Senior Climate & Sustainability Advisor

Auckland Council; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Auckland Council seeks a Senior Climate & Sustainability Advisor for a fixed-term parental leave cover. Based in Auckland, you will provide expert guidance on climate adaptation and resilience, lead resilience projects, and influence cross‑agency decisions.

You will build trusted relationships with internal teams and external partners while communicating sustainability outcomes across audiences. The role requires strategic thinking, strong collaboration, and a passion for driving positive change

Qualifications

• Detailed knowledge and understanding of climate change and sustainability strategies, policies, and practices.
• Experience writing technical reports understandable to diverse audiences and delivering projects.
• Proven ability to develop and manage relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Broad understanding of local government’s role in climate change.
• Proven ability to work closely in multi-disciplinary, cross-sector partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice and strategic direction on climate and sustainability, focusing on adaptation and resilience.
• Lead climate resilience projects: risk assessments, adaptation planning, and ongoing evaluation.
• Build strong internal and external collaborative relationships and influence decisions.
• Effectively communicate sustainability outcomes to diverse audiences.
• Identify emerging best practices and trends to inform opportunities.

Skills

Climate change expertise

Stakeholder management

Policy analysis

Communication skills

Job description

Senior Climate & Sustainability Advisor

Company : Auckland Council

Job Type : Full Time

Build meaningful community connections and create lasting impact

• Build meaningful community connections and create lasting impact
• Work at the heart of Auckland in the iconic Central City Library
• Use your library expertise to help shape community-led programmes

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) is Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s cultural, events and destination agency. It is an Auckland Council-controlled organisation that works to make Auckland a vibrant place to live and visit, through events, experiences and taonga (treasures).

The Senior Climate Change and Sustainability advisor is a12-month fixed term parental leave cover role.

Ngā kawenga matua: Key responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice and strategic direction as a trusted advisor on climate and sustainability issues, with a particular focus on climate adaptation and resilience.
• Lead climate resilience projects, including climate change risk assessments, adaptation planning, and on-going measurement, evaluation and learning of adaptation programmes.
• Build strong internal and external collaborative relationships and influence decision‑making around climate and sustainability initiatives.
• Effectively communicate to internal and external audiences to promote sustainability and resilience outcomes.
• Proactively identify issues and opportunities associated with emerging national and international best practice and trends.

To view the full position description for this opportunity, please click here

He kōrero mōu: About you

To be successful in this role, you will thrive on building connections and engaging around sustainability. You will use your technical knowledge and expertise in climate change to build trust and support in delivering positive outcomes for the organisation and will directly influence strategy development and decision making. A strategic thinker, you will have a passion for driving positive change, building resilience and inspiring others.

We will be looking for specific competencies and experience, including:

• Detailed knowledge and understanding of climate change and sustainability strategies, policies, and practices
• Experience writing technical reports that can be understood by a range of audiences and a track record of successfully developing and delivering projects.
• Proven ability to develop and manage relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Broad understanding of local government’s role in climate change
• Proven ability to work closely in teams, particularly in the context of a multi-disciplinary, cross-sector partnership environment

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

With working for TAU, as part of the wider Auckland Council Group, you'll gain access to many benefits and discounts, including discounted financial services and insurance, entertainment, lifestyle discounts and more.

In addition, you’ll be joining a team of dedicated and respected experts working collaboratively across the region to contribute to Auckland’s growth and development. We are committed to diversity and have a culture built on trust and valuing individual and collective contributions.

Band: H

Applications close: Wednesday 11th November 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role and choose to progress the role with a particular applicant. If this role is of interest to you, we strongly encourage early submission.

TātakiAuckland Unlimited is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.