Strategic Planning Advisor

Waikato Regional Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency in Hamilton is seeking a Strategic Planning Advisor to enhance emergency management. This role involves developing strategies, monitoring objectives, and engaging with stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have experience in strategic planning, a relevant qualification, and strong analytical skills. Join us for an opportunity to impact resilience and public safety in the Waikato region.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in strategic planning, policy development, or emergency management.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-agency environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and report on progress toward strategic objectives.
• Commission or undertake research to inform planning.
• Identify and analyze developments impacting emergency management.
• Review and update strategies, policies, and plans.
• Implement assurance activities for CDEM services.

Skills

Strategic planning

Policy development

Research

Emergency management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in emergency management, public policy, or related field

Job description

Help shape the future of emergency management in the Waikato region.

We’re looking for a strategic thinker with a passion for resilience and public safety to join our team as a Strategic Planning Advisor. This is a key role within the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency

Management (CDEM) Group, focused on identifying long-term risks, opportunities, and trends — and helping decision-makers act on them before emergencies occur.

You’ll have a key role in delivering strategic planning activities, providing high-quality advice, and ensuring our strategies, policies, and plans remain relevant, evidence-based, and future-focused.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

• Monitoring and reporting on progress toward strategic objectives.
• Commissioning or undertaking research and legal analysis to inform planning.
• Identifying and analysing national and international developments that impact emergency management.
• Ensuring strategies, policies, and plans are regularly reviewed and updated.
• Developing, overseeing, and implementing assurance activities to assess the quality and effectiveness of CDEM services across the region.

Mō ngā pūkenga | Qualifications and experience

• Relevant experience in strategic planning, policy development, assurance, research, or emergency management.
• A tertiary qualification in emergency management, public policy, planning, or a related field.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively in a multi-agency environment.
• A calm, solutions-focused approach under pressure.

Reporting and Location

This role reports to the Group Manager, Emergency Management and is based at the Group Emergency Management Office, in Hamilton.

Mō mātou | About us

The Waikato CDEM Group is a collaborative partnership of 11 local authorities, emergency services, lifeline utilities, welfare organisations, government departments, and NGOs. The Group Emergency Management Office coordinates and supports the Group’s activities across Waikato CDEM Group area. Staff in the Group Emergency Management Office are employed by Waikato Regional Council.

Mō te tuku tono | How to apply

• Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and this role will close on Wednesday 29 October 2025
• For a copy of the role description, please click here.
• If you have any questions about the role, please contact [e-mail]
• Please click ‘apply’ and include your CV & cover letter as a pdf.
• If you are looking for a challenge and have a passion for the environment this may be the opportunity you are looking for. Apply today!