Are you ready to take a lead role in shaping Napier’s policies and strategies? As Principal Policy Analyst at Napier City Council, you will lead the development, evaluation, and implementation of integrated strategies, policies, plans, and bylaws that support the city’s long-term goals. Working with a small team and across a multidisciplinary environment, you will provide high-quality, evidence-based advice to senior leaders, elected members, and external stakeholders.

Your day-to-day work will include drafting and reviewing policy documents, coordinating team outputs, improving policy development processes, and ensuring all strategies and policies meet legislative requirements. You will play a key role in community and stakeholder engagement, particularly working with Mana Whenua, and contribute to key focus areas such as community, housing, climate, and resilience. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a real impact on Napier’s strategic direction while mentoring a small team and collaborating with colleagues across Council and beyond.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Lead the development, evaluation, and implementation of integrated strategies, policies, plans, and bylaws that support Council’s strategic priorities and community outcomes.
• Manage and mentor a small team of policy analysts, coordinating outputs and ensuring consistency, quality, and alignment across all policy documents and frameworks.
• Provide expert, evidence-based policy advice to senior leaders, elected members, and external stakeholders, contributing to informed decision-making across areas such as community, housing, climate, and resilience.
• Oversee the improvement of policy development processes, frameworks, and reporting practices to enhance Council responsiveness and effectiveness.
• Coordinate and contribute to day-to-day policy drafting, quality assurance, legislative compliance, and stakeholder engagement, including working closely with Mana Whenua and community partners.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• Tertiary qualification in public policy, strategic planning, or a related discipline and bring extensive experience in policy development, evaluation, and implementation, preferably within local government or the public sector.
• Strong leadership skills and experience managing or mentoring individuals or small teams, providing guidance while driving high-quality outputs.
• Highly analytical, research-savvy, and able to provide clear, evidence-based advice that supports strategic decision-making.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and communication, with the ability to balance competing demands and deliver practical, well-aligned policy outcomes.
• Proactive, organised, and collaborative, comfortable working across multiple projects and coordinating with internal teams, iwi partners, and external agencies.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service
• Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test Subsidy
• Retailer Discounts + Study assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
• Free flu vaccinations (annual)
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent, full-time position working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You will be based in Napier CBD.

The annual salary package for this role is between $120,700-$142,000 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

Applications for this role close on 15 October 2025 however due to the highly competitive employment market we will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person. Please do not delay in making your application.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including drug testing, with some roles requiring health screening). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Principal Policy Analyst