Strategic Policy Advisor

Waikato District Councils; Cambridge; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and life insurance

Flexible working arrangements

Local staff discounts

Offices in Cambridge and Te Awamutu

Collaborative and supportive team

Job summary

Waipā District Council is seeking a Strategic Policy Advisor to shape the district's future. The role is based in Cambridge with regular collaboration across the Te Awamutu office and involves leading strategic projects, policy development and community engagement.

The successful candidate will bring 3–5 years of strategic management experience, strong research and policy skills, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly to varied audiences.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years' experience in strategic management, policy development or project management.
• Strong research and analysis skills with ability to produce clear, evidence-based advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse stakeholders.
• Experience developing policy and providing strategic advice, ideally in local government.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate strategic projects including long-term planning and policy reviews.
• Provide strategic policy analysis and advice to senior leaders, the Executive team and elected members.
• Identify strategic issues and develop recommendations for Council's response.
• Undertake research and analysis to support evidence-based decision making.
• Lead cross-functional project teams and manage scope, budgets, risks, timelines and delivery.
• Prepare high-quality reports, submissions and governance-facing advice.
• Lead consultation and community engagement with Communications and Engagement teams.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders and navigate contentious issues.

Job description

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Rich in heritage and proudly known as the Home of Champions, Waipā District is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts. With thriving towns, strong rural communities, significant cultural heritage and a growing economy, Waipā is a great place to live, work and invest.

At Waipā District Council, we're focused on making smart, sustainable decisions that support our communities today while planning for the future. As our district grows and the local government environment evolves, we're looking for a Strategic Policy Advisor to help shape the decisions that will influence Waipā for years to come.

Reporting to the Manager Strategy, the Strategic Policy Advisor will contribute to shaping the future direction of Waipā and supporting the delivery of Council's vision. This role is based in our Cambridge office, with regular work and collaboration across our Te Awamutu office as well.

You'll work across the organisation on strategic projects, policy development, research and community engagement. You'll bring together complex information and diverse perspectives to provide clear, evidence-based advice and practical recommendations to decision-makers.

The team covers a range of functions, including long term and annual planning, spatial planning, policy and bylaw reviews, and monitoring and implementing legislative changes. Consistent with organisational priorities, you'll have the opportunity to work across these functions in both leading and supporting roles.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and coordinating strategic projects, including the Long Term Plan, Annual Plans, strategies, bylaws and policy reviews.
• Providing strategic policy analysis and advice to senior leaders, the Executive team and elected members.
• Identifying strategic issues and opportunities and developing recommendations for Council's response.
• Undertaking research and analysis to support evidence-based decision making.
• Leading cross-functional project teams and managing scope, budgets, risks, timelines and delivery.
• Preparing high-quality reports, submissions and advice for Council, committees and governance groups.
• Leading consultation and community engagement, working alongside the Communications and Engagement team.
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and navigating complex or potentially contentious issues.

Ko wai koe | About you

You're a strategic thinker and confident communicator who enjoys working through complex issues, bringing people together and turning information into practical advice.

You'll bring:

• 3–5 years' experience in strategic management, policy development, project management or a related field.
• Strong research, analysis, report writing and project management skills.
• Experience developing policy and providing strategic advice, ideally within local government or another complex environment.
• A sound understanding of the Local Government Act 2002 and broader legislative requirements.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, consultation, negotiation and facilitation skills.
• The ability to communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities, risks and deadlines.
• Political awareness, sound judgement and the ability to navigate complex issues with maturity and fairness.
• A collaborative, proactive and solutions-focused approach.

Local government experience would be highly desirable, as would a postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline.

This is an opportunity to work on projects that genuinely influence the future of Waipā and make a meaningful difference to our communities.

• Health and life insurance.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Local staff discounts.
• Offices in both Cambridge and Te Awamutu.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Meaningful work that directly contributes to the future of our communities.

Applications close: Tuesday, 1 September at 10:00pm.

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