Senior Policy Advisor, Kaitohutohu Matua

We are seeking a high performing Senior Policy Advisor or Senior Planner to join our Environmental Policy Department. You will be based in in the heart of Wellington in our brand new Cuba St office with easy access to many of the fantastic places and opportunities that people love about our capital city.

This is an exciting time to join our high performing team as we are at a crucial stage in our implementation of national policy direction into the Regional Policy Statement and Natural Resources Plan for the Wellington Region. We can only solve the complex natural resource problems that we face with an openness to new ideas and methodologies, intelligence, enthusiasm and a collaborative approach.

• You will play a lead role in developing plan changes to improve environmental health in the Wellington Region

• You will support the Regional Council’s implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management and other key national direction

• You will bring alive our purpose of working with mana whenua, partners and the community for the greater good of the Wellington Region.

About Greater Wellington:

Here at Greater Wellington Regional Council, we're working on the big things that will impact everyone in our region. Ensuring we have uninterrupted access to drinking water, staying safe from the threat of flooding, protecting and enhancing the environment, improving the quality of our fresh water, ensuring we are all connected through our public transport network and planning ahead for the potential impact of climate change across our region. We're people who are genuinely passionate about the work we do, because what we do counts.

We provide a diverse range of benefits including working options that help our staff balance their own lifestyle and needs with their work commitments. We're also all about growing our people through professional development and experience across everything Greater Wellington does.

About the role:

In this challenging senior position you will contribute to:

• the development of the Proposed Natural Resources Plan, including plan changes,  and associated First Schedule processes, incorporating national direction and Whaitua Implementation Programmes

• the implementation of the Regional Policy Statement and the drafting of submissions to central and local government and Plan changes to the RPS and associated First Schedule Process, and

• the operation of whaitua committees.

Skills and experience required:

• a tertiary Planning qualification and/or a minimum of five years’ applied experience in a similar field

• respect for our Māori communities and an understanding of te Ao Māori and tikanga

• skills or an interest in learning te reo Māori

• a proven ability to effectively analyse and report on complex natural resource problems and develop creative solutions

• a solid understanding of the roles of regional councils in resource management and the Resource Management Act

• excellent oral and written communication skills

• strong relationship management skills

• great interpersonal skills that allow you to build constructive relationships

How to apply:

Click on the “Apply” link to view the job description and to apply for the role with a cover letter and CV. 

For further information, please contact Tim Sharp, Programme Manager – Whaitua on 021 951 880.

Applications close: Wednesday, 28 April 2021

Due to current border restrictions from the New Zealand Government we are only able to accept applications from candidates who are a New Zealand Citizen/Resident or who have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and hold a valid visa. For further information, please visit www.immigration.govt.nz