Senior Advisor, Operational Readiness & Response

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Senior Advisor, Operational Readiness & Response

Type: Secondment or fixed term (12 months)

Location: Wellington

• Be part of a team that makes a real impact on the safety and resilience of Aotearoa.
• Work in a collaborative, inclusive, and flexible environment.
• Develop your career in a high-profile, nationally significant agency.
• Contribute to meaningful work that supports communities across the country.

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

We're looking for a strategic and experienced Senior Advisor to join our Operational Readiness and Response team. In this role, you'll lead and support initiatives that build national readiness and response capability across NEMA and the wider emergency management sector.

You'll bring operational expertise, foster interagency collaboration, and help ensure Aotearoa is prepared for emergencies of national significance.

The position sits with the National Operations Business Unit that is responsible leading the operational systems, arrangements, facilities and infrastructure of NEMA to be ready for and able to respond effectively to emergencies. National Operations is also responsible for maintaining and operating the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC), and its alternative site, for emergency responses.

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 thorough training prior to you being required to assist in a response. NEMA will do all in its power to support staff in meeting their work and family responsibilities during an emergency. The welfare and wellbeing of our staff is of utmost importance.

Your response role will be in the Operations function.

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

You're a confident communicator and strategic thinker with a passion for public service and emergency management. You thrive in dynamic environments and are comfortable making decisions under pressure.

You'll bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Emergency Management or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in emergency operations (EOC, ECC, or NCC).
• Strong understanding of natural hazards and emergency response systems.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate across agencies.
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to Māori capability development.

Desirable:

• Experience developing response plans and doctrine.
• Familiarity with the CDEM Act, National CDEM Plan, and CIMS.
• Understanding of the machinery of government.

Huanga Whaiaro | Key requirements

• Flexibility of approach/thinking, able to adapt in constantly changing circumstances
• Comfortable facilitating a collaborative work environment, with a constant eye on completing the objective and goals of the business unit
• An ability to deliver high quality work output under pressure
• High level of judgement with the ability to make effective decisions in complex situations
• Able to manage without authority and ensure work gets completed effectively and on time
• Anticipates complex problems and watches for tell-tale indicators that warrant intervention
• Willingness to grow Māori capability and cultural confidence

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 $107,101 to $119,701 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' to download a position description or apply. If you have any questions, email NEMATalent@nema.govt.nz.  We do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies or 3rd parties.

Applications close 5pm Tuesday 24th June.