Below are a couple of current job advertisements on the KCDC website that are full of ‘word salad’ and sure to leave prospective candidates perplexed about what is really meant.
Back in 2004 Geoffrey and Eva published the book at right by the then National Press Club President Peter Isaac on how to decipher officialese including recruitment ads. Although much of it is still applicable, some language has changed in the last 19 years with terms that have faded and others that have emerged…
Of course, the copious waffle seems deliberately designed to bamboozle and it’s no surprise KCDC has a revolving door of staff. We suspect many had no idea of what they were supposed to do, got fed up and went elsewhere. You can imagine a succesful appointee saying to CEO Mr Edwards: “I didn’t realise I had to do that” and Mr Edwards replying, “It was in your job description.”
The more interesting phrases here include “work with ambiguity” (does that mean making ambiguous statements clear?) “high quality relationships” (acting as a mediator when people are pissed off with each other?) “awareness of Maori perspectives” (asking iwi what they think?) “politically savvy” (knowing what Ratepayers who pay our salaries will accept?) “deep thinker” (?) “doughnut economics” (this is a concept at a macro-societal level, but within KCDC?)
The job descriptions are even worse (click the pdf links). If we were looking for a job with a big pay packet — and these will be north of $160 K ($US 100 K) a year — we would be looking for one where we knew what the hell we were supposed to be doing and achieving. –Eds
Principal Advisor – Strategy – Ref:322
Full Time — Fixed term (2 years)
About the role
- Do you enjoy thinking about the big picture, the future and its challenges?
- Do you enjoy working collaboratively with others to develop strategic direction, outcomes and strategies?
We are looking for an experienced strategic/systems thinker to work with elected members, our community, key stakeholders and council groups to develop the district’s strategic direction and supporting strategies to bring about sustainable change in the district to meet the needs of our community.
Skills and Experience
- Strengths at senior management level working collaboratively to develop, review and guide implementation of strategies and strategic frameworks with internal and external stakeholders
- Sound political acumen, and the ability to operate in environments of political sensitivity, with a flexible, adaptable and pragmatic approach.
- Proven ability to work under pressure and to work with ambiguity. This would include experience in taking long term and broader regional or national perspectives when making decisions and recommendations.
- Demonstrated experience in implementing change strategies, and cross organisation programmes of work. This would include experience at providing an evidence-based approach and effectively obtaining, organising and analysing information.
- Track record of excellent communication skills both written and verbal at all levels.
- Demonstrated experience in systems thinking at local, regional and national levels. This would include proven experience in problem solving complex issues, including negotiation and problem resolution with multiple parties.
- Proven experience in building and maintaining high quality relationships and working with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation.
- Proven experience of effective influence, gaining the trust and confidence of others, with differing levels of experience and understanding.
- Demonstrated good level of knowledge of Tikanga Maori, awareness of Maori perspectives and of issues relevant to Maori.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritise Group and team work effectively to meet deadlines.
- A relevant tertiary qualification, eg, economics, public policy, business management or resource planning.
Please find the Job Description on here.[PDF 157 KB]
Principal Advisor — Strategy & Growth – Ref:321
Full Time — Fixed term (2 years)
About the role
Systems thinker who’s after their next challenge? Look no further. We are looking for politically savvy, experienced Principal Advisor who flourishes in a dynamic and challenging role. As a member of the Strategy and Growth management team, you will report to the GM Strategy & Growth and work closely with the Chief Advisor and Executive Officer to ensure continuity, alignment, and connection in advice and work across the Group. This role leads out on organisation-wide project work, working collaboratively with Managers and teams both within and outside the Group, on behalf of the Group Manager. We are after a deep thinker with generalist knowledge, but if you are familiar with doughnut economics, developing outcome frameworks and strategies or lifting the strategic capability in an organisation then you’ll have an advantage in this role. Due to the nature and focus for this role, it requires a sharp-minded approach and demonstrated clear thinking, excellent influencing, communication and relationship management skills. The Principal Advisor has an important leadership role and a high degree of influence on continuing to implement changes required to respond to the key drivers.
Skills and Experience
- Proven management experience at a senior level preferably with a background in policy, performance, economics, local government, or similar.
- Strengths in contributing at senior management level and working collaboratively in a governance role.
- Sound political acumen, and the ability to operate in environments of political sensitivity, with a flexible, adaptable and pragmatic approach.
- Proven ability to work under pressure and to work with ambiguity. This would include experience in taking long term and broader regional or national perspectives when making decisions and recommendations.
- Demonstrated experience in implementing change strategies, and cross organisation programmes of work. This would include experience at providing an evidence-based approach and effectively obtaining, organising and analysing information.
- Track record of excellent communication skills both written and verbal at all levels.
- Demonstrated experience in systems thinking at local, regional and national levels. This would include proven experience in problem solving complex issues, including negotiation and problem resolution with multiple parties.
- Proven experience in building and maintaining high quality relationships and working with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation.
- Proven experience of effective influence, gaining the trust and confidence of others, with differing levels of experience and understanding.
- Demonstrated good level of knowledge of Tikanga Maori, awareness of Maori perspectives and of issues relevant to Maori.
Please find the Job Description on here. [PDF 159 KB]
A responsible council would start cutting staffing and definitely stopping inane radio adverts. Perhaps a early election?
They look suspiciously like high paying positions created for mates of management and are probably already sitting in the position doing bugger all, collecting a fat paycheck… They just have to check the box that it was “nationally advertised” even though they have no intention of interviewing anyone else for it.