Job Description
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Wellington, NZ
Help shape the future of Education
We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes
Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
This position is a newly established permanent full-time role.
The Chief Advisor, Emergency Preparedness and Response will be the Ministry’s key advisor on sector emergency, and incident planning, preparedness and response.
Reporting to the Group General Manager, Operational Standards and Support, this position will provide specialist advice and guidance and coordinate, manage and support the sector response to any emerging or current incidents or emergencies.
It supports the Ministry’s frontline teams and the wider education sector, in particular schools, kura and early learning organisations to prepare for and respond to incidents and emergencies.
To deliver successfully in the role, you will:
Work closely with sector partners in an operational readiness and emergency response environment
Review our national response processes to incidents, emergency events and safety
Make recommendations for improvements and
Ensure sector readiness for potential situations and circumstances
Salary range: $191,641 - $233,135 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.
About you | Mōhou ake
You’ll be responsible for developing and leading scenario preparedness and exercise and will bring thought leadership and strategic expertise. You will have had experience in an emergency management role within a complex environment and be familiar with broad work programmes involving multiple parties and in managing the challenges of an unfolding situation.
As a professional within this field, you will demonstrate the ability to evaluate response outcomes against objectives and standards, ensuring findings inform future planning.
You will also:
Be calm and level-headed, able to discern and lead in a crisis situation
Demonstrate strong leadership in the resolution of issues
Assess and mitigate risk quickly and utilise the correct communication channels and involve appropriate parties
Have the ability to interpret data and insights to make meaningful decisions
Lead the development of organisational frameworks and drive a culture of continuous improvement
Ensure systems, processes and ways of working evolve to meet future readiness needs
Be able to communicate with a wide range of audiences
Partner and collaborate effectively across sector groups
Bring together and lead multi-disciplinary teams
Lead the development of assigned projects relating to safety and wellbeing
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.
For further information, please contact Hester Goodwin, General Manager Office of the Hautū on [email protected]
Applications close Midnight Sunday 8 March 2026
We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
Location: Wellington, NZ
Help shape the future of Education
We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes
Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
This position is a newly established permanent full-time role.
The Chief Advisor, Emergency Preparedness and Response will be the Ministry’s key advisor on sector emergency, and incident planning, preparedness and response.
Reporting to the Group General Manager, Operational Standards and Support, this position will provide specialist advice and guidance and coordinate, manage and support the sector response to any emerging or current incidents or emergencies.
It supports the Ministry’s frontline teams and the wider education sector, in particular schools, kura and early learning organisations to prepare for and respond to incidents and emergencies.
To deliver successfully in the role, you will:
Work closely with sector partners in an operational readiness and emergency response environment
Review our national response processes to incidents, emergency events and safety
Make recommendations for improvements and
Ensure sector readiness for potential situations and circumstances
Salary range: $191,641 - $233,135 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.
About you | Mōhou ake
You’ll be responsible for developing and leading scenario preparedness and exercise and will bring thought leadership and strategic expertise. You will have had experience in an emergency management role within a complex environment and be familiar with broad work programmes involving multiple parties and in managing the challenges of an unfolding situation.
As a professional within this field, you will demonstrate the ability to evaluate response outcomes against objectives and standards, ensuring findings inform future planning.
You will also:
Be calm and level-headed, able to discern and lead in a crisis situation
Demonstrate strong leadership in the resolution of issues
Assess and mitigate risk quickly and utilise the correct communication channels and involve appropriate parties
Have the ability to interpret data and insights to make meaningful decisions
Lead the development of organisational frameworks and drive a culture of continuous improvement
Ensure systems, processes and ways of working evolve to meet future readiness needs
Be able to communicate with a wide range of audiences
Partner and collaborate effectively across sector groups
Bring together and lead multi-disciplinary teams
Lead the development of assigned projects relating to safety and wellbeing
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.
For further information, please contact Hester Goodwin, General Manager Office of the Hautū on [email protected]
Applications close Midnight Sunday 8 March 2026
We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Chief Advisor, Emergency Preparedness and Response position is now open for candidates interested in the Education Jobs sector. This role in Wellington offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Education Jobs is a plus.
