Project Lead - Legislative Reform Implementation

Project Lead – Legislative Reform Implementation
(Fixed term position to December 2026)
* Play a critical role in implementing legislative reform of the new emergency management system.
* Use your leadership, project management, and engagement skills working with stakeholders to support successful implementation.


We have an exciting role for a highly organised collaborator and leader to help NEMA and our partners across the emergency management sector and turn new legislation into action.


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 the role
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 resilience system.

This is a fixed term role, reporting directly to the Policy Unit Manager.


It's an exciting time for our Unit particularly, as we look to deliver emergency management legislative reform.

You will play a critical role in the implementation of new emergency management legislation.


The purpose of this role is to work collaboratively with NEMA Business Units and external stakeholders to identify, plan for, and assist in the delivery of the work required to implement the legislation.

Once the legislation is passed, you will support immediate implementation activities, and assist transition of longer term delivery work into business-as-usual work programmes.
You will help shape the foundation of the emergency management system to enable better on-the-ground outcomes for communities before, during and after disasters.


NEMA is an operational agency which is always ready to respond if a national emergency happens.

While in this role you would not be expected to work in response, NEMA's dynamic work environment mean staff you will be working with are often required to pivot and change focus on their work at short notice.

Attributes of adaptability, agility, and resilience are essential.
Ko wai koe | About you
We are looking for candidates with the following attributes:
* Proven experience managing complex legislative or policy implementation projects in a public service context.
* Strong project management and planning skills.
* Proven stakeholder engagement capabilities.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence at all levels.
Desirable
* Formal project management qualification (e.g., P3O, MSP, PRINCE2, PMI, Agile).
* Experience working with diverse groups, including iwi/Māori, local and central government agencies, and community organisations.
* Experience in operational policy development and machinery of government processes, including ministerial servicing.
* Understanding of the emergency management system.
* Knowledge of business needs analysis and change management principles and practices to support organisational adaptation for successful implementation.
Personal Attributes
* Excellent interpersonal skills with a wide range of staff and stakeholders.
* Comfortable facilitating a collaborative work environment, with a constant eye on meeting the objectives and goals of the project.
* Ability to deliver high quality work, maintain professionalism and composure under pressure, and adapt to changing circumstances.
* Demonstrates NEMA's values: Courageous, Connected, Committed, Respect.


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 indicative base salary range for this role is $146,253 - $159,701, depending on experience.
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 Thwaites on email NEMATalent@nema.govt.nz.

We do not accept applications from Agencies or 3rd Parties.
Application Closing Date: 5pm, 28th October 2025.
To view the full job description please click here.