Senior Capability Partner

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Senior Capability Partner, Learning Projects at National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is a fixed term or secondment role based in Wellington, responsible for steering a capability development programme and applying project management principles to continuously improve the System Capability Unit and the Emergency Sector. You’ll monitor planning, provide data and post-implementation analysis, and promote a culture of continuous learning. The ideal candidate holds a tertiary qualification in Adult Education or related field, with project management experience, strategic and analytical skills, and relationship and communication abilities, plus business planning. Flexibility, resilience, independence and collaboration under pressure are prized. Applications close 1 February; NZ citizenship or PR required; view JD and apply via NEMA talent email.

Senior Capability Partner

Type: Fixed Term or Secondment until 30 June 2026

Location: Wellington only

Applications Close: 5pm Sunday 1st February

Come and make your mark, by overseeing and monitoring a programme of work that contributes to continuous improvement of the System Capability Function. 

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

The purpose of the Senior Capability Partner, Learning Projects is to:

• Proactively monitor, advise and support planning and decision making on the work programme across the System Capability Unit in conjunction with the Manager, System Capability and Principal Advisor.
• Plan, execute and monitor a capability development work programme in conjunction with the Principal Advisor, that supports continuous improvement of the Emergency Sector.
• Lead the overall capability project workplan and apply project management methodology across all capability projects.
• Ensure capability projects are well structured with the right processes, systems and resources to be successfully tracked, developed and implemented on time and within budget
• Provide data, analysis, and reporting on the outcomes of all learning projects post implementation and make recommendations on how to address capability gaps.
• Focus on continuous improvement, ensuring the outcomes of reviews and enquiries are addressed as part of a continuous learning culture.

Ko wai koe | About you

Key requirements

• A tertiary qualification in Adult Education or relevant discipline
• Experience and or a qualification in project management
• Understanding of project management methodology and experience implementing the project management principals
• Strategic, conceptual and critical thinking skills and strong analytical ability
• Excellent relationship management skills
• Business planning knowledge and experience
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Highly effective planning and organisational skills

Ideally, you will also:

• Show flexibility and resiliency in constantly changing and ambiguous circumstances
• Be able to work independently with low levels of direct supervision
• Comfortable facilitating a collaborative work environment, with a constant eye on completing the objective and goals of the business unit
• Be a problem solver with the ability to deliver high quality work under pressure

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.

As NEMA is an operational agency, there may be a requirement to respond to emergency activations in the event of a national emergency response.  This may include potentially long hours and challenging working conditions, e.g. an emergency could occur at any time of the day or night and may require working shifts and/or working weekends. NEMA provides thorough training prior to you being required to assist in a response. NEMA will do all in its power to support staff in meeting their work and family responsibilities during an emergency. The welfare and wellbeing of our staff is of utmost importance.

Due to the nature of our role in Emergency Management, NEMA has a very dynamic work environment and as a small agency, staff are often required to pivot and change focus on their work at short notice. Attributes of adaptability, agility, resilience and curiosity are all required on a daily basis, in and out of times of emergency response.

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.

NEMA values staff health, safety and wellbeing, and a positive work life balance is encouraged.

The indicative BASE salary range for this role is $108,018 - $117,951. NEMA offers other benefits such as Department leave, Wellbeing allowance, Vision allowances and more.

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

If you have any questions, contact us at NEMATalent. We do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies or 3rd parties.

To view the full job description please click here.

Applications close 5pm, Sunday 1st February 2026.