Chief Advisor, Water Services

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand **Help shape the future of Education** - We work to _**_shape _**_an _**_education _**_system that delivers _**_equitable_**_ and _**_excellent outcomes_** Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system. **About this role | Mo tenei turanga** The Chief Advisor will be responsible for the development of appropriate policies, procedures, assessment methodologies and quality assurance processes to ensure Ministry investment in water services meet safety, compliance, reliability, sustainability, maintainability and performance KPIs while delivering on 'Value for Money" expectations. This will include championing the importance of evidence-based design and effective water services asset management to achieving safe and compliant water supplies and wastewater systems. - For more details about the role, you can view the _**_job description here_**_. _ **About you | Mohou ake** To be successful in this role you will have the following qualifications and experience: - Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or equivalent degree specialising in civil engineering and/or water services engineering. - Chartered professional engineer (CPEng or equivalent). - Technical experience (10+ years) and knowledge of water services treatment and network infrastructure design and construction in a New Zealand context - Experience with design, construction, operation and maintenance of small drinking water and on-site wastewater systems in a New Zealand context - A comprehensive knowledge of the engineering and legislative standards and requirements related to water services infrastructure (water, wastewater and stormwater) - Proven experience in leading, influencing and building credibility across a range of internal and external stakeholders - A proven ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities, to influence and guide organisational and system-level decision making. - Sound political awareness and ability to navigate government processes and navigate ambiguity in a complex environment. - Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. - The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct. **About our group and team | Matau ropu ake** The School Property group manages one of the largest property portfolios in Aotearoa New Zealand, composed of over 2,100 primary and secondary state schools and over 8,000 hectares of land with a carrying value of $33.5 billion. Our team is responsible for the portfolio, including school engagement, asset management, capital works delivery, investment planning and portfolio management. We have a responsibility to invest in property solutions that demonstrate value for money while still delivering the right outcome for our schools and kura. Demand for new or improved school property across the country is high, and the way we meet these needs is to do so more efficiently. We have set financial and timeliness targets for our programme, and we're looking to improve our planning and delivery, as well as working proactively and collaboratively with schools and the construction sector. This will ensure that our property projects deliver value and are part of an affordable and deliverable programme of works. As part of the response to the Government's decisions following the independent Ministerial Inquiry into School Property, the School Property group is now led by a Functional Chief Executive (FCE) for School Property, who reports directly to the Minister for Education. We also have put in place an improvement programme which responds to the Government's school property review recommendations. The Technical Advisory team currently provides the following services: Construction Advisory, Water services, Electrical services, Asbestos compliance and School ICT network infrastructure. **Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi?** If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the 'apply' button. In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, or anything else you'd like to share. We're keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role. **Applications close Midnight - Monday 10 November 2025.** - We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know._