Senior Advisor Governance Transport Transition

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Auckland Council is seeking a Senior Advisor Governance Transport Transition to support elected members through a major shift in transport decision making. This full-time onsite role in the Governance Programmes and Policies unit involves providing policy and governance advice, leading key workstreams, designing and embedding governance processes, spotting risks early, and building trusted relationships across council departments and senior leaders. The right candidate thrives in fast moving environments, can navigate ambiguity, balances competing priorities, and translates complex issues into practical recommendations for local boards and delivery teams. To apply, tailor your CV to show complex public sector governance, elected member engagement and change programmes, cite concrete outcomes, review the position description, and apply by 27 August 2026.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

As Auckland undergoes a significant shift in transport decision-making, we're looking for an experienced Senior Advisor who can help make this transition a success – supporting elected members and helping them to deliver better outcomes for the communities they serve.

This is an opportunity to join Auckland Council’s Governance Programmes and Policies unit and take on a role where you can help elected members and staff adapt to new responsibilities and ways of working, and shape how the organisation responds to complex and often competing priorities. It’s a challenge that needs sound judgement, resilience, curiosity and a willingness to navigate ambiguity while helping others do the same.

You could expect to:

• give strategic advice that helps local boards make informed decisions
• lead and support key workstreams and problem-solving initiatives that help shape and deliver a successful transport transition
• help design and embed new governance processes and ways of working that deliver better results for Aucklanders
• identify and resolve emerging issues, risks and opportunities before they become barriers to delivery
• build trusted relationships with council departments and senior leaders across the wider council whanau.

Find a copy of the position description here: Here

He kōrero mōu: About you

You'll be comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment where ambiguity, changing expectations and difficult decisions are part of the landscape. You’ll enjoy tackling complex problems and the challenge of balancing competing interests, and you'll be comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders, elected members and delivery teams.

Most importantly, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to influence decisions that affect communities across Auckland and help establish how local transport governance operates into the future.

We will be looking for experience in:

• providing high-quality policy, governance, strategy or advisory services in a complex organisation
• working with elected members, governance bodies or public sector decision-making processes
• leading or supporting significant programmes or change initiatives
• analysing complex issues and translating them into clear, practical recommendations
• managing competing priorities and delivering outcomes in a dynamic environment.

We still encourage you to apply if you have some, but not all, of these requirements.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer 

At Auckland Council, your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. You'll be part of a supportive and collaborative environment that values innovation, learning and continuous improvement. We offer flexible working arrangements, a strong focus on wellbeing, and the opportunity to work alongside passionate and experienced professionals who care deeply about making a difference.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, and are a signatory of the Pride Pledge, reflecting our commitment to a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. 

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!

Applications close: Thursday 27th August 2026

Salary: This role is $105,579 - $124,210 dependant on experience

Auckland Council is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. We collect personal information directly from you and, where relevant for the purpose of assessing you for employment, and employing you as part of the transport reform process, from third parties such as referees, previous employers (including Auckland Transport) recruitment agencies, and background checking providers.

By applying for this role, you consent to Council obtaining a reference from your current employer, including information about any active conduct investigations and current performance management processes, if you are the preferred candidate. Reference checks will only be undertaken at the preferred candidate stage. Any non-active performance or conduct matters may also be discussed with referees as part of the reference checking process.

If you do not consent to this information being provided, Council may be unable to properly assess your application and your application will not progress further. If you wish to withhold your consent, or to access or correct your personal information, please contact the Privacy Officer at [email protected].

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.