Vacancies
Current vacancies at the National Emergency Management Agency and in the Civil Defence and Emergency Management sector (CDEM).
Please note: As part of working within NEMA, there may be a requirement for staff to respond to emergency activations in the event of a national emergency response. This may involve working at the NCMC which is an operational environment requiring a control and command approach. Response could involve working outside of normal working hours (including weekends, public holidays, and/or nightshifts) if an emergency response of national significance occurs.
National Emergency Management Agency vacancies
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) provides national leadership to New Zealand’s distributed emergency management system. NEMA’s primary focus is on the performance and capability of the emergency management system as a whole, across all hazards and all risks and the 4 Rs of risk reduction, readiness, response and recovery. We are going through an exciting phase of growth and there will be more opportunities with NEMA over the coming months.
NEMA values diversity and inclusion. We want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our communities. We value and respect the contributions of our people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives. We support flexible ways of working that bring out the best in you.
NEMA recognises the continuing partnership Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown. We are committed to doing our part to deliver on the Crown’s commitments to Māori under Te Tiriti. We strive to actively build te Ao Māori perspectives and capability into our day to day work, values and practices.
This page will be updated with information on new roles and opportunities to work at the NEMA.
For questions regarding NEMA Recruitment, please contact NEMATalent@nema.govt.nz
NEMA vacancies
2 x Senior Advisors,
Strategic Policy and Operational Policy
Wellington-Based Permanent Role
- Are you interested in helping shape the future of New Zealand's emergency management system?
- Do you want to provide policy advice to government during emergency responses and recoveries?
- Do you enjoy understanding the big policy picture to provide strategic policy advice and recommendations to government? Or do you want to use your operational policy skills to deliver robust implementation of government policy?
We have exciting roles for critical thinkers who can deliver high quality strategic or operational policy advice, working with our partners across the emergency management sector.
Ko wai mātou | About us
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) provides national leadership to New Zealand's distributed emergency management system. NEMA's primary focus is on the performance and capability of the emergency management system as a whole, across all hazards and all risks and the 4 Rs of risk reduction, readiness, response and recovery.
NEMA values diversity and inclusion. We want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our communities. We value and respect the contributions of our people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives. We support flexible ways of working that bring out the best in you.
We are committed to doing our part to deliver on the Crown's commitments to Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We strive to actively build te Ao Māori perspectives and capability into our day to day work, values and practices.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About these roles
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 security system.
You will have a home in either the Strategic Policy Team or the Operational Policy Team depending on your skills and experience, career goals, and government priorities. However, a flexible approach is critical to working in our small team, as we are in an evolving phase of major reform of the emergency management system.
As part of working within NEMA, there may be a requirement to respond to emergency activations in the event of a national emergency response. This may involve responding to events outside of normal working hours if an emergency response of national significance occurs. In a large-scale or complex response, we may have to operate 24/7, so night shifts, weekend work and long hours are possible. You may be required to work in the NCMC or other location, which is an operational environment requiring a control and command approach.
Ko wai koe | About you
We are looking for candidates with the following attributes:
- Proven experience scoping and leading strategic and/or operational policy projects.
- 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.
- Experience in the development of law reform, legislation and regulations using relevant policy frameworks and analytical tools to analyse issues and develop advice.
- Acts with an understanding of the Crown's obligations under the Te Tiriti o Waitangi and applying Māori perspectives to policy advice.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, including an ability to proactively build and leverage collaborative internal and external stakeholder relationships to drive system outcomes.
- Excellent written capability to present complex ideas so they can be easily understood.
- Ability to take initiative, work autonomously and adapt in quick changing circumstances to deliver high quality work under pressure.
- A high standard of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
- An existing understanding of emergency management, national security, and/or risk management is desirable but not essential.
Ta matou e tuku | What we offer
We pride ourselves on the quality of our staff and understand the importance of fostering a working environment where excellence is recognised and where staff are encouraged to develop their own talents and potential. We welcome diversity, in all its forms and we believe it is a strength.
The mid-point of the salary band for this position is $122,233 including Kiwisaver employer contributions.
Whakaritenga Haumaru | Security Requirements
Due to the security requirements of this role, applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident.
Me pehea te tono | How to apply
Please select APPLY HERE to download a position description or apply. If you have any questions, contact Kim Thwaites on email NEMATalent@nema.govt.nz
Applications close 5pm 1st December 2023.
We do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies or 3rd parties.
Principal Advisor, Business & Performance
Wellington CBD Based, Permanent role
- Do you want to work in a dynamic organisation that makes a difference to the lives of people and communities across Aotearoa/New Zealand?
- Are you a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills?
- Do you enjoy connecting with a wide variety of people in multiple settings?
- Utilise your skills in a fast paced environment where no two days will be the same!
Ko wai mātou | About us
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) provides national leadership to New Zealand's distributed emergency management system. NEMA's primary focus is on the performance and capability of the emergency management system as a whole, across all hazards and all risks and the 4 Rs of risk reduction, readiness, response and recovery. We are going through an exciting phase of growth and there will be more opportunities with NEMA over the coming months.
NEMA values diversity and inclusion. We want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our communities. We value and respect the contributions of our people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives. We support flexible ways of working that bring out the best in you.
We are committed to doing our part to deliver on the Crown's commitments to Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We strive to actively build te Ao Māori perspectives and capability into our day to day work, values and practices.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
In this role you will proactively monitor, advise and support decision making on work across the Business Support, Strategy and Performance, and Health and Safety teams; assess risk, identify potential solutions and improvements, and advise the Manager of issues that need to be escalated or actively managed.
This role sits within the Business and Performance Unit/Te Wāhanga Whakahaere Umanga. The Business and Performance Unit has a broad suite of responsibilities, including leading work on NEMA's strategic direction, accountability requirements, budget oversight, organisational planning and performance, health and safety and administrative support.
As part of working within NEMA, there may be a requirement to respond to emergency activations in the event of a national emergency response. This may involve responding to events outside of normal working hours if an emergency response of national significance occurs.
Ko wai koe | About you
We are looking for a candidate with the following attributes:
- Strong experience within the public sector and knowledge of the machinery of government.
- Sound political nous and understanding of the government environment and processes.
- Strategic, conceptual and critical thinking skills and strong analytical ability.
- Excellent relationship management skills.
- Significant business strategy and planning knowledge and experience.
Huanga Whaiaro | Key requirements
- Ability to think strategically with strong initiative and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to adapt in quick changing circumstances
- Ability to deliver high quality work output under pressure
- Confident, reliable, resilient demeanour
- Has high standards of professionalism, integrity and accountability
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- Highly effective planning and organisational skills.
- Experience in identifying, anticipating and monitoring the development of emerging issues, managing issues as they arise, and facilitating the resolution of issues.
Ta matou e tuku | What we offer
We pride ourselves on the quality of our staff and understand the importance of fostering a working environment where excellence is recognised and where staff are encouraged to develop their own talents and potential. We welcome diversity, in all its forms and we believe it is a strength.
All NEMA roles are flexible by default and a positive work life balance is encouraged.
The salary band midpoint for this position is $164,181 including Kiwisaver employer contributions. NEMA has a range of other benefits such as Wellbeing Allowance, Annual Eye Tests, Departmental Leave and more.
Whakaritenga Haumaru | Security Requirements
Due to the security requirements of this role, applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident.
Me pehea te tono | How to apply
Please select APPLY HERE to download a position description or apply. If you have any questions, contact Ann Kilgour on email ann.kilgour@NEMA.govt.nz . We do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies or 3rd parties.
Applications close 5pm 29th November 2023.
Watch Officer
Wellington-based fixed term position or Secondment until 30th August 2024.
- Do you have a passion for Emergency Management?
- Enjoy the flexibility of working on a rotating shift pattern?
We are seeking a resilient team player to join our 24/7 Monitoring, Alerting and Reporting (MAR) Centre. If you like the idea of being responsible for the safety of New Zealanders in an emergency, then this role is for you.
Ko wai mātou | About us
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) provides national leadership to New Zealand's distributed emergency management system. NEMA's primary focus is on the performance and capability of the emergency management system as a whole, across all hazards and all risks and the 4 Rs of risk reduction, readiness, response and recovery. We are going through an exciting phase of growth and there will be more opportunities with NEMA over the coming months.
NEMA values diversity and inclusion. We want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our communities. We value and respect the contributions of our people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives. We support flexible ways of working that bring out the best in you.
NEMA recognises the continuing partnership Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown. We are committed to doing our part to deliver on the Crown's commitments to Māori under Te Tiriti. We strive to actively build te Ao Māori perspectives and capability into our day to day work, values and practices.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
The MAR Centre sits within the National Operations team which provides NEMA's operational capability. The MAR Centre acts as the eyes and ears for the operational groups, providing day-to-day situational awareness, early warning of emerging risks, and critical decision making during the early stages of a hazard event.
In this role you will be working as part of a team keeping the NEMA executive and our emergency management sector partners updated and issuing timely advisories and warnings using a variety of technologies such as the National Warning System and the Emergency Mobile Alert applications. In the event of a significant emergency, you will initiate the standing up of the NEMA National Coordination Centre and provide initial situational awareness as part of the NCC Intelligence Function.
Because of the unpredictability of hazard events, you will need to be able to move from steady state, business-as-usual activities to high-tempo emergency response, applying a methodical approach and exercising sound judgement. You will be given full training in our processes
A requirement of this role is that you will be available to work on a 24/7 rotating roster which will include evening, night and weekend shifts.
Ko wai koe | About you
We are looking for candidates with the following experience:
- Demonstrated ability to work in a challenging and time-critical environment
- Experience operating in a systems-based environment utilising standard operating procedures
- Experience communicating with diverse audiences and presenting to senior decision makers
- Practical application of the Intelligence Cycle and experience producing a range of intelligence products
- Knowledge of emergency management processes and planning
- Experience working in a 24/7 operational environment
- Experience using common social media platforms
- Experience operating a geospatial information system
- Experience working in an environment requiring high levels of attention to detail
- Knowledge of the Machinery of Government
Key attributes:
- Ability to think strategically with strong initiative and problem-solving abilities
- Flexibility of approach/thinking, able to adapt in constantly changing circumstances
- An ability to deliver high quality work output under pressure
- Applies highest standards of professionalism and integrity
- Demonstrates personal reliability and resilience
Ta matou e tuku | What we offer
We pride ourselves on the quality of our staff and understand the importance of fostering a working environment where excellence is recognised and where staff are encouraged to develop their own talents and potential. We welcome diversity, in all its forms and we believe it is a strength.
The salary range for these roles is $79,625 - $88,472 depending on experience, including Kiwisaver employer contribution. An additional shift allowance is payable after completion of training.
Security Requirements
Due to the security requirements of this role, applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident. Preferred applicants will undergo MOJ Background Checks, psychometric testing and must provide recent referees.
Me pehea te tono | How to apply
Please apply online APPLY HERE. If you have any questions, please email MAR Centre Team Leader Nick Davies at nick.davies@nema.govt.nz. We do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies or 3rd parties.
Applications close: 10am Monday 4th December 2023
CDEM sector vacancies
As the Community Planning and Readiness Manager for Auckland Emergency Management, you will lead a team of seven Senior Planning Advisors to develop and implement comprehensive emergency response plans in coordination with local boards and communities.
This role is critical in ensuring that Auckland's diverse communities are well-prepared for a wide range of emergencies, including natural disasters, pandemics, and crisis situations.
This role will also be responsible for conducting risk assessments, overseeing plan implementation, provide training, and continuously evaluate and improve emergency preparedness efforts.
This position also includes the CIMS Function Manager role as required in activation of an emergency response and carries the responsibilities as defined in the CDEM Act 2002.
This is a full-time permanent position based in Auckland.
As Senior Emergency Support Staff Advisor you will lead the development, implementation, and management of all aspects of Auckland Council Emergency Support.
In this role you will also work with People and Culture, Managers, and Senior Leadership, to ensure that the utilisation of ACE’s is fully supported and resourced appropriately. You will help drive the training and development of Emergency Support staff and ensure the appropriate support is in place for staff.
You will also be required to participate in the Auckland Emergency Management on call and stand-by emergency response system and be required to support emergency response.
This is a full-time permanent position based in Auckland.
To list a CDEM role please email our communications team at emergency.management@nema.govt.nz