About the Organisation:

Te Kōkiringa Taumata | New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) seeks to lead and advance planning to create a better Aotearoa. Our purpose is to inspire planners and raise the profile and mana of the profession. Our work involves advocating for the importance of planning in creating a better Aotearoa, championing the profession, being thought leaders on key resource management issues, educating and developing planners, and supporting our members to feel pride in their profession.

Role Overview:

The Lead Advocacy Officer will play a crucial role in advancing NZPI’s vision and purpose by being a key voice for the planning profession. On behalf of the Board and our members, the role will work primarily with central government to ensure NZPI’s voice is heard, and our advice informs decisions made for the benefit of Aotearoa and our profession. The role will be a key conduit to decision-makers for NZPI developed policy and positions, creating a platform for NZPI to influence central government policy development.

Additionally, the role will work with aligned professional organisations such as LGNZ, NZILA, RMLA etc. as well as with significant employers of planners to secure the opportunity for joint representations to central government where this provides strategic advantage to NZPI.

Reform of the planning system continues to be a priority for the Government. This role will ensure the Institute’s interests and vision, as set out in its Strategic Plan, the Statement on Future Planning System for New Zealand, and other yet to be released position papers are championed as the Government works through its various phases of reform.

This position requires a dynamic individual with excellent communication, engagement and influencing skills; a deep understanding of planning and resource management in New Zealand; experience in central and local government organisations, ideally with an already established network of relationships and connections within central government; and a passion for advancing the profession in Aotearoa.

While a key focus of the role will be to implement actions in the Advocacy and Thought Leadership Pou, it is expected that the role will support initiatives in all Pou as required. Depending on the skills and capabilities of the successful applicant, they may be asked to complete other tasks that help to implement the Strategic Plan.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Advocacy Strategy Development: Develop, implement, and keep updated advocacy strategies to advance the strategic pillars or whāinga pou in NZPI’s Strategic Plan, as well as the specific policy positions NZPI develops from time to time. The strategy will identify key issues, stakeholders, and opportunities for influence. The Lead Advocacy Officer will work closely with staff, the Board, other similar organisations, and our membership to inform this approach.
  • Policy Analysis and Research: The Lead Advocacy Officer will work with the Principal Policy Advisor to ensure policy and position development is targeted and timely to align with government programmes. The Lead Advocacy Advisor will also assist with connections to aligned organisations where there are opportunities for joint policy development.
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Influence: The Lead Advocacy Officer will create opportunities for NZPI to promote NZPI’s positions and whāinga pou and influence decision-making, in accordance with the advocacy strategy. As part of this, the Lead Advocacy Officer will build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including central and local government officials, politicians, universities, policymakers, partners, and other related membership organisations. Represent NZPI in meetings, forums, and coalitions. Preparing meeting briefs to support the work of the Board and CEO in their advocacy efforts.
  • Communication: Work with the Communications Manager to provide insights and context to help inform effective membership communications and media engagement.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Track and assess the impact of advocacy initiatives. Provide regular updates and reports to the CEO and Board on progress and outcomes.

Knowledge and experience:

  • At least 10 years of experience in advocacy, public policy, resource management, or a related field, supported by a suitable academic qualification.
  • Strong understanding of resource management and planning policies in New Zealand, including the Resource Management Act (RMA) and related legislation.
  • A high level of understanding of and be fully conversant with central and local government processes and the policy making process.

Skills:

  • Strong interpersonal, influencing, and communication skills, with the proven ability to represent their organisation’s interests and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively (both written and verbal).
  • Confident and capable of facilitating group sessions and giving presentations.
  • Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.

Attributes:

  • Membership of the NZPI.
  • Empathy with the notion of ‘public good’.
  • Strong personal alignment with NZPI vision and values.
  • Desire to make a difference to planning in NZ.
  • High level of personal resilience, self awareness, and emotional intelligence.
  • Political acumen.
  • Ability to work independently as part of an organisation that supports remote based working.
  • High level of personal motivation, self-management, and commitment to success.
  • Willingly accepts accountability for own decisions and actions.
  • Prepared to challenge the status quo and engage in rigorous and robust debate.
  • Works toward the collective interest of the organisation and takes on collective responsibility for team decisions.


If you want to join the team at NZPI and help us as we work to create a better Aotearoa, email your application to david.curtis@planning.org.nz. All applications will be treated in confidence