Environment Southland is responsible under the Resource Management Act 1991 for looking after the region's natural and physical resources. You could play a fundamental part in supporting sustainable outcomes for the Southland community by taking care of the whenua, wai and hau of our region, so come and join us

Our dedicated and skilled Strategy & Policy team plays a key role in delivering Environment Southland's vision for a thriving Southland. To help us achieve this, we are looking for an enthusiastic Senior Policy Analyst to join us. This role is complex, fast paced and varied and offers excellent opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Having recently undergone an organisational redesign to ensure that we have the right structure and resources in place to respond to the changing needs of our communities, and the unique environment that we operate in, we currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Policy Analyst.

This is a newly created role within our Strategy & Policy team supporting the Team Leader Policy in building reform intelligence, undertaking advocacy, supporting implementation efforts, and policy development and evaluation. The work is varied and continually evolving, offering opportunities to shape and influence future workstreams.

• Reform intelligence: You will monitor and analyse national policy changes on an ongoing basis, providing updates and advice to internal and external stakeholders as needed to build collective awareness and understanding.
• Advocacy: You will coordinate the development of submissions and present them to central government and other regional agencies, working collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Support implementation: You will coordinate the efforts to implement national policies, providing efficient assistance to other teams.
• Policy development: You will contribute to the development of regional policies led by Environment Southland and other regional agencies.
• Evaluation of policies: You will be involved in the evaluation of effectiveness and efficiency of regional policies.

In undertaking these works, you will provide expert advice, lead projects, and undertake research, write and review reports. You will contribute to the development of stronger national policies by helping ensure they are informed by regional perspectives and are practical to implement.

You will also support other teams across the Council by building the knowledge and understanding necessary for the effective implementation of these policies. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, while also allowing you to deepen your understanding of both national and regional policy landscapes.

If you have a tertiary qualification in a relevant field such as planning, environmental management, or public policy, with proven experience (5+ years, ideally in local government) and you are driven to create positive outcomes for the community while developing professionally, then you may be the person we are looking for.

We have a lifestyle that is second to none, with easy access to beaches, rivers, lakes, ski fields, national parks and first-class sports facilities. We pride ourselves on the support we give our team to ensure a good work‑life balance is a priority. And with affordable real estate, short commutes and a great range of schools on offer there is something here for everyone!

An initial offer of remuneration will be made within the range of $102,240. - $107,920. per annum.

If you are ready for a new adventure, looking for an opportunity to grow your career whilst enjoying all the lifestyle benefits Southland and Environment Southland offers, apply today.

HOW TO APPLY

Go to https://environmentsouthland.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Vacancies & enter ref code: 6802436 to apply and upload your CV and cover letter.

Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

The closing date for applications is 21 September 2025

Working at Environment Southland requires all of our staff to uphold the council's Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities as part of their day-to-day role. This might be through the appropriate delivery of functions through various legislation where Te Tiriti o Waitangi or partnering with mana whenua is required or upholding the commitments that our elected councillors have made to Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku through the Charter of Understanding.