Principal Advisor, System Partnerships

Full job description
Principal Advisor, System Partnerships

Type: (24 month fixed term, secondment)

Location: (Wellington, Auckland)


Are you a positive disruptor? Can you imagine an Emergency Management system where private sector, volunteer, non-government, and community capabilities are understood, integrated, and New Zealand is better prepared to respond and recover from emergencies? If so, nau mai, haere mai! We are looking for someone with the experience, dynamism, and drive, to use initiative, take big picture thinking, and champion system change.

Ko wai m tou | 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 M ori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We strive to actively build te Ao M ori perspectives and capability into our day to day work, values and practices.

Mo tenei turanga mahi | About this role

The position sits with the Planning and Sector Partnerships Unit and is responsible for leading national relationships with private sector entities, NGOs, community, and volunteer organisations across the EM system. You will also lead NEMA and the EM system on the integration of private sector entities, NGOs, community, and volunteer organisations at a national level across the 4Rs, and provide thought leadership, development, maintenance, and evaluation of national tools that clarify roles and responsibilities.

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 upmost importance.

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:

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 with limited supervision.
The discretion and tact to handle confidential and private information
High level of judgement with the ability to make effective decisions in complex situations
Anticipates complex problems and watches for tell-tale indicators that warrant intervention
Willingness to grow te Ao M ori understanding and cultural confidence
Huanga Whaiaro | Key requirements

Experience in the development of system tools i.e. frameworks, standards, best practice, code of conduct, operating guidelines etc
Demonstrated stakeholder engagement experience, particularly at a national level with private sector, NGOs, volunteer, or community organisations
Strong knowledge of Health Safety legislation, particularly volunteers and contractors and the ability to identify and manage Health Safety risks
The ideal applicant will also have:

an understanding of the CDEM Act 2002, the National CDEM Plan, Guide, and supporting plans
Knowledge of the Machinery of Government
Understanding of the Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS)
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 $150,640 - $164,492 including KiwiSaver employer contributions. NEMA also offers departmental leave, discounts on Health Insurance and an annual Wellbeing Allowance.

Whakaritenga Haumaru | Security Requirements

This position requires New Zealand citizenship or Permanent Residence, and the ability to obtain and maintain an internal /national security clearance at Confidential, Secret or higher. You must satisfactorily complete pre-employment checks which will include, but are not limited to, criminal and credit checks

Me pehea te tono | How to apply

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

Applications close 5pm Sunday 11th August 2025.

  Read more