CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Transcription

1 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Position Description Purpose of the role The purpose of the Northland Regional Council is to enable democratic local decision making to promote the social, economic, environmental and cultural well being of the Northland Region in the present and for the future. In meeting its purpose, the Northland Regional Council has a variety of roles: - Management of Northland s natural resources water, soil, air, the coast and geothermal resources, and pollution control under the Resource Management Act; - Promote and support the economic development of the region; - Develop positive relationships with key stakeholders and advocate on behalf of the region to central government, local authorities, stakeholders and other agencies; - Strategic overview of and planning for Northland s land and passenger transport needs; - Biosecurity issues including reducing the adverse impacts of pest plants and animal pests on primary production and natural ecosystems; - Coastal and harbour safety and navigation responsibilities and oil pollution response; and - Hazard and civil defence emergency management. Details of the Council s strategic policies and direction are contained in the long term plan. Key Accountabilities The key accountabilities of the Chief Executive Officer are to: a. Perform the duties and responsibilities set out in Section 42 of the Local Government Act 2002 and any other relevant legislation. b. Provide the Council with sound, relevant, accurate, complete, timely and frank advice on matters relating to the operation of a regional council that is consistent with the Council s overall fiscal, economic, and other policy strategies. c. Perform the statutory responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer of the Northland Regional Council and assist and support the Council in the execution of its statutory roles. d. Develop and maintain effective and reciprocal communication and working relationships with officers of the Far North District Council, Kaipara District Council, Whangarei District Council, Auckland Council, relevant government departments and agencies, Maori, residents and ratepayers, industry, farming and community groups. e. Ensure the efficient and effective management of the Council to:

2 - deliver its key result areas and other outputs as specified in the long term plan and other planning documents; and - manage the Council s investments inline with Council s strategy, review related policy and investment strategy and performance on a regular basis. f. Ensure that the Council s culture and service performance has due regard and integrates the Treaty of Waitangi. g. Optimise the use of the Council s human, physical and financial resources through effective and efficient management of employees, facilities, revenue and expenditure. h. Ensure that the Council has appropriate organisational structures, systems, procedures and culture of service to: - be a can-do Council - enable the Council to manage and report on its statutory obligations; - provide efficient delivery of its outputs; and - deliver on the Council s obligations to ratepayers, residents and other members of the general public by ensuring implementation and monitoring of quality assurance systems. i. Maintain and enhance the Council s profile in Northland and where relevant across New Zealand. What the role encompasses The strategic objectives of the position are to: a. Lead the Leadership team to achieve the Council s strategic objectives. In doing so, evaluate effectiveness in order to initiate strategies and processes to meet a dynamic environment. b. Take an overview and facilitate on-going strategic planning which aligns the Council s strategic objectives with the capabilities and resources of the organisation. c. Apply strategic thinking across the organisation including the preparation of the draft annual budget, strategic and financial plans, staff and resource management planning. d. Efficiently manage the Council s key resources, apply and where appropriate, improve quality management systems. e. Lead, provide vision and direction, and support the development and maintenance of a motivated workforce. f. Develop strategies, policies and practices to build and foster better relationships with Northland Maori. g. Create the culture and systems that ensure continuous improvement in quality outputs whilst maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and integrity. h. Utilise technology to achieve the above strategic objectives. 2

3 Other Duties To provide and give evidence to courts for enforcement proceedings as required. Ensure that the Council s health and safety requirements are adhered to. Ensure that Council policies and procedures are followed and be actively involved in seeking continuous improvement. Organisational responsibilities/other duties Comply and champion the Health & Safety policies, procedures and work practices. Comply and champion the code of conduct, policy, system and procedural requirements. Work positively as a productive team member. Work consistently in a way that builds an environment where a positive culture flourishes. Demonstrate and role model a strong sense of organisational loyalty and promote the organisation positively where-ever possible. Active lead and participate in activities that drive continuous improvement of services. Communicate (written and oral) with staff and elected representatives in an objective, regular, timely, easily understood way and in a professional manner. What we are looking for The Chief Executive Officer of the Northland Regional Council needs to have a sound knowledge of local government issues and a genuine interest in Northland and empathy for resource management issues. Should have knowledge and understanding of both local government and commercial systems, of community relationships, systems for public consultation and when appropriate, dispute resolution. Specific competencies for a regional council Chief Executive Officer have been identified and defined as follows: Management Expertise The Chief Executive Officer shall demonstrate an excellent understanding and effective application of sound management practices to achieve organisational goals and objectives together with expertise in developing and implementing initiatives in response to any change in the environment and in managing the risk to the Council. Strategic Leadership The Chief Executive Officer shall demonstrate an ability to be able to determine strategic priorities; and to communicate a clear and relevant direction for the Council. Strategic leadership will be underpinned by forward thinking; seeking and accepting challenges and opportunities. Effective Communication The Chief Executive Officer will have a proven, and demonstrated, ability an as effective communicator. Building and Sustaining Relationships The Chief Executive Officer shall demonstrate an ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with people at all levels within Northland (public, private and state sectors) and across New Zealand. Sustaining 3

4 effective relationship with the other territorial local authorities in Northland, central government agencies, Maori, industry, the rural sector and interest groups are crucial to this position. Management of People The Chief Executive Officer will have the ability to maximise the quality of contributions of staff to achieve current and future objectives and to maintain the confidence of staff during any period of change. Managing in the Local Government Environment The Chief Executive Officer shall understand the conventions, structures, functions and objectives of local government and the wider economic and social environment in which its operates. Intellectual Capacity The Chief Executive Officer will have a proven ability to apply and value intellectual processes. Commitment to Achievement The Chief Executive Officer shall demonstrate a personal commitment to excellence and a focus on attaining organisational goals and objectives. A key element will be the promotion of a strong customer service focus. Honesty and Integrity The Chief Executive Officer will project the highest standards of personal and professional behaviour. Technical skills and knowledge A tertiary qualification relevant to the purpose of the position. Sound oral and written communication skills, including report writing and effective inter-personal skills. Well organised and able to plan own work. Ability to produce quality work when under pressure. Ability to cope effectively with enforcement situations. Sound computer skills and familiarity with computer database operation. A current full car driver s licence. Interpersonal knowledge You relate well to all kinds of people and build constructive and effective relationships. You display cultural empathy and awareness. Drive for results You exceed personal and team focused goals successfully. Continuous improvement mindset. Self-development You are personally committed to, and actively work to continually improve yourself. 4

5 A demonstrated track record of establishing a strong performance focused culture which is customer focused and quality driven. Action-oriented You look for and accept challenges; seizing more opportunities than others. Role related experience An appropriate tertiary qualification is required Minimum five years experience in a similar local government role or equivalent private sector experience.. Experienced in developing and maintaining strong, productive and trusted relationships with a governing body. Significant experience leading, planning, and managing projects and initiatives through others over a broad spectrum of issues. Well versed in developing methodologies, shaping strategy, and communicating complex and technical information in a straightforward and concise manner to a wide variety of people. What s at the heart of NRC Northland Regional Council is all about our region and its people. We are a positive and customer-friendly organisation. We progressively increase the engagement of Northlanders in our activities. Dimensions of the role The Council s 2010/11 budget forecasts: $ (millions) Total Revenue Expenditure Total Net Assets Staff: 185 staff For our information People Responsibilities Discretionary Authority As per the Delegations Manual Financial Responsibilities POSITION: Chief Executive Officer REPORTS TO: Council COST CENTRE: TBC DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: Whangarei JOB FAMILY: CUSTOMER FACING: DATE: January