Navy Jobs
Learning and Development Officer | Royal Navy New Zealand 2026 Full Time
Introduction
Learning and Development Officer. This is a key position for those who want to impact capability and performance as well as lasting excellence within an organization. This position involves much more than training, as it is about developing the intellectual muscle and strength in instruction that underpins all modern defence operations.
In this role, you play a key part in equipping Defence personnel for operations in increasingly complex environments by equipping them with appropriate knowledge, skills, and mindsets as professionals in their subjects.
This is an appropriate profession for individuals who require a structured, dynamic defense environment where there are aspects of meaningful responsibility, continuous learning, and growth. The job combines design and delivery in learning, as well as the aspects of quality assurance and advisory policy work.
This is because it involves working in collaboration with the Navy, Army, and Air Force, as well as civilian units.
For people who are interested in the realm of education and training processes and leadership roles in the defense community, this is one career path that has a clear future ahead of it. The involvement of formal training and recognition with international experience makes it very appealing.
Job Overview
A learning and development officer is all about improving the learning systems of the NZDF to ensure that their people remain operationally effective with world-class education and training. Learning and development officers are represented within the New Zealand Defence Force, from defense facilities to operational settings, and are posted in several locations around the world.
In this role, the officer develops, implements, manages, and secures the learning systems that enable capability. Responsibilities range from learning delivery to managing learning systems and learning quality assurance to providing strategic policy advice for command.
The role is advertised as beginning at the officer entry level after prescribed training, followed by a deployment in a service or the New Zealand Defence College. The New Zealand Defence Force hires learning & development officers. The purpose here is to keep their people intellectually alert and ready for a continually evolving defence environment.
Key Responsibilities
The learning and development officer develops and enhances NZDF’s learning framework to maintain readiness for operations through world-class education and training. These roles are spread across the New Zealand Defence Force; within defence sites, training hubs, and even in active deployment, postings can take you to a variety of locations.
In this role, you’ll design, conduct, manage, and assure learning systems that support our operational output. It includes the provision of training, leading learning-system projects, ensuring quality, and providing strategic policy advice to the command.
The role is available for both officers entering directly from the community and specialist officers. The role begins with formal training before being assigned to either a service or the New Zealand Defence College. NZDF employs learning and development officers to ensure its people are mentally sharp and prepared for changing needs within the defense portfolio.
Eligibility Criteria.
For a candidate to be eligible for the position of Learning and Development Officer, he/she/they must demonstrate certain educational requirements, work experience, and other attributes.
The applicant must possess a recognized degree in the area of education/training that includes adult education, vocational training, or training and development, and should have appropriate work experience in learning systems and instructional design.
Applicants should be no younger than 18 years old by the end of the basic training course, physically and medically fit, and able to satisfy the fitness standards. A national security clearance is required, and citizenship standards are rigorous.
An Officer Selection Board test is also required of applicants. In addition to the above-listed skills, the job requires effective communication, analysis, flexibility, and the ability to work well as a member of a diverse group.
Training & Career Development
Training for a learning and development officer begins with the Junior Officer Common Training, a 24-week course conducted at Devonport Naval Base and Whangaparaoa. This initial training phase lays the foundation for leadership capability, military knowledge, and professionalism.
Following the basic course, officers undertake induction training in their service or at the New Zealand Defence College.
Ongoing development includes specialized NZDF syllabus analysis, how to deliver instruction, and how to implement learning systems. Officers may also obtain external qualifications in adult education or English language teaching.
Career development is clearly defined and supported, and there are opportunities to progress to senior learning and development officer roles, including international deployments and exchange programs with allied forces such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Salary & Benefits
During training, a learning and development officer earns a starting salary of approximately $86,092, with increases as experience, rank, and qualifications grow.
Compensation is supplemented by allowances for field duties, overseas service, and operational deployments. Salary and benefits vary based on experience, location, and NZDF policies.
Additional benefits include subsidized accommodation and meals with free and subsidized medical and dental care. Access to fitness facilities, sponsored tertiary education, and opportunities for domestic and international travel. The work environment offers long-term stability, structured career progression, and a strong focus on professional well-being.
Who Should Apply
This role is ideal for education and training professionals who are motivated by service, leadership, and large-scale impact. The ideal candidate for this job should be analytical, adaptable, and comfortable working in structured environments that demand accountability and collaboration.
Individuals with a strong interest in learning systems, instructional excellence, and strategic development will find this officer role particularly rewarding.
For those who are seeking a long-term defence career with opportunities for advancement, international exposure, and continuous learning, this position is the best opportunity for them.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should begin by gathering required documents, including academic transcripts, identification, and medical information (detail is available on the company’s website). The next step is to register and apply online through the NZDF recruitment system, complete pre-qualifying questions, and submit the full application via the candidate portal.
Applicants then attend aptitude testing and an assessment day, followed by an interview. Successful candidates receive an offer of service, subject to full medical and security clearance. The final stages include a full medical assessment, Induction Day, and allocation to an intake for initial training.
Preparation Tips
Before applying, applicants are advised to research NZDF learning systems, training structures, and operational roles on the company website. Improving physical fitness, particularly cardiovascular endurance and strength, is essential for meeting entry standards.
Candidates should also refresh their knowledge in adult learning principles, instructional design, and professional communication to prepare for assessments and interviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is prior military experience required for this role?
No prior military experience is required, but significant professional experience in education or training is essential.
Q: How long is the initial training period?
Initial officer training lasts approximately 24 weeks, followed by role-specific induction training.
Q: Are postings fixed to one location?
No, postings are varied and may change throughout your career depending on service needs.
Q: Is there a minimum service obligation?
There is no fixed contractual obligation to remain in the NZDF for a specific period in this role.
Q: What fitness level is required to apply?
Applicants must meet minimum medical and fitness standards, with ongoing testing throughout service.
Q: Does the role involve overseas deployments?
Yes, opportunities exist for international training missions, deployments, and exchanges with partner nations.
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