Advocacy and Support Advisor

We are looking for someone who listens deeply, builds trust and is prepared to stand alongside people when situations become difficult or complex. You will help members understand their rights, navigate challenging processes and have confidence that their voice is being heard.

About the role

Supported by a highly experienced and committed team leader, you will work directly with volunteer fire brigade personnel across Aotearoa, providing independent support, guidance and advocacy through complaints, disputes and other complex situations.

At the heart of the role is people. You will listen, understand what matters, help individuals explore their options and support them to make informed decisions about the way forward.

No two days will be the same. Your work will include:

• Building trusted relationships with Volunteer Fire Brigade members throughout New Zealand.
• Advocating for people and helping ensure their perspectives are understood and their voices heard.
• Supporting members through complex complaints, disputes and resolution processes from beginning to end.
• Helping people understand their rights, entitlements and options, including principles of natural justice and fair process.
• Providing practical advice, tools and resources that empower people to navigate challenging situations.
• Attending meetings, interviews, case conferences and mediations to provide support and advocacy.
• Identifying recurring issues and opportunities where stronger advocacy could improve the experience of volunteers.

You will also keep informed about relevant legislation, policies and services, while developing constructive relationships with key stakeholders across the fire and emergency sector.

About you

You may already work in advocacy, employment or employee relations, membership support, complaints resolution or another people-focused environment. More important than your job title is your ability to connect with people and your commitment to helping others achieve fair and constructive outcomes.

You will bring:

• A genuine commitment to advocacy and supporting people.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to establish trust with people from all walks of life.
• The confidence to advocate constructively while maintaining objectivity and professional judgement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to navigate difficult conversations and prepare clear, factual documentation.
• Strong practical problem-solving skills and the ability to work through complex situations.
• Resilience and emotional maturity, particularly when supporting people experiencing challenging circumstances.
• Sound judgement when dealing with sensitive and confidential information.
• Cultural awareness and respect for different backgrounds, communities and life experiences.
• The ability to work independently while being an active and positive member of a supportive team.

You will need the flexibility to occasionally attend meetings outside normal working hours and travel approximately 1-2 times each month.

Why join UFBA?

This is more than a support role. It is an opportunity to stand alongside the people who serve and protect communities across New Zealand and help ensure they have a strong voice when they need it most.

In return for your expertise, you can expect:

• Four weeks’ annual leave, plus an extra day off for your birthday.
• Flexible working between home and our Tawa-based offices.
• Easy onsite parking.
• A supportive and empowering team environment.
• The opportunity to build relationships with firefighters and fire service volunteers throughout Aotearoa.
• Work where you can see the difference your advocacy makes.

Ready to make a difference?

If you are committed to people, fairness and ensuring firefighters and fire service volunteers have a strong voice, we would love to hear from you.

Please click Apply Now to submit your application.

For further information or a copy of the position description, please contact John Keith at john.keith@talentinternational.com or Katie Kemp at katie.kemp@talentinternational.

Applications close Friday, 16th October 2026.