NEMA - Senior Advisor, Hazard Risk Management

Type: Fixed Term until end of August (Parental Leave Cover)

Location: Wellington

Applications Close:

NEMA's Hazard Risk Management team is looking for someone who can apply hazard and risk science in an operational context, communicate risk information clearly, and build strong cross‑disciplinary relationships.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

The position sits within the Risk and Recovery Unit that is responsible for leading the development of hazard risk management and recovery policy and practice, including the development of strategic national frameworks and best practice guidance. The unit also coordinates science and technical advice on hazard risk management, and coordinates central government recovery activities before, during and following emergencies.

In this role you will be part of the Hazard Risk Management (HRM) team. The HRM team enables effective implementation of the 4Rs across the emergency management system through the provision of best practice risk management guidance and through facilitating knowledge to understand natural hazard risk. 

You will lead and support workstreams that require you to build and maintain strong relationships with a broad range of stakeholders and effectively advocate for a risk-based approach to policy and practice. 

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.

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. Alongside being a strong team-player, 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

• A relevant tertiary qualification or an equivalent body of knowledge and experience.
• Understanding of hazard risk management theory and practice.
• Experience in understanding and applying scientific research.
• Demonstrated experience and confidence in building and maintaining effective relationships.
• Ability to interpret, develop and apply national policies.
• An understanding of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Effectively and confidently presents information to audiences at all levels.

We are looking for a candidate with the following attributes: 

• Self-managing – demonstrates initiative and high-level analytical thinking & problem-solving skills;
• Persistence with a high degree of ambition for the cause and sector;
• Flexibility of approach/thinking, able to adapt in constantly changing circumstances;
• Friendly, optimistic, energetic, can-do, facilitative attitude; 
• Comfortable facilitating a collaborative work environment, with a constant eye on completing objectives and goals / able to facilitate discussions and coordinate people effectively;
• High level of judgement with the ability 

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 $108,018 - $117,951. NEMA has a number of benefits on top of the base salary, such as KiwiSaver, Departmental leave and Wellbeing Allowance.

To review the full job descri​ption, please click here. If you are unable to follow the link, please review the full job description on our careers website.

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