Senior Advisor

At the Otago Regional Council (ORC), our mission is protecting, connecting and enhancing Otago's environment, now and for the future - Mōu, mōku, mō tātou, For you, for me, for us. To be sure we can deliver on our responsibilities, we are evolving as an organisation, and we're not overstating when we say we have some really big targets to reach. We need the right people, in the right roles, to help us to get there.

We think Otago's a pretty special place. It covers a vast area - the third largest local government region in New Zealand. Those who call Otago home enjoy access to mountains, coastal lowlands, dramatic rivers, and wild beaches. Our environment here is part of who we are, and at ORC, we work each day to look after it.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Senior Advisor - Strategic Engagement to join our Partnerships and Engagement team on a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week) basis, in our busy Dunedin office. In this role you will be support and champion high-quality engagement with ORC's stakeholders and Otago's diverse communities.

You will be responsible for developing and leading a plan for strategic activities and initiatives that support effective engagement with ORC's key stakeholders. The role will also provide advice and assistance on effective engagement methods to teams within ORC to improve engagement planning, delivery, and monitoring in order to better meet the needs of the communities that we serve.

As a Senior Advisor - Strategic Engagement, you will be responsible for:

• Supporting the identification and developing of relationships with key stakeholder groups
• Being an internal expert on engagement approaches to share advice on best practice and innovative approaches to engaging all stakeholders
• Designing and delivering community and stakeholder engagement programmes
• Reviewing and updating the Strategic Events programme annually
• Coordinating the Engagement Training Programme in liaison with the People and Culture team and external presenters

If you're passionate about building relationships and driving meaningful engagement, this is the opportunity for you

About You

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A tertiary qualification (Bachelor level or above) in a relevant field
• Significant experience (5 years) in community and stakeholder engagement, relationship management
• Significant experience managing complex relationships with people of varied backgrounds, perspectives, and political views
• Excellent Communicator
• Effective facilitation skills

What we offer

We recognise and celebrate diversity within Team ORC and are committed to providing a work environment that supports inclusion and equal opportunities. We actively encourage applications from anyone who will live our values of MANA- We influence with respect and integrity, TIKA- We do the right thing and do things right and AROHA- We show that that we care, alongside us, regardless of their background.

To support our diverse and capable team, we're pleased to offer enhanced benefits such as:

• Flexible work opportunities
• Life Insurance
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Superannuation
• An annual wellbeing programme
• Competitive remuneration packages
• Development opportunities

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria, we welcome your application, including your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the person for this role via the Apply button.

Please note. We don't always work to fixed closing dates and may start considering and interviewing candidates as their applications are received, so we encourage you to apply early.

Learn more about who we are — join our online whānau Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to see what life at ORC is like.

All candidates require the right to work in New Zealand.

Applications close: Wednesday, 29 October 2025

For further information, please contact