Principal Advisor - Communications

Type: Fixed Term
Hours: Full time
Business Group : Water Services Reform Programme
Branch: Policy and Te Tiriti

Principal Communications Advisor, Water Services Reform Programme (Policy and Te Tiriti Branch) – fixed term to 30 June 2026

This is a crucial key role providing support for the delivery of the government’s water reform programme, ‘Local Water Done Well’.

Local Water Done Well objectives are to ensure water services are safe, reliable, environmentally resilient, customer responsive and delivered at the least cost to consumers and businesses.

Key components of Local Water Done Well:

• Fit-for-purpose service delivery models and financing tools
• Ensuring water services are financially sustainable
• Introducing greater central government oversight, economic and quality regulation.

The purpose of the Principal Communications Advisor is to provide leadership, strategic advice and support across the Water Services Reform Programme for the planning, development, and delivery of communications material and guidance to support the delivery of the objectives of Local Water Done Well.

Its specific focus will be on ensuring all communications to its internal and external stakeholders are planned, aligned and delivered in a timely manner.

Key skills/attributes required:

• Degree in communications, public relations, media or a related field is essential.
• Minimum of 4 to 5 years' experience in a similar role, ideally with a background in the field of media relations, journalism, stakeholder relations or communications, either in house or within an agency.
• Knowledge of the water sector is advantageous but not essential
• Experience and understanding of communications within the public sector
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to develop media material, key messages, and content.

If you're looking for a role that offers variety, leadership opportunities and the opportunity to be part of transformational change, we would really love to hear from you!

Applications close: 5pm, Monday, 2 June 2025.
For more information please contact: Andrew Gentle - Andrew.Gentle@dia.govt.nz
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