Senior Advisor, Pacific Posting Tonga

Department of Internal Affairs; Wellington; On-site; NZD 129,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation costs

School fees for dependent children

Accommodation in host country

Health Insurance

Job summary

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) seeks a Senior Advisor, Pacific Posting (Tonga) to support emergency management capability in Tonga for a two-year posting in Nuku’alofa. You will mentor staff, deliver outputs per the NDRMO work program, and assist NEOC during activations, with dual reporting to the Tonga NDRMO director and NEMA IET.

The role requires a tertiary qualification in emergency management or equivalent, strong stakeholder engagement, and experience in the Pacific and

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification or equivalent in emergency management or related discipline.
• Experience engaging with stakeholders and building relationships.
• Familiarity with Pacific contexts and development programmes.

Responsibilities

• Support emergency management capability development with a focus on planning and leadership.
• Deliver outputs aligned with the NDRMO work program and directives.
• Mentor staff and provide technical advice across teams.
• Support NEOC operations during activation periods.

Skills

Engagement experience

Relationship building

Pacific experience

Donor programmes knowledge

Emergency management systems

Education

Tertiary qualification in emergency management

Equivalent body of knowledge

Job description

Senior Advisor, Pacific Posting (Tonga) [Emergency Management]

Type: Fixed term/Secondment (27 months)

Location: Nuku’alofa

Applications close: 5pm 4th October 2026

The International Engagement Team / Whakawhitiwhiti Ao Whānui (IET), is responsible for coordinating NEMA’s international relationships and engagements; promoting international cooperation and coordination; enhancing disaster readiness and response; and tracking and reporting on NEMA’s international activities.

This is a long-term posting position starting at two years in country (plus some extra time with IET) with the potential to extend to a third year. You will have a dual reporting line – one to the Director, Tonga National Disaster Risk Management Office, and the other to the NEMA IET Team Leader.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

We are pleased to announce round two of the international posting opportunity in the Tonga National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO). This is an incredible opportunity for you to work in Nuku’alofa and bring your family along for the duration!!

The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) was originally established under the Emergency Management Act 2007 to coordinate and facilitate emergency management for Tonga’s safety. With the passing of the Disaster Risk Management Act 2021, NEMO’s mandate was expanded and the organisation was formally renamed the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO).

Under the 2021 Act, NDRMO is required to place greater emphasis on strengthening disaster risk reduction efforts across all levels of government and communities. The Act establishes a coherent legal, institutional, and regulatory framework for managing disaster risk before, during, and after emergencies. This includes planning and preparedness activities prior to a disaster, coordinating emergency response during a disaster, and supporting recovery efforts following a disaster.

In this role, you will:

• Support emergency management capability development of staff at the Tonga National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) with a focus on strategic planning, technical emergency management, and support to NDRMO leadership.
• Deliver products and/or outcomes in alignment with the work program agreed by the NDRMO Director.
• Work alongside the NDRMO staff to deliver mentoring, ongoing advice, peer-to-peer support, and technical advice where required.
• Support NDRMO National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) during activation periods.

Read the FAQ's for more information.

Ko wai koe | About you

We are looking for a candidate with the following attributes:

• Flexibility of approach/thinking, able to adapt in constantly changing circumstances.
• Political savvy and able to sense when and how to adjust to the stakeholder and their needs / perspectives.
• Has a high level of resilience and is comfortable living and operating in a developing country setting.
• Strong communication skills.

Huanga Whaiaro | Key requirements

• A tertiary qualification or equivalent in emergency management or related discipline OR an equivalent body of knowledge and experience.
• Strong experience in engagement, building, and maintaining effective relationships.
• Previous experience working in the Pacific.
• Capacity and capability development and information sharing in a multi-cultural environment and working within the context of government-to-government partnerships.
• Experience working in an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and operational decision-making.
• Knowledge of the development and implementation of emergency management systems, processes, planning, preferably in the Pacific or in other developing countries.
• Knowledge of international development programmes and donor agencies operating in the Pacific is desirable.

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 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.

Ta matou e tuku | What we offer

The indicative BASE salary range for this role is $129,339 - $152,164.

• Reasonable relocation costs for you and your family
• School fees for dependent children to attend primary or secondary school
• Accommodation in host country (some expenses self-funded)
• Health Insurance

Whakaritenga Haumaru | Security Requirements

Due to the security requirements of this role, applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident, and you must satisfactorily complete pre-employment checks which will include, but are not limited to, criminal and credit checks.

You must be willing and able to obtain a medical clearance inclusive of vaccines. Any dependants will be required to obtain a medical clearance as well.

For more details on what we will pay for and information on allowances, please review the NEMA International Posting policy. Also check out the FAQs for commonly asked questions. If you have any questions, please contact us at [e-mail]