Senior Technical Writer

He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission is an independent agency dedicated to driving climate action in Aotearoa New Zealand, with a strong statutory mandate. We provide impartial, evidence-based advice to the Government on mitigating and adapting to climate change. We also monitor progress towards emissions reduction and adaptation goals and report on this publicly.

Join the Commission as we build out from our initial focus on emissions reduction to a comprehensive approach that includes adaptation, the national climate risk assessment, and monitoring the country's progress on climate action. Be part of this exciting transition to deliver on our work programme as set out in the Climate Change Response Act (CCRA).

For more information on our current work: Our upcoming work » Climate Change Commission (climatecommission.govt.nz)

We recognise the importance of te ao M ori. We uphold the treaty partnership by ensuring our work reflects M ori views and Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi.

Te turanga | The role

The Senior Technical Writers in the Commission's Impact team are plain English specialists who act as connectors and storytellers for the analytical work of our teams. You would be one of two writers in a team of content, communications and engagement experts who support the Commission's work programme under the CCRA.

The focus is on ensuring concepts and evidence (including from te ao M ori) are communicated clearly and accurately, within reports that connect with our target audiences.

You will work to maintain our established styles and standards, helping build up core resources and capability across the Commission.

The likely appointment range for this role is between $111,842 to $131,579 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

Ng herenga | The role will involve

• Interpretation of complex information to communicate it in ways that are compelling and easily understood.
• Writing to translate technical detail while maintaining accuracy, and synthesising information to create effective summaries.
• Building relationships and connections across multiple teams and functions, to help link up our projects in ways that assist people to understand and act on our advice and findings.
• Helping our teams design and deliver material that matches the needs of the situation and our audiences.
• Demonstrating that cultural responsiveness is valued, understood, and applied within the Commission by embedding te reo M ori and tikanga, and an awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi, into the way we do things.
• Ensuring consistency and quality in our writing to reinforce the authority of our work.

He korero mou | About you

This is a job for a senior writer with experience supporting experts to deliver a significant work programme involving the provision of neutral advice to government and transparency reporting.

To be considered, you will have impeccable technical writing skills, with proven experience in senior writing roles and a tertiary qualification and or equivalent work experience. Experience writing for diverse audiences on issues related to climate change will be an advantage, as would be a demonstrated ability to accurately reflect M ori experience and views.

Experience in external communications would be a plus for this role, to support the work of a tight team focused on increasing the impact of the Commission's work. This might have included preparation of communication plans, engagement tools, and speech and release writing.

In addition, you will have:

• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships across all levels of an organisation
• Knowledge and experience of a range of research, evidence and analytical methods, including emerging and innovative approaches
• Strong logic and reasoning skills to evaluate potential arguments and information structures
• Experience in communication product design and publication
• A track record applying style and editing systems to maintain high standards
• Excellent personal communication skills, written and verbal
• Highly effective planning and organisational skills, including time management and prioritising work in a complex work environment
• Demonstrated high levels of integrity
• Knowledge of machinery of government, the contemporary political environment and government policies, and of te ao M ori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi.

He pehea to tono mai | How to apply

Click the apply button below to view a detailed position description and submit your application. For tracking and evaluation purposes, all applications must be submitted via our on-line process.

We embrace diversity and inclusion and are committed to equality and equity.

To be considered for this role you must be able to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Te r kati | Application close date

11pm, Sunday, 2 March 2025.

If you have any questions, please email Marcus.Stickley@climatecommission.govt.nz

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may close the vacancy early if we find a suitable applicant.