Investment Advisor - Central Otago (QLDC)

Lakes District Council is at the very heart of a dynamic community. Our services are essential to the people in our region and include infrastructure development, community recreational facilities and planning, building and other regulatory services.

We’re proud to be QLDC, and in response to the growth the district has experienced over recent years, QLDC has itself experienced substantial growth. We genuinely believe in developing our people and providing them with all the tools and opportunities needed to succeed.

About the role:
We’re looking for an Investment Advisor to join the Property and Infrastructure Directorate. The Directorate is responsible for the planning and delivery of the districts property, three waters, transportation, and waste management services. It has a capital investment program of over $2bn, and the Investment & Support Services team plays a key role in ensuring that investment is well-managed and delivers value-for-money.

The Investment Advisor provides a broad suite of investment
advisory services and support functions,
with a particular focus on the directorate’s third-party funding
arrangements and contributions to key organisational planning processes. As a member of the Investment & Support Services team, the Investment Advisor also has a general responsibility to ensure the directorate’s systems and methods are well
functioning and to demonstrate a strong willingness to tackle
any task necessary to achieve organisational goals.

Responsibilities of the role:

• Leading the administration of third-party funding relationships, ensuring ongoing compliance with all funding agreements, and identifying and pursuing strategic infrastructure funding opportunities.
• Acting as QLDC’s expert on NZTA/Waka Kotahi funding protocols, managing bids, claims, and performance updates.
• Providing strategic advice and support to investment planning and business case development processes, ensuring strategic alignment and value for money.
• Developing and improving investment frameworks and toolkits to optimise infrastructure delivery outcomes.
• Preparing clear, professional reports and briefings for senior leaders and governance groups on investment activities.
• Coordinating the directorate’s input into key planning processes such as the Long Term and Annual Plans and driving high-quality financial performance reporting and analytics to support strategic planning and infrastructure investment decisions.

What we offer:
This is a full-time permanent role with QLDC. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing, and professional growth, including:

• Southern Cross Wellbeing One Plan (Full time, permanent only).
• Discounted membership to our health and fitness facilities.
• Hybrid working practices.
• Genuine commitment to your training and career development.

What you'll bring:
We’re looking for a strategic and skilled professional with relevant tertiary qualifications and at least 5 years’ experience in investment planning, project or program management, or budget and contract oversight. You’ll bring a strong understanding of public sector investment frameworks, government funding processes, and the broader political and strategic environment. Qualifications or training in business case development or project disciplines (e.g. Better Business Cases, Investment Logic Mapping) are highly desirable. You'll also be an excellent communicator with strong analytical skills, financialacumen, and a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement. Experience in the local government or infrastructure sector will be a strong advantage.

To best succeed in this role, you’ll have:

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Qualifications and/or training in investment or project management disciplines are highly desirable e.g. Better Business Cases, Investment Logic Mapping, project or program management, etc.
• 5 years’ applied experience (e.g. investment planning, budget and contract management, program/project management).
• Thorough and current working knowledge of investment planning/management best practice guidance, methodologies, frameworks, and tools.
• Comprehensive understanding of the political and strategic investment environment, relevant central and local government legislative and funding requirements, and demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge in context.
• Strong and diverse skillset across written and verbal communication, stakeholder engagement and facilitation, and analytical and reporting disciplines.
• Experience in local government and/or infrastructure sectors is strongly desirable.

For any questions prior, contact Rebecca Dukes, Senior Investment Advisor at [email protected].

Applications close: Friday 1st August 2025.

Please note we will review and process applications as they come through; we encourage your early application.