DEPARTMENT of the PRIME MINISTER and CABINET Job Description Job Title: Business Unit: Responsible To: Staff Responsibilities: Liaises With: Policy Advisor National Cyber Policy Office Manager, National Cyber Policy Office Nil The National Cyber Policy Office (NCPO) is part of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC). It will have a close working relationship with other government agencies involved in cyber security such as the National Cyber Security Centre in GCSB, the office of the Government Chief Information Officer and the new Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. With MFAT it will lead international engagement on cyber policy issues. Role of the National Cyber Policy Office (NCPO) The Government has set strategic objectives for improving cyber security in New Zealand through New Zealand s Cyber Security Strategy. The purpose of the National Cyber Policy Office is to lead the development of cyber security policy advice for government and to work with other government agencies to drive forward the cyber security programme for New Zealand. Purpose of the Position The purpose of this position is to assist the Manager, NCPO to achieve the outcomes of the Office by: Providing policy and other advice to the Prime Minister and other Ministers when required and to support the Chief Executive in their role in advising the Prime Minister. A119641-9.1 1
Key Tasks or Responsibilities (including Accountabilities) 1. Provide oral and written advice to senior officials and/or the Prime Minister Performance Indicator Demonstrates detailed understanding of relevant portfolio subject matter Works autonomously to produce well developed, informed reports and briefings Anticipates issues likely to be of significance and provides advanced analysis Understands and follows standard policy development protocols and Cabinet requirements Exercises sound judgement and intuition when assessing options and undertaking research Quickly and accurately identifies key issues or actions in complex situations. 2. Planning and self management Well-organised, plans systematically and identifies risks Involves other people to reach goals efficiently and effectively Monitors progress and evaluates results 3. Communication and stakeholder management Maintains effective relationships with other agency, private sector and international counterparts Prepares and presents reports and advice on policy, orally and in writing Responds to stakeholders Assists in building understanding of, and support for, the need for changes in direction and attitude Communicates effectively with clarity and in a way that is appropriate to audience Responds to correspondence, including Official Information Act Requests, Parliamentary Questions, and provides draft replies for the Prime Minister as required A119641-9.1 2
Key competencies and personal attributes Leadership skills: the ability to provide leadership in particular areas of expertise, interacting at a high level with the Prime Minister and other Ministers (as appropriate), with public sector officials and the private sector and community sectors. Initiative: the ability to be a self-starter, to prioritise effectively, to initiate appropriate action to clear obstacles to policies, and to be motivated to find solutions. Cognitive power: the ability to think analytically and strategically about issues and express ideas clearly and conceptually. Knowledge and skills: the ability to understand and apply relevant policy frameworks and analytical tools to issues; excellent written and oral communication skills; good general problem identification; highly developed interpersonal and representational skills. Team relationships: the ability to contribute constructively to team success Discretion: holds a reputation for judicious conduct and speech and for showing due prudence and circumspection as appropriate; Able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Special security clearance Approved Roy Ferguson Director A119641-9.1 3
Attachment 1: DPMC competencies Competency Knows what DPMC is all about Demonstrates a good understanding of the particular function of the department and the nature of its work. Maintains productive team working relationships Demonstrates collegiality through knowledge sharing and excellent work relationships. Communicates effectively Exercises clarity and directness in all forms of communication ensuring the message is understood. Acts with integrity At all times acts in a manner that accords with the department s role at the centre of government in accordance with the principles of the code of conduct. Behavioural Indicator Can articulate the direction of the DPMC Understands what is important for DPMC s success and why Has knowledge about DPMC s special role in the machinery of government Can explain the various roles and functions contained within the DPMC Understands the sensitivity of security issues in the DPMC environment Understands the implications of having the particular customers we have Facilitates the work of the team through information sharing Shares knowledge that is essential for DPMC s performance Works collegially with other members of the team Does not exceed their brief Is respectful of others Actively maintains a wide network of contacts Gets to the point quickly Actively listens to what is said and how it is said Tailors their message, tone and delivery to the audience Checks that the message is understood Presents logical and reasoned argument in all communication Maintains confidentiality Exercises discretion Exhibits impartiality and an unbiased approach Completes work reliably Acts honestly Acts in a trustworthy manner A119641-9.1 4
Competency Demonstrates analytical ability Applies intellectual power and analytical skill to produce high quality advice. External Relationships Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain relationships and promote the interests of the Department and business unit Negotiation/Conflict Resolution Achieves cooperation and coordination where objectives are complex (and often conflicting) and assists in achieving policy closure. Government/Legal Awareness Demonstrates a good understanding of political, legal and policy process Behavioural Indicator Identifies emerging issues early and proactively addresses them Thinks more broadly than the immediate issues Asks the right questions Readily assimilates large volumes of complex data Clearly answers pragmatic, specific problems Provides robust, well thought out conclusions supported by relevant data Consistently works within an analytical framework Develops and maintains excellent relationships with all external contacts Promotes the interests of the Department and/or unit Facilitates the free flow of information between the unit and the customer Actively ensures barriers to information flows are minimised Presents arguments which persuade others Identifies, where possible, mutually acceptable and implementable solutions Uses informal networks to diffuse potential conflict Recognises and resolves problems Implements strategies to avoid/minimise problems and to prevent escalation Handles conflict constructively Presents effective arguments Understands the role of the Executive and Parliament Understands constitutional processes, practices and conventions Understands the role of the Governor-General and the Prime Minister Understands the policy process of Cabinet committees and Cabinet Understands legislative processes Knows the legal context of one s work and the requirements of the Official Information legislation A119641-9.1 5
Competency Works in a Professional Manner Demonstrates appropriate professional knowledge and skills, working to an exacting level Demonstrates security awareness Demonstrates an awareness and understanding of the security protocols that apply to the information handled by the business unit. Behavioural Indicator Completes work that meets, if not exceeds, the expectations of the client Acts in a manner consistent with the security requirements of the job Develops and works to lift their level of competence Manages competing priorities and work loads Displays the highest standards of personal conduct Exercises discretion Exhibits impartiality and an unbiased approach Judgement is exercised appropriately on increasingly more sensitive and difficult issues Understands and adheres to all security requirements Knows when to consult on matters relating to security Demonstrates a security consciousness A119641-9.1 6