We are looking for an energetic sustainability expert to join our Policy/Strategy & Partnership team. While we are seeking a Senior Advisor - Sustainable Development, we will also consider experienced Advisors for this role.

You will need to be able to lead Council's strategic response to sustainable development and have a track record of integrating sustainability initiatives across diverse operational areas. This should include strong qualitative and quantitative research skills and experience with larger scale sustainability strategy work.

You will be expected to contribute to Council's collaborative team culture, demonstrating our values of being positive and encouraging, achieving collaborative brilliance, and making great happen. You will have demonstrated an ability to make a positive contribution in the sustainability space and enjoy the dynamic relationships in our organisation and across the Whanganui Community.

In this role, you will lead Council's strategic response to sustainable development as our subject matter expert and champion. You will implement and report on our Climate Change Strategy, integrate climate considerations into Council's broader strategy and policy framework, and oversee our energy portfolio to optimise costs and reduce carbon emissions.

You will maintain partnerships with Iwi on climate change initiatives, lead greenhouse gas emissions measurement and reduction, and develop tools for assessing sustainable development impacts of Council projects. You will also support policy development that aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

To be successful in this role, you'll be someone who has:

• At least five years relevant experience in project management, policy development and sustainability initiatives;
• A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. science, economics, geography, social science, law);
• Strong stakeholder relationship building and engagement skills, including experience with Iwi, community groups, and government agencies;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to present complex information to diverse audiences;
• Proven project management skills including funding management and contract negotiations;
• Strong research and analysis capabilities, particularly in greenhouse gas emissions measurement and sustainable development impact assessment;

Most importantly you will be innovative, positive, motivated and have a commitment to our district's sustainable future.

About Whanganui District

A welcoming and warm city, Whanganui has been growing in population and businesses in recent years with the buzz of new families and represents an incredible lifestyle location - close to New Zealand's best outdoor experiences in bush, cycle trails, river and skiing.

Whanganui combines rich heritage with modern innovation, centred around our stunning awa. This growing city offers an exceptional lifestyle with excellent schools, easy access to major centres, and a flourishing arts and cultural scene. Whanganui is Aotearoa/New Zealand's UNESCO city of design and has the range of arts and culture one would expect of a modern New Zealand city.

You'll be instrumental in shaping this exciting chapter of our story while enjoying the rewards of life in our distinctive district. You will have a direct impact on the wellbeing of our communities, and diverse opportunities to further develop your leadership and technical skills

If you are eager to be part of our team, and you have what it takes to succeed in this role, we look forward to receiving your application.

To find out more please contact David Gurney, Strategy and Policy Manager at david.gurney@whanganui.govt.nz

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may occur before the advertised closing date. As a result, this position may be filled and closed earlier than expected. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Please note: only applications submitted via our Whanganui District Council's careers page will be accepted.