Strategic Policy Advisor

About Waipā District Council

Waipā District, situated in New Zealand's Waikato region, is known for its rich cultural heritage, thriving rural communities, and rapid growth. The district prides itself on being the "Home of Champions" and boasts a flourishing economy. Waipā District Council is dedicated to making informed, sustainable decisions that support current and future community needs.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Manager Strategy, the Strategic Policy Advisor will play a vital role in directing the future of Waipā. Based primarily in the Cambridge office, with regular collaboration at the Te Awamutu office, this position involves engaging in strategic projects, policy formulation, research, and community consultation. The role requires synthesizing complex information and various viewpoints to deliver clear, evidence-based advice to decision-makers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate significant strategic projects such as the Long Term Plan, Annual Plans, policies, bylaws, and their periodic reviews.
• Provide insightful policy analysis and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, executives, and elected representatives.
• Identify emerging strategic issues and opportunities, formulating appropriate Council responses.
• Conduct thorough research and analysis that underpin data-driven decision making.
• Manage cross-departmental project teams overseeing scope, budgets, risk management, deadlines, and outcomes.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, submissions, and advice documents for Council and its committees.
• Oversee consultation and community stakeholder engagement in partnership with the Communications and Engagement team.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders while addressing complex or sensitive matters.

Candidate Profile

• Possesses 3 to 5 years of experience in strategic management, policy development, project management, or related fields.
• Holds a relevant tertiary-level qualification.
• Demonstrates strong skills in research, policy analysis, report writing, and project coordination.
• Experienced in formulating policy and offering strategic guidance, preferably within local government or similarly complex settings.
• Has a good understanding of the Local Government Act 2002 alongside other legislative frameworks.
• Exhibits excellent engagement, consultation, negotiation, and facilitation capabilities.
• Communicates complex content clearly for diverse audiences.
• Organised with the ability to balance multiple priorities, manage risks, and meet deadlines.
• Displays political awareness, sound judgement, and maturity in handling intricate or sensitive issues.
• Adopts a collaborative, proactive, and solution-oriented mindset.

Experience in local government and postgraduate qualifications in relevant disciplines are considered advantageous.

Benefits

• Meaningful work impacting Waipā’s future and its communities.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional growth and development.
• Health and life insurance coverage.
• Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Employee discounts applicable locally.
• Convenient office locations in Cambridge and Te Awamutu.
• A collaborative and supportive team culture.