Senior Policy Advisor
Porirua is a diverse, well-connected city with big opportunities. To help grow a bright future for our city, we need skilled people who are passionate about the communities we serve, to help make this happen.
We are looking for a confident and experienced Senior Policy Advisor to join our Strategy & Policy Team, who is passionate about strategy, public policy and making a meaningful difference to our community.
All about the role
It's a great time to join our Strategy & Policy Team in this diverse and influential role. This is a part time 32 hours per week role with flexible options about how those hours are planned.
The Senior Policy Advisor is responsible for developing and delivering strategic policy advice across a range of areas. You'll ensure policy aligns with the strategic direction of the Council and will work across Council to entrench policy and strategic direction.
As a key member of our Strategy & Policy Team, you'll be responsible for:
- Providing high-quality and future focused strategy and policy advice to Council, senior management and the wider organisation
- Leading policy, bylaw and strategy development across a range of areas
- Ensuring alignment with Council's strategic direction and statutory requirements
- Anticipating and identifying emerging issues, trends and problems and possible responses on a broad range of topics
- Monitoring emerging trends and risks that influence strategy and direction
- Report on policy impact, implementation, and improvement opportunities
About you
A background and understanding of local government, as well as the challenges and opportunities we are currently facing in the sector would be a bonus, but not essential. You'll have great relationship skills, be highly organised, and have the ability to create policies and strategies which help set the tone for what living in our city will look like into the future.
You'll need to show us that you have:- The ability to think strategically and see the "big picture" while paying attention to detail, community input and implementation
- A high level of political acumen
- Proven experience working in strategy or policy roles at a senior level within political or local government environments
- Understanding and respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Significant experience in interpreting legislation, bylaws and policy documents and assimilate it into policy and strategic direction
- The ability to engage and collaborate with colleagues and the community, to build strong working relationships, to understand diverse perspectives and work towards solutions
- Excellent writing and communication skills, and can translate technical subject matter into plain English to suit your audience
- Experience presenting to decision makers at all levels
- Practice in the art of researching information, understanding trends and thinking strategically to develop policy covering a broad range of topics for Council
- A relevant qualification in Strategic Planning or Policy Analysis would be a bonus, but not essential
About us
Working for Porirua City Council is an opportunity for you to make a real difference in our community. You'll be welcomed into a team that's collaborative, values input and empowers you to make things happen. To top it off, the harbour and bush are at your doorstep, making it a great place to work.
Porirua City Council is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements during our recruitment process, please let us know when you apply, and we'll do our best to get you sorted.
What you need to do next
Please apply via our careers portal: www.poriruacity.govt.nz/careers.
Applications need to be received by 31 July 2025.
If you have any queries about this role please contact Liz Leadbeater via email: liz.leadbeater@poriruacity.govt.nz
We will be working through applications as they are submitted and may progress candidates prior to the closing date, so apply now!
To find out more about working for Porirua City Council Watch this video.