Programme Leader - GeoNet and DART

New Zealand Institute for Earth Science Limited; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 152,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave entitlements

Employee benefits

Job summary

Earth Sciences New Zealand is seeking an outstanding Programme Leader to head the GeoNet and DART programmes, guiding them to deliver critical data and insights for emergency management, research, and community resilience across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific.

The role requires leading large, multi-stakeholder programmes, influencing senior decision-makers and delivering outcomes through collaboration, with a focus on strategic leadership, governance, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the GeoNet and DART programmes and deliver their strategic and contractual outcomes.
• Develop long-term programme strategies and investment plans with stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with funders, government agencies, iwi, research organisations and international partners.
• Secure and sustain investment through compelling funding proposals and business cases.

Job description

At Earth Sciences New Zealand, we're bringing together exceptional science, technology and people to address the environmental, climate and natural hazard challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand. As a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation, we're committed to delivering science that creates meaningful impact for communities, industry and the environment, while partnering with Māori, supporting Pacific resilience, and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.

We are seeking an outstanding Programme Leader to lead the GeoNet and the Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunami (DART) programmes.

The role

This is a rare opportunity to lead two nationally significant programmes at the heart of New Zealand's natural hazard monitoring and response capability. GeoNet and DART provide critical data and insights that support emergency management, government decision-making, scientific research, and community resilience across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific. When earthquakes, volcanic unrest, or tsunami threats occur, these programmes help keep communities informed and safe. Leading through influence rather than hierarchy, you will bring together scientists, engineers, operational specialists, funders, and government agencies to deliver outcomes that matter. Managing substantial programme budgets, you will provide strategic leadership across GeoNet and DART, ensuring they continue to evolve, innovate, and deliver value in a changing environment.

What you'll be responsible for

• Leading the GeoNet and DART programmes and delivering their strategic and contractual outcomes.
• Working with stakeholders to develop long-term programme strategies and investment plans.
• Building strong relationships with funders, government agencies, iwi, research organisations and international partners.
• Securing and sustaining investment through compelling funding proposals and business cases.
• Managing programme governance, risk and financial performance.
• Bringing together diverse capabilities from across Earth Sciences New Zealand to deliver nationally important outcomes.

About you

We are seeking an experienced programme leader who thrives in complex environments and can bring people together around a shared purpose. You will have a proven track record of leading large, multi-stakeholder programmes, influencing senior decision-makers, and delivering results through collaboration. Experience in science, infrastructure, technology, emergency management, environmental management, or similar sectors would be advantageous, but exceptional programme leadership, strategic thinking, and relationship management are what matter most.

Why this role?

Few programme leadership roles offer this combination of purpose, complexity, and impact. You will help shape nationally significant services and lead programmes that make a real difference to the safety and resilience of New Zealanders.

What we offer

• Varied, challenging and meaningful work with talented colleagues in an organisation dedicated to earth science.
• A high-performing organisation with a focus on employee development and wellbeing
• Generous leave entitlements and employee benefits
• A permanent, full-time position (38 hours per week).
• Based at our Avalon campus in Lower Hutt.
• A salary range of $152,000 to $169,000, depending on the successful candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications.

View the full position description for this role here - https://www.gns.cri.nz/careers/.

Applications close on Wednesday, 23 September 2026

Earth Sciences New Zealand is Aotearoa New Zealand's earth and energy science organisation. Our science supports resilient communities living in sustainable environments. We help New Zealanders understand and address climate change, find and use greener energy and better manage the impacts of natural disasters on their homes and communities. Our people make extraordinary contributions to New Zealand communities. They connect and contribute across the science system in New Zealand and around the world. We aspire to be the employer of choice in the Earth sciences sector. We achieve this by fostering a positive, collaborative culture, delivering high quality, respected science, investing in our people and providing a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace. Find out more: ESNZ - Careers ESNZ - Website ESNZ - LinkedIn