Senior Policy Advisor

Clutha NZ; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Clutha District Council is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor who enjoys shaping policy and influencing community outcomes. You will contribute to long-term planning, develop and review council policies, and advise on bylaws to support good governance.

You will undertake research and analysis to inform decisions, collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders, and help the council meet statutory obligations under relevant acts while advancing community growth and services.

Qualifications

• Experience in strategy, policy, planning, public sector or local government, or related work.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written communication and report-writing skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality outcomes both individually and as a member of a team.
• Confidence building relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, law, economics, planning, business, political science, science or other critical thinking discipline.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to and advise on strategic planning projects, including the Long-Term Plan, Annual Plan, community plans, and other corporate planning initiatives.
• Develop, review, and implement Council policies, strategies, and bylaws that support good governance and strong community outcomes.
• Support Council to meet its statutory obligations under the Local Government Act 2002 and advising on Government reforms.
• Undertake high-quality research, analysis, and reporting to inform decision‑making.
• Work collaboratively across Council and with external stakeholders to deliver projects and achieve positive outcomes for our communities.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Written communication

Stakeholder management

Prioritisation

Education

Public policy / law / economics / planning / business / political science / science

Job description

Do you enjoy solving complex problems, influencing strategic decisions, and creating policies that have a lasting impact on communities?

We're looking for a Senior Policy Advisor who is curious, analytical, and passionate about helping shape the future of the Clutha District. This is your opportunity to work on meaningful projects that influence how Council plans for growth, delivers services, and responds to the needs of our communities.

In this role you will :

• Contribute to and advise on strategic planning projects, including the Long-Term Plan, Annual Plan, community plans, and other corporate planning initiatives.
• Develop, review, and implement Council policies, strategies, and bylaws that support good governance and strong community outcomes.
• Support Council to meet its statutory obligations under the Local Government Act 2002 and advising on Government reforms.
• Undertake high-quality research, analysis, and reporting to inform decision‑making.
• Work collaboratively across Council and with external stakeholders to deliver projects and achieve positive outcomes for our communities.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience in strategy, policy, planning, public sector or local government, or related work.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written communication and report‑writing skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality outcomes both individually and as a member of a team.
• Confidence building relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, law, economics, planning, business, political science, science or other critical thinking discipline.
• While this is advertised as a senior role we encourage applications from candidates with a range of experience. The salary range advertised reflects the requirements of the senior role, however, appointment and remuneration will be based on the skills, experience and capability of the successful candidate.

Why join us?
At Clutha District Council, the work you do matters. You'll be part of a supportive, collaborative team where your ideas are valued, and your work contributes directly to the future of our district.