Senior Advisor, Communications

Senior Advisor Communications

Type: Fixed term/secondment until 25 June 2027

Location: Wellington

Applications Close: 5pm Wednesday 12th August

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

In this role you will provide communications advice and support to enable the delivery of NEMA’s work programme. You will have a strong focus on providing advice and support to teams across the organisation, collaborating with partners across the emergency management system, and supporting NEMA’s external communications activity. While this role will be extremely varied, we are looking for someone who can support the scoping of a schools programme to raise intergenerational awareness about emergency readiness.

This role sits within the Communications unit, which manages NEMA’s public education programme and digital channels, leads public information management during a national response, champions and enables accessible emergency information, and provides communications support and advice to internal and external stakeholders. You’ll be part of a team that values diversity and inclusiveness, and working in a fast paced environrment where no two days are the same.

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.

Your response role will be in the Public Information Management function.

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.

Ko wai koe | About you

We are looking for a candidate with the following attributes:

• The ability to see through an audience’s lens.
• Proactive problem-solving skills and innovative behaviour.
• A strong risk radar.
• A knack for building warm and productive relationships
• Discerning judgement and flexibility in the face of complexity/ambiguity/uncertainly and while under pressure.
• Able to influence without authority and complete work effectively and on time.
• Ability to collaborate and build relationships by working co-operatively, positively and effectively with and for colleagues, other agencies, suppliers and stakeholders, to achieve outcomes in a public service environment.

Huanga Whaiaro | Key requirements

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent body of knowledge
• Understanding of social marketing and public education
• Experience maintaining websites and social media channels
• An understanding of how to reach diverse communities
• Understanding of communication techniques
• Experience in building and maintaining effective collaborative relationships.
• A strong understanding and proficiency in developing, maintaining and improving communications channels.

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 $111,000 - $130,000.

NEMA offers other benefits such as Department leave, Wellbeing allowance, Vision 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

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

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