Senior Advisor Strategy
Wellington City Council
Kia mahi ngātahi mō Pōneke mō tōna āpōpō - Working together for Wellington's future!
We're looking for a politically astute, strategic advisor to join our Strategy Team - part of the Strategy, Policy and Research business unit. This team plays a central role in shaping the city's trajectory by providing high-quality analysis, insight, and advice that informs Council's long-term direction and decision-making.
This is a 12-month full-time, fixed-term opportunity.
Āu ake mahi - What you'll do
As Senior Advisor Strategy, you'll work closely with the Executive Leadership Team and Elected Members to support the organisation to think critically about Wellington's future and translate that thinking into clear, strategically aligned plans. You'll lead and contribute to projects that bring together analysis, insight, and diverse perspectives, helping to shape priorities and decisions across the organisation.
This role demands a high level of influence and strategic judgement. You'll need to simplify and communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences, build strong networks across the organisation, and enable cross-functional teams to align around shared outcomes.
Your ability to navigate ambiguity, challenge assumptions constructively, and provide evidence-based recommendations will be key to helping the organisation develop practical plans that are anchored in Council's long-term direction.
Ngā tohu me ngā wheako - Qualifications and experience
You'll bring at least six to eight years' experience in a strategy or advisory role, ideally within central or local government, and a proven track record of influencing senior decision-makers.
You'll be confident engaging with stakeholders at all levels, including presenting to ELT and Elected Members, and will thrive in a dynamic environment with a varied workload.
Nōu te rourou - What's in it for you
Working for the Council offers you a range of benefits including five weeks annual leave, flexible working options, health and wellbeing support, Council staff discounts and a range of learning and development programmes and opportunities.
View our Employee Value Proposition Video to see what our employees say about working at WCC.
Diversity
We want your application to enable you to portray the real you. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the advert through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.
We welcome applications from all people and like our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve.
Accessibility support
We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: recruitment@wcc.govt.nz
Applications close on Sunday, 10 May 2026.
Please note that we may engage with applicants prior to the vacancy closing and/or close applications ahead of this date, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
All applications must be submitted online - we will not accept emailed applications.
All employees must undergo a Criminal Conviction Check and all applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.
If you have questions, please contact Kerryn Merriman, Team Leader Strategy and Research, kerryn.merriman@wcc.govt.nz
