Senior Advisor Emergency Management and Business Continuity
Date: 29 Apr 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
- Permanent position
- Based at National Office in Wellington
You’ll be joining MSD’s Emergency Management and Business Continuity (EMBC) function, a team that plays a critical role in helping the organisation prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and business disruptions.
The team works closely with colleagues across MSD to strengthen readiness, response, recovery and continuity, ensuring the Ministry can continue delivering essential services and critical functions when New Zealanders need them most.
In this role, you’ll work closely with the National Manager EMBC to help shape and deliver MSD’s Emergency Management and Business Continuity capability.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
You are comfortable working in an emergency management and/or business continuity environment and able to work collaboratively across a large organisation.
You’re experienced in providing clear, practical advice and enjoy working in a busy complex environment.
Your work will include:
• Managing and maintaining MSD’s Emergency Management and Business Continuity frameworks, plans, policies, standards and guidelines.
• Providing trusted specialist advice and guidance across the Ministry to ensure strong emergency management arrangements are in place and business continuity plans support the delivery of essential services during disruption.
• Supporting effective emergency management and business continuity practices that strengthen readiness, response, recovery and continuity.
• Reviewing practice standards, developing new approaches, and recommending improvements.
While you’ll primarily focus on one functional area, either Emergency Management or Business Continuity, this is a flexible role. You’ll also support both disciplines as operational needs, risks and events arise, helping ensure MSD has a coordinated, scalable and integrated response capability.
We’re also looking for people who have the following attributes:
• Strong relationship management skills
• Collaborative working style
• Good communication skills (verbal and written)
• Comfortable working in a complex, fast paced environment
What’s in it for you | Nōu te rourou
You’ll be part of a supportive, purpose-led organisation that values diversity and inclusion. At MSD, you’ll have opportunities to grow your capability, work alongside committed professionals, and make a genuine difference for communities across Aotearoa.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $103,815.00 - $125,958.00
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Closing date: 10 May 2026
Joining us | Ko te hono mai
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.
