or pass through, certain countries, due to increased risk.
While you are employed with us you'll need to share any overseas travel plans with us before you book so we can provide you with safe travel advice and support.
Not talking about work also applies on social media. It would be easy for an adversary to start mapping a network of staff if we all listed GCSB and NZSIS on our LinkedIn profiles. We're not saying you can't use social media - just that you need to be mindful about what you share and how you use it.
As public servants, the Public Service Commission's Standards of Integrity and Conduct(external link) and political neutrality obligations(external link) apply to all our employees.