Community and Business Adaptation Advisor

Te Kaunihera aa Takiwaa o Waikato (Waikato District Council) serves the Waikato District, home to 86,000 people over 400,000 hectares. Our district borders Hamilton City from the north, east and west.

Our Head office in Ngaaruawahiaa is an open plan hot desking environment, it includes a collaboration space as well as quiet rooms, areas to work or meet with colleagues. Close by are Waikato River walks, river cycleways, reserves, and the chance to hit the Hakarimata's on your lunch break. We also have an onsite cafeteria, free parking, work-life balance and flexible working.

At Te Kaunihera aa Takiwaa o Waikato you will find a welcoming and inclusive workplace that supports, challenges and encourages you to succeed.

**About this role**:
This is a rare, challenging, and exciting opportunity to engage with key communities to collaborate and support adaptation plans and lead Adaptive Management Planning, to advance long-term resilience for our communities, assets and infrastructure. It is part of our ongoing efforts to respond and adapt to the impacts of climate change, whilst building resilience.

This pivotal role sits in the fabulous Strategy & Growth Group (Climate Action and Sustainability team).

You will work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, iwi, hapū and other mana whenua and businesses, to engage, create and promote effective adaptation measures. You will influence positive outcomes for people and environment.

**What I do?**
- Engage effectively and collaboratively with the community and key stakeholders, building connections and bringing about behaviour change.
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Waikato Regional Council, iwi partners, and other stakeholders, ensuring cohesive efforts towards community resilience and adaptive management.
- Develop a strategic and integrated approach to enhancing long-term adaptability and preparedness of affected communities in the Waikato District.
- Prepare an adaptation and resilience framework.
- Support community driven adaptation plans.
- Support and integrate climate risk assessments with planning and resilience.
- Foster active participation in resilience and adaptive management planning.

**What I bring?**
- At least five years' experience in community engagement and stakeholder relations.
- A working understanding of adaptation policy and adaptation planning.
- Some science, technical and planning knowledge, or ability and keenness to learn.
- Proven experience in community planning.
- Relevant tertiary qualification.
- Strategic thinking, passion and drive.
- Action and solution orientated.
- Team player with great people and collaboration skills.
- Demonstrated success in leading complex, cross-organizational projects and strategic initiatives.
- Proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, iwi partners, community groups, and internal teams.

**Why join our team?**
- We're a flexible working organisation, an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity. We welcome applicants who will roll up their sleeves and help us to achieve our aspirations and goals.
- We have an experienced climate and sustainability team who are passionate, driven, enjoy a laugh and are highly respected throughout the organisation.
- We love to get things done and support you to do the same.

**Additional Information**

Location: Ngaaruawaahia Office

Hours of work: Up to 40 Hours per week (a minimum of 32 hours).

**Application Closing Date: Monday, 10th March at 11:59pm.**
- Reference #
- 34940
- Posted on
- 21 Feb 2025
- Closes on
- 10 Mar 2025 23:59
- Location(s)
- Ngaaruawaahia
- Expertise
- Agriculture & Conservation, Coastal, Planning
- Job level(s)
- Experienced
- Work type(s)
- Permanent full-time