POSITION DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Principal Policy Advisor
VACANCY NO:(applicable for recruitment only)
UNIT: Office of the Mayor and Chief Executive
GROUP: Strategic Policy & Performance
REPORTS TO: Head of Office of the Mayor and Chief
DIRECT REPORTS: Nil
Executive
LOCATION:
Any Council Location
DATE: November 2021
Purpose of the position:
The purpose of this role is to support the Mayor and Chief Executive to fulfil their statutory community, Council and
policy leadership roles by supporting the Chief Advisor in providing high quality research, analysis and advice, and
engaging and communicating effectively.
On a portfolio basis, the position will:
Provide strategic, commercial, and tactical advice to the Mayor and Chief Executive
Lead programmes of work, including special projects, for the Mayor and Chief Executive
Maintain an overview of relevant Council and Committee papers and agendas, keeping the Mayor and Chief
Executive informed
Maintain oversight of relevant policy development and delivery
General:
As an employee of the Council you are required to:
Respond to the changing needs of the Council, performing other tasks as reasonably required.
Maintain a strict sense of professional ethics, maintaining confidentiality and privacy as per the Privacy Act and
abiding by Council Policy.
Be responsible for meeting the provisions of the Public Records Act 2005 (PRA) and the Local Government
Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) in respect of Council information, and for following related
Christchurch City Council policies and processes.
Be associated, as required, with
CIVIL DEFENCE or any exercise that might be organised in relation to this
council function.
Assist, support and respond to, as reasonably required, any event where the Business Continuity Plan is
activated.
Key Areas Of Accountability
Leadership
Provide direction, empower, motivate and develop others in order to achieve business
unit, group and organisational goals.
Role models our shared values
Support the Chief Advisor in leading the provision of strategic advice and support to
the Mayor and Chief Executive and managing relationships internally and externally.
Share knowledge and expertise, and review the work of others, actively supporting
quality control.
Strategic Policy & Performance Group
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Reviewed: September 2021
Key Areas Of Accountability
Provision of High
Gain clarity from the Mayor, Council and Chief Executive (CE) on desired outcomes and
Level Advice
scope, and appetite for risk, in order to shape new policy directions and programmes
and mitigate any ambiguity in commissioning.
Provides strategic, commercial, and tactical advice on organisational matters on a
portfolio basis
Applying expert knowledge to shape the policy debate by sharing and influencing
thinking across the organisation, based on: deep understanding of the aspirations and
priorities of the Mayor, Council and CE; the Community Outcomes framework; and the
corporate and legislative responsibilities of the Council.
Anticipate, and respond to, issues raised by the Mayor and CE with: insightful analysis;
free and frank, compelling advice timed to have the greatest influence;
recommendations or direct action as appropriate.
Supporting the Mayor and Chief Executive’s leadership by providing advice on the
choice and feasibility of policy instruments and interventions, and on delivery
roadmaps that allow for adjustment in response to changing circumstances.
Provides high-quality and trusted advice to the Mayor and CE on the execution of
Council strategy, delivery of key leadership and organisational priorities, and urgent or
emerging issues.
Ensure the Council’s priorities, desired outcomes, scope, and appetite for risk is
reflected in advice and new policy directions and programmes.
Apply solid subject matter knowledge of relevant policy and strategic issues, and
advance others’ understanding by sharing and influencing thinking across the
organisation.
Write high quality, plain English, persuasive advice with a clear purpose that puts the
decision in context and tells a coherent story.
Prepare briefing notes, discussion papers, speech notes, public statements and verbal
advice for the Mayor and CE as required.
Project
Lead others through simple and moderate projects and make other contributions to
Management
broader work streams and processes, including programmes such as long term
planning, capital programme governance, legislative change, machinery of
government, and business case development.
Apply fit-for-purpose project management discipline to manage risk and issues,
conflicts, timelines, resourcing and deliverables.
Policy
Support the Mayor and Chief Executive’s policy leadership by providing advice on the
Implementation
choice and feasibility of policy instruments and interventions, and on delivery
roadmaps that allow for adjustment in response to changing circumstances.
Relationship
Work closely with General Managers, Heads of Units, Managers, internal stakeholders
Management
and subject matter experts as needed to access information.
Develop and maintain effective internal and external networks and information flows
to ensure the Mayor and CE are fully apprised on relevant issues.
Manage relationships with Councillors, the Mayor, external stakeholders, the CE and
senior Council employees in a sensitive and discreet manner.
Reliably represent and advocate the interests across the Council and with external
stakeholders once a decision has been taken and work with others to ensure it is
implemented enthusiastically.
Strategic Policy & Performance Group
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Reviewed: September 2021
Key Areas Of Accountability
Health & Safety
Responsible for keeping yourself and others safe while at work, complying with
Council health and safety systems and wearing protective clothing and using
equipment provided.
Budget
Accountable and responsible for managing a budget of $ Nil
Delegations
Delegated authority is as per the Register of Delegations on the Christchurch City
Council website
Key Relationships/Customers:
Internal
Nature of the Relationship
Chief Advisor Policy
Reports to
Mayor
Provide advice and support to
Chief Executive
Provide advice and support to
Councillors
Provide information to
Executive Leadership Team
Liaison, advice, support and information sharing
Senior Leaders
Liaison, advice, support and information sharing
Public Information and Participation Unit
Liaison, advice, support and information sharing on
communications
External
Nature of the Relationship
Central Government Ministers and others Members of
Liaise with via Offices and provide information, where
Parliament
required from the Mayor or Chief Executive
Other government agencies
Liaise with and provide information
Senior Executives, Business Leaders in external
Liaison and provide information
organisations
External
Liaison and provide information
Formal Qualifications and Training
Required
Desirable
Post graduate qualification in a policy related discipline or other qualification with
extensive relevant experience
Key Experience/Knowledge/Skills/Competencies
Required
Desirable
Minimum 7 years’ experience in the preparation of policy advice and conceptual and
strategic planning in local or central government
Proven experience in policy, research or advisory work in local or central government
context; has experience in moving from a ‘great idea’ to a workable solution and can
improve capability and test new approaches
Strategic Policy & Performance Group
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Reviewed: September 2021
Key Experience/Knowledge/Skills/Competencies
Required
Desirable
Experienced in, and conversant with political process and working in a political
context; ability to build trust of decision makers by being responsive and aware while
maintaining conventions of impartial free and frank advice
An understanding of the machinery of government (central and/or local) and a
comprehensive understanding of applicable legislative frameworks
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, resilient in the face of change
Well-developed stakeholder consultation, partnership management, and
communication skills
Able to identify and condense key information and trends
Comprehensive knowledge of one or more areas of policy and analysis
A good understanding of policy implementation and the issues likely to impact on it
Experience with and understanding of public consultation processes
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to write accurately and
succinctly under pressure
Project management skills, including the ability to make judicious trade-offs
between time, risk, quality and completeness
Strategic Focus
Keeps up to date with Council and community activity that affects their role and
the roles of others in their immediate team.
Understands the services provided on behalf of Council are detailed in an Annual
Plan and a Long Term Plan.
Is aware of the need to consider community desires within social, economic,
environmental and legislative constraints.
Appreciates the need for long term strategies that steer the nature of the services
Council delivers.
Focus on Results
Can be counted on to achieve goals successfully and safely.
Monitors own progress and is willing to try different approaches in order to be
successful.
Is proactive in highlighting barriers which affect the delivery of services/results.
Acknowledges others progress and success; giving feedback and credit where it’s
due.
Working Collaboratively
Co-operates to find solutions which achieve your goals and those of others.
Asks others for their ideas and input.
Helps others willingly and is willing to accept help.
Gets to know people outside of their own team.
Communication
Engages with others; listening and showing respect for their input, suggestions
and feedback.
Strategic Policy & Performance Group
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Reviewed: September 2021
Key Experience/Knowledge/Skills/Competencies
Required
Desirable
Puts forwards suggestions, ideas and feedback.
Shares relevant information with colleagues.
Communicates clearly and constructively, verbally and in writing.
Considers their audience and adapts their communication accordingly.
Embracing Change
Identifies ways to improve daily activities/processes/tasks.
Accepts change as an organisational reality; responds helpfully and positively.
Understands how self and others react during change.
Supports colleagues though change.
Strategic Policy & Performance Group
Page 5 of 6
Reviewed: September 2021
POSITION DESCRIPTION
How the position fits into the organisation:
Chief Executive
Principal Advisor Ngai
Team Leader Executive
Tahu Relationships
Support
General Manager
General Manager
Infrastructure,
General Manager
Assistant Chief
Resources
Planning & Regulatory
Citizens & Community
Executive Strategic
Services
Policy & Performance
Head of Office of the
Mayor and Chief
Executive
Principal Policy Advisor
Strategic Policy & Performance Group
Page 6 of 6
Reviewed: September 2021
