Vacancies

Senior Advisor, Strategic Policy

Type: Permanent

Location: Wellington

Applications Close: 5pm Monday 28th July

We have an exciting role for a critical thinker who can deliver high quality strategic policy advice, working with our partners across the emergency management sector. You will be part of NEMA's Policy Unit which provides emergency management-related policy advice to government, the emergency management sector, and wider national resilience system.

We are looking for candidates with the following attributes:

• Proven experience scoping and leading policy advice, including using relevant policy frameworks and analytical tool

• Ability to think strategically about issues using systems-thinking approaches when developing policy advice, and to anticipate future trends and their implications for existing policy trajectories.

• Strong communication and influencing skills, including an ability to proactively build and leverage collaborative internal and external stakeholder relationships to drive system outcomes.

• Acts with an understanding of the Crown's obligations under the Te Tiriti o Waitangi and applying Māori perspectives to policy advice.

• Excellent written capability and ability to present complex ideas so they can be easily understood.

If you have any questions, email NEMATalent@nema.govt.nz

Find Out More or Apply

Senior Advisor, National Planning

Type: Fixed-Term or Secondment

Location: Wellington (must be based in Wellington)

Applications Close: 5pm Sunday 3rd August

This is your chance to make a meaningful contribution by supporting national and regional emergency management planning in alignment with the Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) Act and the National Disaster Resilience Strategy.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and coordinate the technical review of regional CDEM Group Plans to ensure alignment with legislative requirements and national objectives.
• Provide advice and guidance to CDEM Groups and emergency management stakeholders.
• Develop and update key national guidelines to enhance sector capability.
• Contribute to the coordination of planning across the system on strategic and hazard risk contingency arrangements.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• Ideally, a tertiary qualification in emergency management or a related discipline, or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing functional and operational plans.
• Sound knowledge of emergency management systems, the CDEM Act 2002, and related national plans and guidelines.
• Strong analytical skills, project management experience, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment.
• Proven relationship management and collaboration skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.

The indicative salary range for this role is advertise $110,000 - $120,000 inclusive of Kiwisaver employer contributions.

Find out more and Apply

Principal Advisor, Reviews and Inquiries

Type: Fixed Term until 30 June 2026

Location: Wellington

Applications Close: 5pm Sunday 10th August

We're looking for a highly organised and politically savvy Principal Advisor to lead and coordinate NEMA's response to external reviews, public inquiries and other high-profile scrutiny processes.

This is a fixed term role with a dedicated focus on leading and supporting NEMA's response to various external reviews and inquiries.

As part of a small team, this Principal Advisor will take the lead in collation of relevant materials, responses to information requests, and witness preparation.

The Principal Advisor is also responsible for supporting engagement with stakeholders, providing advice and ensuring that emerging or potential risks to the effectiveness of NEMA's response are identified in a timely manner and reported for early NEMA management consideration.

We are seeking someone who has had previous experience in managing and advising on inquiries, and is a strong communicator and relationship-builder. You will thrive in complex and high-pressure environments and can demonstrate the following capabilities/experience:

• Highly developed analytical and critical thinking skills and able to provide thought leadership
• Well developed written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate and present clearly at a senior level.
• Demonstrated experience in working with or responding to external reviews, inquiries, or statutory processes.
• Strong understanding of machinery of government and public accountability.
• Proven experience in project management.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong judgement, political acumen, and risk awareness.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and deliver to tight deadlines.
• Experience facilitating collaboration across multiple stakeholders and disciplines

Find out more and Apply

Applications close: 09 July 2025

Location: Auckland

Type: Permanent full-time

Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) department has an opportunity for a permanent full-time Principal Communications Advisor to join our passionate and dedicated team. This role is based in the city centre and will be vital during an emergency response.

You’ll work alongside the Principal Strategy & Implementation Advisor to shape and deliver a communications programme that helps Aucklanders understand how to plan for, prepare, and respond to emergencies.

You’ll also be part of the response team that stands up to support and inform Aucklanders when disaster strikes.

This role also supports the department’s leadership team by providing high-level communications advice on a wide range of topics, from political engagement to reputational and media issues. You’ll work alongside Auckland Council’s Communications and Marketing department to ensure consistency of messaging and a strong public profile for AEM’s work across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Find out more

Applications close: 11 June 2025

Location: Auckland

Type: Permanent full-time

Auckland Council’s Emergency Management team has an opportunity for a permanent full-time Capability Advisor to join this dedicated and passionate team. This role is based in the city centre with some flexibility to work from home or a Council hub.

Reporting to the Capability Manager, you'll play a key role in strengthening how we prepare for and respond to emergencies. This role is pivotal in developing the skills, confidence, and operational readiness of Auckland Council staff, volunteers, and partner agencies.

As a Capability Advisor, you’ll support the delivery of training and capability-building initiatives, particularly for Auckland Council Emergency Support (ACES) staff and partner agencies. You’ll design and deliver programmes aligned with the Emergency Management Capability Framework, ensuring consistency, compliance, and coordination across the Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group.

Find out more