Job Description
Principal Advisor, Continuous Improvement
Type: Permanent
Location: Wellington
Emergencies test our systems - but they also offer powerful opportunities to learn, adapt and improve.
We're looking for a Principal Advisor to join our Continuous Improvement team to help shape how we capture, analyse and embed lessons from emergency events to strengthen resilience across New Zealand.
If you're passionate about driving system-wide change, building collaborative partnerships, and turning insight into action, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference for communities across Aotearoa.
Ko wai m tou | 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 M ori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We strive to actively build te Ao M ori perspectives and capability into our day to day work, values and practices.
Mo tenei turanga mahi | About this role
In this role you will:
Provide thought leadership and strategic direction for NEMA's stewardship approach to lessons management and continuous improvement across the emergency management system.
Lead the development and implementation of a mature, future focussed lessons management system that contributes to greater resilience and improved emergency management outcomes across risk reduction, readiness, response and recovery.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
The position sits within the Continuous Improvement Unit, whose purpose is to lead and support the identification, design and implementation of strategies that will contribute to embed a learning culture across the emergency management system in New Zealand. This includes the provision of advice and support for data driven process improvement initiatives that inform and improve strategic and operational planning, capacity and capability. The unit also coordinates all servicing or information requests relating to external reviews and inquiries
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 Continuous Improvement subfunction.
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:
An ability to deliver high quality work output under pressure
Flexibility of approach/thinking, able to adapt in constantly changing circumstances
Willingness to grow M ori capability and cultural confidence
Comfortable facilitating a collaborative work environment, with a constant eye on completing the objective and goals of the business unit
High level of judgement with the ability to make effective decisions in complex situations
The discretion and tact to handle confidential and private information
Huanga Whaiaro | Key requirements
Significant experience and knowledge in lessons management and/or continuous improvement - ideally in an emergency management, public sector, or high-pressure operational environment.
Proven ability to lead the design and implementation of frameworks or strategies at a system level and translating them into functional and operational plans
Strong track record of working across agencies and with diverse stakeholder groups
Skilled in facilitation, particularly in complex, sensitive, or high-pressure contexts
Skilled in analysing qualitative and quantitative data to generate insights and recommendations
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. NEMA also offers departmental leave, discounts on Health Insurance and an annual Wellbeing Allowance.
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 [email protected]. We do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies or 3rd parties.
Applications close 5pm Sunday 25th May 2026.
&
Type: Permanent
Location: Wellington
Emergencies test our systems - but they also offer powerful opportunities to learn, adapt and improve.
We're looking for a Principal Advisor to join our Continuous Improvement team to help shape how we capture, analyse and embed lessons from emergency events to strengthen resilience across New Zealand.
If you're passionate about driving system-wide change, building collaborative partnerships, and turning insight into action, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference for communities across Aotearoa.
Ko wai m tou | 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 M ori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We strive to actively build te Ao M ori perspectives and capability into our day to day work, values and practices.
Mo tenei turanga mahi | About this role
In this role you will:
Provide thought leadership and strategic direction for NEMA's stewardship approach to lessons management and continuous improvement across the emergency management system.
Lead the development and implementation of a mature, future focussed lessons management system that contributes to greater resilience and improved emergency management outcomes across risk reduction, readiness, response and recovery.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
The position sits within the Continuous Improvement Unit, whose purpose is to lead and support the identification, design and implementation of strategies that will contribute to embed a learning culture across the emergency management system in New Zealand. This includes the provision of advice and support for data driven process improvement initiatives that inform and improve strategic and operational planning, capacity and capability. The unit also coordinates all servicing or information requests relating to external reviews and inquiries
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 Continuous Improvement subfunction.
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:
An ability to deliver high quality work output under pressure
Flexibility of approach/thinking, able to adapt in constantly changing circumstances
Willingness to grow M ori capability and cultural confidence
Comfortable facilitating a collaborative work environment, with a constant eye on completing the objective and goals of the business unit
High level of judgement with the ability to make effective decisions in complex situations
The discretion and tact to handle confidential and private information
Huanga Whaiaro | Key requirements
Significant experience and knowledge in lessons management and/or continuous improvement - ideally in an emergency management, public sector, or high-pressure operational environment.
Proven ability to lead the design and implementation of frameworks or strategies at a system level and translating them into functional and operational plans
Strong track record of working across agencies and with diverse stakeholder groups
Skilled in facilitation, particularly in complex, sensitive, or high-pressure contexts
Skilled in analysing qualitative and quantitative data to generate insights and recommendations
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. NEMA also offers departmental leave, discounts on Health Insurance and an annual Wellbeing Allowance.
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 [email protected]. We do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies or 3rd parties.
Applications close 5pm Sunday 25th May 2026.
&
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Principal Advisor, Continuous Improvement position is now open for candidates interested in the Event Management 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 Event Management Jobs is a plus.
