Senior Advisor- Sustainable Development

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Senior Advisor, Sustainable Development at Auckland Council offers a strategic advisory role shaping Auckland's transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy by embedding sustainability into economic development programs, influencing senior leaders and partnering across government, industry, academia and Māori partners. You will drive the integration of climate resilience into investment decisions, facilitate cross-sector collaboration, and translate complex research into practical recommendations. Ideal candidates have 5–8+ years in sustainability or related fields, with a proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and build trusted relationships. To apply, tailor your CV to show outcomes, include concrete cross-sector examples, demonstrate Te Tiriti understanding, and reference the Position Description before 3 August 2026.

• Help shape Auckland's transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy
• Drive climate and sustainability outcomes across Auckland Council’s economic development activities
• Influence senior decision-makers and shape future-focused economic development
• Work across government, industry, academia and Māori partners to create lasting impact

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Council's Economic Development Office has an opportunity for a Senior Advisor – Sustainable Development to join our Sustainable and Resilient Business team.

This is a unique opportunity to influence sustainability outcomes at a systems level. This is a strategic, advisory role - helping embed sustainability and climate considerations into into Auckland Council’s economic development activities and programmes.You'll provide expert climate change and sustainability advice, lead critical thinking on emerging challenges and opportunities, and work collaboratively across Auckland Council and with external partners.

No two days will look the same. One day you could be facilitating conversations with senior leaders around future workforce challenges, and the next you'll be researching emerging opportunities, partnering with industry or academia, or developing strategic advice that informs precinct development.This is a role for someone who enjoys joining the dots, navigating complexity and bringing people together around a shared vision.

Day-to-day you could expect to work on:

• Driving the integration of sustainability and climate resilience considerations into programme design, planning and investment decision-making.
• Building strong relationships across Council, central government, industry, research organisations and Māori partners.
• Facilitating collaboration opportunities with partners.
• Researching emerging opportunities to inform strategic decision-making.
• Developing reports, briefings and recommendations that influence senior leaders.
• Supporting innovative initiatives that strengthen Auckland's economic resilience.

Cick this link to access the Position Description

He kōrero mōu: About you

You're someone who naturally sees the bigger picture. You enjoy connecting people, ideas and opportunities, and you're comfortable influencing without direct authority. You can simplify complex issues, communicate with credibility and confidently engage with senior stakeholders.

Most importantly, you're genuinely passionate about sustainability and climate action and motivated by creating long-term impact for Auckland.

We're looking for someone with:

• 5-8+ years' experience providing strategic advice within sustainability, climate, economic development or a closely related field.
• A relevant tertiary qualification (preferably in sustainability or a related discipline) or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience influencing senior stakeholders and building trusted relationships across multiple organisations and sectors.
• Strong research, analytical and report writing skills, with the ability to translate complex information into practical recommendations.
• Experience working across partnerships involving government, industry, iwi/Māori organisations or academia would be highly regarded.
• The ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively.

You'll also stand out if you:

• Have experience working within local or central government.
• Understand sustainable business practices and climate adaptation.
• Have knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and are committed to strengthening your capability in te ao Māori.
• Thrive in environments where ambiguity exists and enjoy helping shape the path forward.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

Auckland Council is the largest local government council across Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people and contributing towards making Tāmaki Makaurau a world-class city. We offer a range of employee benefits and proudly support flexible working options where possible. You’ll have access to a range of fantastic Auckland Council benefits, EAP services, an Oranga Day and discounted Leisure Centre membership and a range of other partnership discounts! View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits here

We are a diverse organisation – we value diversity in our thinking, and we can only achieve that with a diverse team!

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini - My success is not mine alone, but the success of many.

Tono Mai: Apply Now!

Applications close: Monday 3 August 2026

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.