Job Description

Type: Permanent
Location: Wellington
Applications Close: 5pm Wednesday 27th May 2026

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

In this role you will be, able to convert strategic thinking into clear and compelling material fit for purpose and audience; produce reporting to provide actionable insights for ELT and SMT on NEMA’s performance and provide specialist advice to advance the development and implementation of performance frameworks.

The purpose of the Senior Advisor, Strategic Enablement is to:

• Support the Team Leader, Strategy & Performance in establishing and maintaining relevant governance, and leadership arrangements.

• Produce reporting to provide actionable insights for ELT and SMT on NEMA’s performance.

• Convert strategic thinking into clear and compelling material fit for purpose and audience

• Be a key contact between Strategic Enablement and other groups within NEMA and DIA

• Provide specialist advice to advance the development of performance frameworks and provides advice and guidance on the implementation of these frameworks

• Independently manage other complex pieces of work as required.

The purpose of the Business and Performance Unit/Te Wāhanga Whakahaere Umanga is to lead work on the Agency’s strategic direction, accountability requirements,(including OIA’s & PQ’s) organisational planning and performance, and provide general business support across the organisation. As part of the Strategic Enablement Group you will ensure our dynamic and fast-moving organisation is heading in the right direction, has a clear sense of purpose and builds transparency around how we add value.

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.

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.

Huanga Whaiaro | Key requirements

• An ability to persuade, influence, build and maintain effective collaborative relationships  

• Proactive team player with motivation to learn from others  

• High level of judgement with the ability to provide useful advice in complex situations 

• An ability to deliver high quality work under pressure while paying attention to detail 

• Able to manage without authority and ensure work gets completed effectively and on time 

• Flexibility of approach/thinking, able to adapt in constantly changing circumstances. 

• A relevant tertiary qualification or an equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

• Desirable - Experience in intervention logic methodology or Business Continuity Planning.

Ko wai mātou | About us

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) provides national leadership to Aotearoa 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.

Whakaritenga Haumaru | Security Requirements

Due to the security requirements of this role, applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident.

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 for this role is $108,018 - $117,951. NEMA offers other benefits such as Department leave, Wellbeing allowance, Vision allowances and more.

Me pehea te tono | How to apply

Please follow the links to apply. If you have any questions, you can contact us at NEMATalent@nema.govt.nz We do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies or 3rd parties.

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