Principal Advisor, Business & Performance

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Principal Advisor, Business and Performance

 Type: Fixed term, 12 months (parental leave cover)

Location: Wellington-based role (essential)

• Do you want to work in a fast paced, dynamic organisation that makes a difference to the lives of people and communities across Aotearoa/New Zealand?
• Are you a generalist with an excellent understanding of government accountability?
• Are you someone who likes to balance strategic thinking with hands-on work?

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 this role

This role sits within the Business and Performance Unit/Te Wāhanga Whakahaere Umanga. The Business and Performance Unit has a broad suite of responsibilities, including accountability requirements, budget oversight, organisational planning, performance, health and safety oversight, and administrative support.

In this hands-on role you will proactively monitor, advise and support decision making on work across the unit; assess risk, identify potential solutions and improvements, and advise the Manager of issues that need to be escalated or actively managed.

You will also lead and/or oversee work on strategic projects, business planning and the corporate cycle, and accountability requirements.

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.

You will be matched up with a suitable CIMS function for your response role.

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:

• Resilience, Agility and curiosity in constantly changing and ambiguous circumstances

• Able to work independently with low levels of direct supervision
• Comfortable facilitating a collaborative work environment, with a constant eye on completing the objective and goals of the business unit
• A problem solver with the ability to deliver high quality work under pressure
• The discretion and tact to handle confidential and private information
• Enjoys complex problems and generating ideas
• Has sound judgement when managing risk
• Willingness to grow Māori capability and cultural confidence

Huanga Whaiaro | Key requirements

Essential

• Strong experience within the public sector and knowledge of the machinery of government.
• Sound political nous and understanding of the government environment and processes.
• Strategic, conceptual and critical thinking skills and strong analytical ability.
• Excellent relationship management skills.
• Significant business strategy and planning knowledge and experience.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Highly effective planning and organisational skills.
• Experience in identifying, anticipating and monitoring the development of emerging issues, managing issues as they arise, and facilitating the resolution of issues.

Desirable

• Sound experience in providing advice and briefings to senior leaders, and the ability to manage relationships at a senior level and with Ministers' offices.
• Sound financial acumen.
• Experience in procurement/contract management/process improvement.
• Experience overseeing the work of others.
• Experience in Business Continuity Planning.
• A knowledge of and interest in emergency management issues.

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 $147,686 - $161,266 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 Ann Kilgour at Ann.Kilgour@nema.govt.nz. We do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies or 3rd parties.

Applications close 5pm 21 April 2025