Strategic Planning Advisor

About the role

We’re looking for a strategic thinker with a passion for resilience and public safety to join our team as a Strategic Planning Advisor. This is a key role within the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group, focused on identifying long-term risks, opportunities, and trends — and helping decision-makers act on them before emergencies occur. You’ll have a key role in delivering strategic planning activities, providing high-quality advice, and ensuring our strategies, policies, and plans remain relevant, evidence-based, and future-focused.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

• Monitoring and reporting on progress toward strategic objectives.
• Commissioning or undertaking research and legal analysis to inform planning.
• Identifying and analysing national and international developments that impact emergency management.
• Ensuring strategies, policies, and plans are regularly reviewed and updated.
• Developing, overseeing, and implementing assurance activities to assess the quality and effectiveness of CDEM services across the region.
• Relevant experience in strategic planning, policy development, assurance, research, or emergency management.
• A tertiary qualification in emergency management, public policy, planning, or a related field.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively in a multi-agency environment.
• A calm, solutions-focused approach under pressure.

Reporting and location

This role reports to the Group Manager, Emergency Management and is based at the Group Emergency Management Office, in Hamilton.

The Waikato CDEM Group is a collaborative partnership of 11 local authorities, emergency services, lifeline utilities, welfare organisations, government departments, and NGOs. The Group Emergency Management Office coordinates and supports the Group’s activities across Waikato CDEM Group area. Staff in the Group Emergency Management Office are employed by Waikato Regional Council.

Applications and contact

Seniority level

Employment type

Job function

Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand

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