Strategic Policy Advisor

Waipa District Council; Cambridge; On-site; 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 team environment

Meaningful work

Job summary

Waipa District Council in Cambridge is seeking a Strategic Policy Advisor to shape the future direction of Waipā. The role works across the organisation on policy development, research and community engagement, with regular collaboration with the Te Awamutu office.

You will lead strategic projects, provide evidence-based advice to elected members and senior leaders, and build strong stakeholder relationships while navigating complex issues with maturity.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in strategic management, policy development or related field.
• Experience developing policy and providing strategic advice.
• Understanding of the Local Government Act 2002 and related requirements.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and facilitation.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate strategic projects including Long Term Plan, Annual Plans, strategies and bylaw 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 advice for Council and governance groups.
• Lead consultation and community engagement with Communications and Engagement teams.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and navigate complex issues.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Policy development

Project management

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

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.