Principal Policy Advisor

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

We have two fixed-term opportunities for experienced Principal Policy Advisors to join our Social Wellbeing Policy team: one for two years, through to October 2028, and one for one year, through to October 2027. 

These Principal Policy Advisors will both play key roles in the Resilient Tāmaki Makaurau programme, which is focussed on developing policy and delivering actions to support Aucklanders facing climate disruption. 

The one year fixed term role will primarily be focussed on leading development of aspects of a regional framework, such as funding and cost sharing, supporting implementation of a knowledge system, and refining the different ways council will support at-risk communities. 

The two year fixed term role will focus on working in geographic communities and communities of interest to lead a programme of pilot community adaptation planning projects.

Day-to-day you could expect to:

• Lead complex, ambiguous or sensitive policy projects from scoping and planning through to delivery and evaluation.
• Provide clear, evidence-based and influential advice to senior leaders and elected members.
• Set direction across key policy portfolios, identifying emerging issues, risks and longer-term opportunities.
• Build trusted relationships and influence outcomes with stakeholders across council, government, community and voluntary sectors.
• Manage multiple substantial programmes or projects, navigating competing priorities, governance processes and political contexts.
• Coach and mentor policy advisors, building capability and promoting high-quality, innovative policy practice.
  

Click here to view the Position Description.

He kōrero mōu: About you

You are an accomplished policy professional who can bring clarity and direction to complex issues, deliver high-quality advice at pace and confidently influence senior decision-makers. Comfortable working in a political or similarly complex environment, you combine strategic thinking with sound judgement, strong analytical capability and a practical approach to delivery. 

You are also a collaborative leader who enjoys sharing knowledge, developing others and building trusted relationships. An understanding of Māori perspectives, tangata whenua and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, together with a commitment to growing your capability in te ao Māori, will be important to your success.

Specifically, we are looking for:

• A tertiary qualification in public policy, social sciences, law, economics or other relevant field.
• At least 10 years’ senior policy advisory experience.
• Expertise in policy development, analysis and evaluation.
• Experience advising senior executives and elected members.
• Strong knowledge of local and central government processes.
• A current and valid New Zealand driver licence 
  

We will prioritise applications from people who:

• have two or more years’ experience as a Principal Policy Advisor

and either

• experience working in climate adaptation policy

or

• experience delivering community-based projects.
  

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders.

We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement. We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.
As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

Tono Mai: Apply Now!
Application close date: Tuesday 27th of October at 11:59pm

Salary range of the role dependant on candidates experience: $122,783 - $160,000

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer. We serve the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, educational background, or religious beliefs. We also welcome applications from our Rainbow communities as well as disabled and neurodivergent people. We are committed to making our hiring process accessible to everyone. If you require any support or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.