Community Liaison Advisor - Ō2NL Project

Downer; Wellington; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure service provider is seeking a Community Liaison Advisor in Wellington, NZ. This role involves supporting community engagement for the Ōtaki to North of Levin project. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, experience in stakeholder engagement, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Competitive perks include health care benefits, tools for trade, and a positive working environment.

Benefits

Free access to health care benefits

Discounted holiday homes

Gym memberships

$500 referral bonus

Development programs for top performers

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in communications, community engagement, or events.
• Full Drivers Licence.
• Confident verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in stakeholder mapping and engagement planning.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Communications Lead for community-focused engagement.
• Build relationships with residents and community stakeholders.
• Coordinate messages across teams for timely communication.
• Maintain accurate records of stakeholder interactions.

Skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Time management

Conflict resolution

Negotiation

Education

Tertiary qualification in Communications or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Design tools (InDesign, Photoshop)

Job description

At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.

Are you a passionate communicator with a knack for building strong relationships and delivering high-quality support? We're looking for a Community Liaison Advisor to join our Infrastructure Delivery team and support the success of the Ōtaki to North of Levin (Ō2NL) project through open, honest, and effective engagement with project partners, stakeholders and local community.

About Ō2NL: The Ōtaki to north of Levin (Ō2NL) highway will dramatically improve safety, resilience and efficiency, as well as increasing transport choices for the area's growing population. The Ō2NL project is led in Partnership with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, local hapū of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga and council partner Horowhenua District Council.

This transformative project is being delivered using a two-alliance approach, with each alliance delivering a section of the road and associated works. Together alliance partners are working to create a positive legacy for the region, led by our project principles to tread lightly with the whenua and create an enduring legacy.

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

As a Community Liaison Advisor, you'll primarily support the South Alliance, whilst working collaboratively across the wider Ō2NL project team to ensure all stakeholders, staff and the general public, are informed, engaged, and supported. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a major infrastructure initiative where your work will have a real and lasting impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Work closely with the Communications Lead, fellow advisors, and subject matter experts to deliver clear, consistent, and community-focused engagement across the project.
• Build strong relationships with nearby residents and wider community by sharing updates, listening to concerns, and leading local meetings.
• Coordinate with Construction, Property, and Consenting teams to ensure the right messages reach the right people at the right time.
• Identify and escalate emerging issues early and help plan effective responses.
• Maintain accurate records of all stakeholder interactions using Consultation Manager.
• Support the wider communications team during periods of high demand, demonstrating flexibility and teamwork.

This full-time, fixed-term contract is for two years, with the possibility of extension. This is an Ōtaki based role, with a temporary location of Levin whilst our permanent office is under construction.

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

We're seeking a confident, people-focused communicator who enjoys working with a diverse range of stakeholders. You'll be agile, with a positive 'can-do' attitude, excellent time and task management skills, and the ability to juggle competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• 2+ years' experience in communications, community engagement, or events
• Full Drivers Licence
• Confident verbal communication, both in conversation and when presenting information
• Experience in infrastructure or construction environments is advantageous
• Tertiary qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Community Development, or a related field (IAP2 Accreditation is a plus)
• Excellent written communication and attention to detail, with the ability to assess & align with the project's tone
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams). Experience with design tools such as InDesign or Photoshop is a bonus
• Skilled in stakeholder mapping, engagement planning, and maintaining accurate records
• Experienced in conflict resolution, negotiation, and reporting on engagement activities
• A strong understanding of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how they apply to your work

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here

Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We offer:

• Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes
• All the tools of trade you need to do your job
• Discounts for Samsung, PB Tech, Gym memberships and more!
• $500 bonus for current employees who refer a friend to Downer
• Progression and development programs on offer including our inspiring leader's programme for top performers

We are committed to a safe working environment for everyone - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment drug test, medical and a Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment. If you need support with this requirement, please talk to our team.