Senior Advisor, Strategic Policy

Senior Advisor, Policy

Type: Permanent

Location: Wellington only

Applications close: 9am Thursday 12th November

We have an exciting role for a critical thinker who can deliver high-quality policy advice to help shape the future of New Zealand’s emergency management system.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence nationally significant policy and legislative reform that will strengthen emergency management in New Zealand. Working in NEMA's Strategic Policy Team, within a small Policy Unit, provides a rare opportunity to contribute across the full policy cycle and provide advice directly to Ministers, senior leaders, government agencies, and emergency management partners.

It is an exciting time to join the team as NEMA delivers a substantial programme of reform. You will lead and contribute to key policy work programmes that support NEMA's strategic objectives and the long-term development of the emergency management system. This includes implementing the Emergency Management Act 2026, supporting development of the National Emergency Management Plan and National Emergency Management Strategy, and contributing to wider government policy initiatives that intersect with emergency management and national resilience.

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 Policy 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

We are looking for a candidate with the following attributes:

• Proven track record and experience scoping and leading policy advice, including using relevant policy frameworks and analytical tools

• Ability to think strategically about issues to develop policy advice, and to anticipate future trends and their implications.

• 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 and ability 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.

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

• An existing understanding of emergency management, national security, and/or risk management is desirable but not essential.

• A relevant post graduate degree or work experience equivalent

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 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.

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 BASE salary range for this role is $115,000 - $140,000, depending on skills and experience.

NEMA offers other benefits such as Department leave, Wellbeing allowance, Vision allowances 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 follow the application links to apply. If you have any questions, contact us at NEMATalent@nema.govt.nz

We do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies or 3rd parties. To view the full Job Description please Click Here