Advisor, Recovery at Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Advisor, Recovery - National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

Location: Wellington
Type: Permanent, Full-time

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, 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

As an Advisor, Recovery, you'll bring policy thought leadership into operational recovery. You will play a critical role in embedding recovery from the outset of an emergency, ensuring a seamless transition from response to sustained recovery operations. You will:

• Support NEMA's national recovery function during emergency activations, providing analytical, coordination, and delivery expertise.
• Develop practical guidance and toolkits for Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Groups and work with local government to strengthen recovery capability across the sector.
• Deliver high-quality reporting and advice to Ministers and governance groups, translating operational insights into strategic recommendations.
• Identify emerging issues early and drive continuous improvement by capturing lessons and updating national processes.
• Work across central government agencies to enable the development and implementation of national recovery frameworks, planning, and capability initiatives.

This position sits in the Risk and Recovery Unit / Te Wāhanga Mōrea me te Whakaora 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 during and following emergencies.

As NEMA is an operational agency, there may be a requirement to respond to emergency activations in the Recovery Function, 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 daily, in and out of times of emergency response.

About You

We're looking for a team player who understands the machinery of government, thrives in a fast-paced operational environment and brings:

• Experience working under pressure and managing competing priorities.
• Comfort with ambiguity and complexity, using sound judgment to provide clear, practical advice.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to influence across government and with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.

Knowledge of emergency management, recovery frameworks, and the CDEM Act is desirable, but not essential.

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: $80,341 - $84,804. NEMA has other benefits, including Departmental Leave, Wellbeing allowances, Vision Care 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 select 'Apply' to download a position description or 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.

Applications close: 1700hrs, Sunday 25^th January 2026