Senior Advisor, Strategic Crisis Management

Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in Wellington is recruiting a Senior Advisor for Strategic Crisis Management. The role centres on critical analysis, risk identification, and advising senior officials to strengthen the government's crisis preparation and response capabilities.

You will work across agencies within the ODESC framework, lead analytical efforts during activations, and support governance processes while contributing to national resilience and policy development.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to think critically and strategically to identify emerging risks and inform senior decision-makers.
• Experience in strategic advisory, policy, or operational roles within the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Provide thought leadership and analytical advice during crisis activations to coordinate agency responses.
• Contribute to the 24/7 duty roster by delivering timely advice and coordination support.
• Design and deliver national Exercise Programme activities to strengthen crisis preparedness.
• Build and maintain cross-government relationships with agencies, local government, and international partners.
• Produce high-quality, concise reports, briefings, and responses for Ministers and senior officials.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Critical analysis

Policy experience

Cross-government collaboration

Clear communication

Te Tiriti o Waitangi understanding

Handling sensitive information

Job description

Senior Advisor, Strategic Crisis Management

Senior Advisor, Strategic Crisis Management
Wellington-based | Permanent, Full-time role

About The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet | Te Tari o te Pirimia me te Rūnanga Kāwanatanga

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) supports the government of the day by leading, advising, stewarding, and delivering activities across the public sector, and by providing dedicated advice and support to the Governor-General, Prime Minister, and portfolio Ministers.

About the Role

Are you a deep thinker with a passion for solving complex problems? Do you thrive on analysing critical issues and providing well-reasoned advice?

As a Senior Advisor in DPMC's Strategic Crisis Management Directorate (SCMD), you’ll play a pivotal role in strengthening New Zealand’s ability to prepare for, manage, and respond to significant crisis events.

This role requires someone who can think critically and strategically, identify emerging risks, and provide insightful, evidence-based advice to senior officials and decision-makers. You’ll work collaboratively across government agencies, applying your analytical capabilities to ensure New Zealand is prepared for and resilient to a wide range of hazards, threats, and risks.

The Strategic Crisis Management Directorate (SCMD) leads, coordinates, and supports the all-of-government Officials' Committee for Domestic and External Security Coordination (ODESC) system of strategic crisis management. This system is designed to support central government in identifying and addressing emerging risks and responding effectively to crisis events.

Key functions of the role include:

• Providing thought leadership and critical analysis during ODESC system activations, ensuring agencies are coordinated to deliver a collective response to crisis events.
• Participating in the SCMD rotating 24/7 duty roster, offering timely, well-reasoned advice and coordination support as required.
• Designing and delivering National Exercise Programme exercises to strengthen preparedness for strategic crisis events, while working with agencies to enhance their readiness.
• Driving cross-government initiatives by building, maintaining, and leveraging strong relationships with government agencies, local government, the academic community, and international partners.
• Delivering high-quality, analytical advice through clear, concise reports, briefings, and responses for senior officials, chief executives, and Ministers. This includes handling correspondence, OIA requests, and Parliamentary Questions.

About You - Mōu Anō

We are looking for a candidate who brings a combination of deep thinking, critical analysis, and strategic insight. To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate:

• A proven ability to think critically and strategically, identifying emerging risks and developing clear, well-informed advice to support decision-making.
• Comfortable with the need to quickly understand and work across a diverse range of topics.
• Experience in a strategic advisory, policy, or operational role within the New Zealand public sector.
• An understanding of national security, hazard risk, strategic crisis management, emergency management, or related areas.
• Strong analytical capabilities, with the ability to synthesise complex information and provide actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to express ideas clearly and deliver compelling messages tailored to diverse audiences.
• A demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Familiarity with the protocols and processes required when working with highly classified information.
• Strong relationship-building skills and, ideally, an established network across government agencies within the ODESC system.
• Knowledge of the machinery of government and experience supporting governance boards, including preparing papers, taking minutes, and working with multiple stakeholders.

At DPMC, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. A workforce that reflects the communities we serve helps us deliver better outcomes for both government and the people of New Zealand.

Security Requirements | Ngā Whakaritenga Haumarutanga

To be eligible for this role, you must be a New Zealand citizen or hold a Resident class visa. Alternatively, you must have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia with a 15-year checkable background.

Why Join Us? | Nā te aha i Tūhono Mai Ai Ki a Mātou?

Working at DPMC means being at the heart of some of the most significant and impactful work in Aotearoa New Zealand. This role offers a unique opportunity to apply your critical thinking and analytical skills to help safeguard the security and well-being of New Zealanders. You’ll work alongside smart, motivated colleagues in an environment that values collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

We are committed to supporting your professional development and providing opportunities to grow your expertise in strategic crisis management.

Reference # 2363

Location(s) Wellington

Closes on 29 Oct 2026 20:00