Principal Advisor, Reviews & Inquiries

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Principal Advisor, Reviews and Inquiries

 Type: Fixed Term until 30 June 2026

Location: Wellington

Emergencies test our systems - but they also offer powerful opportunities to learn, adapt and improve.

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.

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 this role

You will be the key point of contact for coordinating NEMA's engagement with independent inquiries and external review bodies.  You'll provide expert advice and judgement to support senior leaders to ensure our responses are accurate, timely and aligned with our obligations. In this role you will:

• need strong analytical and critical thinking ability and excellent judgement, with an ability to bring together evidence and analysis to draw conclusions on key issues and their root causes
• work collaboratively across the organisation to ensure accurate, consistent, and timely input.
• provide high-quality strategic advice to the Executive Leadership Team.
• monitor emerging risks and ensure NEMA is prepared and responsive to potential inquiries.
• engage with external stakeholders, including Ministers' offices, legal counsel, and civil defence emergency management groups.
• demonstrate strong project management skills, including planning, prioritising tasks, managing deadlines, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality outputs.

The position sits within the Continuous Improvement Unit, whose purpose is to lead and support the identification, design and implementation of strategies that will contribute to embed a learning culture across the emergency management system in New Zealand. This includes the provision of advice and support for data driven process improvement initiatives that inform and improve strategic and operational planning, capacity and capability.  The unit also coordinates all servicing of information requests relating to external reviews and inquiries

As NEMA is an operational agency, there may be a requirement to respond to emergency activations in the event of a national emergency response.  This may include potentially long hours and challenging working conditions, e.g. an emergency could occur at any time of the day or night and may require working shifts and/or working weekends. NEMA provides training prior to you being required to assist in a response.

Due to the nature of our role in Emergency Management, NEMA has a very dynamic work environment and as a small agency, staff are often required to pivot and change focus on their work at short notice. Attributes of adaptability, agility, resilience and curiosity are all required on a daily basis, in and out of times of emergency response.

Ko wai koe | About you

We are seeking a strong communicator and relationship-builder who thrives in complex and high-pressure environments. You'll have:

• resilience, agility, and curiosity.
• an ability to build strong relationships and work collaboratively across agencies and teams
• strong analytical and critical thinking and excellent judgement, discretion, and the ability to work with sensitive and high-profile issues.
• exceptional written communication skills which are clear, concise, and persuasive.

Huanga Whaiaro | Key requirements

• Tertiary qualification in public policy, law, public management, or related field.
• At least 7-10 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in working with or responding to external reviews, inquiries, or statutory processes.
• Strong understanding of machinery of government and public accountability.
• 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.

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.

NEMA values staff health, safety and wellbeing, and a positive work life balance is encouraged.

The indicative salary range for this role is $147,686 - $161,266 including Kiwisaver employer contributions. NEMA also offers departmental leave, discounts on Health Insurance and an annual Wellbeing Allowance.

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' to download a position description or apply. If you have any questions, contact us at NEMATalent@nema.govt.nz. We do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies or 3rd parties.

Applications close 5pm Sunday 22 June 2025.