Senior Policy Advisor, Strategic Policy
Wellington-based 24-month fixed term position

• Help shape the future of New Zealand's emergency management system.
• Use your strategic policy skills to understand and provide advice on the big policy questions for emergency management.
• Provide policy advice to government during and after emergencies.

We have an exciting role for a critical thinker who can deliver high quality strategic policy advice, working with our partners across the emergency management sector.
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 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 these roles
You will be part of NEMA's Policy Unit which provides emergency management-related policy advice to government, the emergency management sector, and wider national security system.
The Policy Unit has a Strategic Policy Team and Operational Policy Team. You will be housed in the Strategic Policy Team and primarily work on strategic policy matters that impact the emergency management system. However, a flexible approach is critical to working in our small Unit. You will initially be leading policy advice related to reform programme for the emergency management system.
In addition to this, your role will also include policy advice to the Minister, the NEMA Executive Leadership Team and operational teams in NEMA on new policy settings that may be required to achieve emergency management system outcomes. You will also analyse and coordinate second opinion advice on the policy work of other agencies that have an interface with the emergency management system.
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 candidates with the following attributes:

• Proven experience scoping and leading strategic policy advice, including options analysis.
• Ability to think strategically about issues using systems-thinking approaches when developing policy advice, and to anticipate future trends and their implications for existing policy trajectories.
• Experience in the development of law reform, legislation and regulations using relevant policy frameworks and analytical tools to analyse issues and develop advice.
• Acts with an understanding of the Crown's obligations under the Te Tiriti o Waitangi and applying Māori perspectives to policy advice.
• 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 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.
• An existing understanding of emergency management, national security, and/or risk management 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.
The mid-point of the salary band for this position is $126,001 including Kiwisaver employer contributions.
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 Kim on email NEMATalent@nema.govt.nz
Applications close 5pm Thursday 24th October 2024
We do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies or 3rd parties.