Governance & Democracy Advisor

Waikato Regional Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Waikato Regional Council seeks an experienced governance advisor to provide trusted governance and legislative advice to elected members and staff, supporting decision-making through high-quality processes.

Join a small, high-performing team committed to transparency, good decision-making and continuous improvement, working with councillors, iwi partners, senior leaders and communities to safeguard Waikato's environment and governance for current and future generations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level qualification or equivalent experience.
• Three to five years' relevant professional experience.
• Experience providing advice, interpreting legislation or managing complex processes.
• Strong written communication and relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide trusted governance and legislative advice to elected members and staff.
• Support Council and committee decision-making through high-quality governance processes.
• Prepare and review agendas, minutes, governance reports and policy documents.
• Coordinate and support statutory and resource management hearings.
• Contribute to electoral processes, governance training and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work closely with councillors, iwi partners, senior leaders and community stakeholders.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to develop trust across a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Highly organised, adaptable and able to manage competing priorities effectively.
• You exercise sound judgement and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive matters.
• You have an interest in governance, democratic processes and public sector decision-making.

Skills

Written communication

Relationship management

Education

Bachelor-level qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Waikato Regional Council seeks an experienced governance advisor to provide trusted governance and legislative advice to elected members and staff, supporting decision-making through high-quality processes.

Join a small, high-performing team committed to transparency, good decision-making and continuous improvement, working with councillors, iwi partners, senior leaders and communities to safeguard Waikato's environment and governance for current and future generations.