New Zealand Cricket expects to name its new national coach by the end of the year which should see the successful candidate in place for the home series against Bangladesh in February.
New Zealand, which is playing a one-day series with Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, has been without a coach since Andy Moles' resignation last month.
"This will be a thorough process," said NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan. "There's no rush - it's important that we make the right appointment.
"We have begun a scoping exercise to clearly define the exact requirements for the position. This is an essential first step which needs to be completed before any meaningful conversations can be held with potential candidates.
"The position will not be openly advertised, and we shall actively identify potential candidates we want to talk to."
So far former New Zealand coach Steve Rixon, who was in charge during the late 1990s, and John Dyson - previously in charge of Sri Lanka and the West Indies, have publicly stated their interest.
Former India coach John Wright, who is New Zealand Cricket's high performance manager, is another believed to be interested in the role, as reportedly is former England coach Duncan Fletcher.
Vaughan would not comment on any potential candidates except to say: "I can confirm I have received a number of strong inquiries from both New Zealand and overseas."
New Zealand, which is being led by captain Daniel Vettori, is tied 1-1 with Pakistan in Abu Dhabi with Monday's decider to come.
"The current Black Caps coaching set-up is working effectively," Vaughan said. "The squad has a strong coaching and support team, and Daniel is continuing to provide leadership as captain, with additional input from Mark Greatbatch who is there as a selector."
The two teams move to Dubai for two Twenty20 matches before heading to New Zealand for a three-Test series which begins later this month in Dunedin.