Governance Specialist

Taituarā; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Invercargill is seeking a Governance Specialist to ensure lawful and effective operation of the Council. The role involves providing technical support for meetings and advising elected members on legislative compliance. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and relevant experience in local government. This position offers a flexible working environment and opportunities for career progression and employee well-being initiatives.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Career progression opportunities

Employee health and well-being initiatives

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Public Policy or a similar field.
• Experience advising and supporting local government.
• Understanding of Local Government Act 2002 and LGOIMA.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to Council and Committee meetings.
• Advise elected members on legislative compliance.
• Manage LGOIMA requests and ensure compliance.

Skills

Political risk anticipation

Understanding of local government legislation

Professional communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy or related field

Job description

If you're passionate about good governance, integrity, and supporting sound local government decisions, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

Invercargill City Council invites you to become a driving force in our future-focused team. With a vibrant atmosphere and an unwavering commitment to our values - positivity, respect, responsibility, and above and beyond - we are passionate about creating a team full of outstanding individuals who are as passionate about shaping the future as we are.

Our friendly Governance and Legal Team is seeking a Governance Specialist. In this role you will play a key role in ensuring Council operates lawfully, transparently, ethically, and effectively.

Key responsibilities for this role include:

• Provide technical support to Council and Committee meetings on Standing Orders and other Governance procedures and protocols.
• Provide advice to elected members in a timely, accurate, and professional way to ensure legislative compliance and enhance the reputation of staff.
• Provide strategic support in preparing Mayoral and Elected Member briefings and ensuring that requests and enquiries are addressed accurately and within expected timeframes.
• Manage the delivery of LGOIMA requests ensuring documents are located, timeframes are met and responses are sent to ensure compliance with the legislation.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of all policies and templates associated with official information requests.
• Assist with the collation, gathering and assessing of material completing any redactions, and application and explanation of grounds to withhold.

What you will bring:

• Tertiary qualification to at least Bachelor level a relevant field such as Public Policy or similar
• Previous experience in a similar role, advising and supporting Council, Committees, Community Boards ideally in the local government sector.
• Ability to anticipate political risk through reading reports and know when to alert the management to a potential issue.
• A robust understanding of the local government Act 2002, Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) and Standing Orders.

What we offer:

• Flexible working environment
• Career progression and training/development opportunities
• Positive focus of employee health and well-being:Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc

Waihōpai Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the heart and hub of Southland. We're known for our lush green spaces, like award-winning Queens Park, our long summer daylight hours and amazing kai/kai moana. Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere. There are outstanding nature reserves, Ōreti Beach and the Waihōpai River to explore plus our lively restaurants complemented by a thriving entertainment and arts scene which are hard to beat! The sensible gridded layout featuring wide streets ensures a convenient 10-minute drive to work. Who wouldn't want to call this place home?

To learn more, view the full position description or contact Invercargill City Council on [phone]. Please note: applications submitted via SEEK will not be received. Apply online onJobs - Invercargill City Council .

Applications close 18 January 2026. Please note applications will be processed as they are received and we encourage you to apply early as this advert may be removed at any time.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be considered, preference will be given to candidates currently residing in New Zealand.