Senior Adaptation Advisor

Role Overview

Selwyn District Council is establishing a robust climate adaptation strategy and requires a Senior Adaptation Advisor to lead this critical work within the Strategic Policy and Insights team. Collaborating extensively with strategic planning, environmental, asset management, emergency management, and water engineering units, the advisor will oversee climate risk evaluation, adaptation planning for vulnerable communities, and the integration of policy and strategic frameworks supporting these efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the Council's climate response and adaptation initiatives, ensuring alignment with overarching strategic priorities.
• Conduct and update comprehensive climate risk assessments for District assets, services, and communities.
• Lead adaptive pathway planning and community-based adaptation strategies for locations vulnerable to climatic hazards.
• Deliver evidence-informed, expert recommendations on adaptation trade-offs, costs, and timing to governance, leadership, and the public.
• Forge and sustain strong partnerships with mana whenua to incorporate their values and mātauranga Māori into adaptation actions.
• Organize and facilitate workshops and community engagement sessions concerning climate-related risks.
• Manage external expert consultants and represent the Council in regional and national forums focused on adaptation.

Candidate Profile

• Proven expertise in climate change adaptation, natural hazards, resource management, or public policy with a successful record managing complex projects.
• In-depth knowledge of climate science, climate risk, and related government policy frameworks at central and local levels.
• Familiarity with adaptive planning tools including adaptive pathways and trade-off analyses.
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences including leaders and the community.
• Experience fostering stakeholder relationships and handling sensitive, contested topics.
• Comfortable working independently with strong decision-making and prioritization skills.
• Motivated to continuously expand expertise and contribute to policy development and research.

Additional advantageous qualifications include experience in local or central government environments, project management skills, knowledge of te ao Māori and mātauranga Māori, and aptitude for working with spatial and hazard data.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Life insurance coverage
• Flexible working arrangements promoting work-life balance
• Career coaching and professional development opportunities
• Well-being and volunteer leave provisions
• Three extra paid leave days annually
• Two weeks paid Partners Leave
• Sick leave available from the first day
• Continued KiwiSaver contributions during suspension of savings
• Discounts with local and national businesses

About Selwyn District Council

Selwyn is New Zealand's fastest-growing district known for its excellent quality of life, vibrant communities, and a flourishing economy. The Council is dedicated to providing high-quality services and infrastructure to support sustainable growth and thriving communities. Based in Rolleston, just 25 km from Christchurch, the area offers an exceptional family lifestyle with easy access to outdoor activities in Canterbury's scenic landscapes.

Core Values

• Be a good human
• Be brave - think differently
• Better together - make it happen for Selwyn

As a Treaty partner, the Council respects Te Tiriti o Waitangi and strives to meet its obligations with commitment and respect.