Senior Policy Planner - #310567

The Napier City Council is actively seeking a skilled and driven Senior Policy Planner with extensive district planning expertise to join our remarkable City Strategy Team.

In this role, you'll play a pivotal part in ensuring that city development policies align seamlessly with Council strategies. Your responsibilities will encompass delivering high-quality policy advice, conducting thorough analysis, and contributing to the formulation of policies within the realm of resource management and local government, including reforms outlined in the RMA. Additionally, you'll serve as a mentor and guide for the policy team, facilitating their growth and decision-making processes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development of comprehensive policy plans, bylaws, and city regulatory policies, including contributions to the review of the District Plan.
• Overseeing the effective monitoring, analysis, and regular reporting on the implementation progress against established plans.
• Leading and participating in the establishment and upkeep of Council objectives and policies, ensuring alignment with the priorities set by the City Development Manager. This involves presenting proposal options, assessing their implications, and recommending appropriate actions.
• Coordinating and engaging in a well-structured public consultation process for the District Plan Review.
• Conducting research, preparing expert evidence, and presenting findings to the Environment Court on resource management matters, in collaboration with the Council's legal advisors.
• Analysing reports incorporating qualitative and quantitative data on demographic, economic, environmental, geographic, and scientific aspects relevant to the Council's resource management duties. This includes leveraging GIS analysis to support policy-making.
• Initiating and participating in project management activities for strategic studies and Council responses, as part of a cohesive team effort.
• Developing and executing Council's strategic direction for Climate Change in accordance with relevant legislation such as the Zero Carbon Bill, the National Adaptation Plan, and the Climate Adaptation Act.

To excel in this role, you should possess:

• A tertiary degree or master's qualification in policy planning, natural resource management, or a related field.
• Eligibility for membership with NZPI.
• Previous experience in resource management, either in policy or regulatory capacities.
• Advanced knowledge and comprehension of legislation and professional practices pertaining to resource management and local government.
• Extensive experience in policy formulation and analysis on resource management issues.
• Proficiency in evaluating and resolving complex issues across environmental, social, economic, cultural, and financial domains.
• High-level computer skills, particularly in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and geographic information systems. This includes proficiency with Office 365 software, Isovist e-Plan, GIS ArcView, and Sharepoint.

This is a full-time position, working Monday to Friday (40 hours per week) We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

About Us

Join the dynamic team at Napier City Council, where we pride ourselves on excellence, integrity, and sustainability, while delivering exceptional customer and community service. As one of Napier's most sought-after employers, we offer more than just a job. How about exclusive retail discounts, discounted medical insurance, and a generous 5 weeks of annual leave after just 2 years of service?

We're not just any employer – we're an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Our commitment to inclusivity extends to our recruitment process, where we strive to break down barriers and create an environment where every employee can flourish and bring their best. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to ensure a smooth application or interview process, please let us know. Our dedicated People & Capabilities department is here to make reasonable adjustments, ensuring a fair and accessible recruitment experience for all.

Before joining our team, our preferred candidates will undergo thorough pre-employment screening. Rest assured, this includes drug testing to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. Some roles may also require health screening.

At Napier City Council, we play a vital role in Civil Defence emergencies, and that means everyone on our team may be called upon to support the response. It's an opportunity to make a real difference in our community.

Don't miss out on the chance to be a part of our exciting team at Napier City Council. Apply today and discover a rewarding career where your skills and contributions are valued.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description - Senior Policy Planner