Position Description POSITION TITLE Senior Communications Advisor BUSINESS GROUP People and Communications REPORTS TO Communications Account Manager COVERAGE Individual Employment Agreement ABOUT ACC ACC’s vision is to create a unique partnership with every New Zealander, improving their quality of life by minimising the incidence and impact of injury. ACC values:      People before process Safe Kiwis Fair and Open Good partners Responsible stewards ACC is the Crown entity set up under the Accident Compensation Act 2001 to deliver New Zealand’s accident insurance scheme (the Scheme). The purpose of the Scheme is to deliver no-fault personal injury cover for everyone in New Zealand, including overseas visitors. POSITION PURPOSE This position is responsible for assisting the Account Manager to provide proactive communications advice and support to an assigned area within ACC. The Senior Communications Advisor works with managers and staff to deliver communications solutions using tools developed within the Communications Team. It is responsible for developing communications capability within the assigned area, and developing a deep understanding of the business to ensure communications solutions and tools meet business needs. SCOPE OF POSITION Direct reports: 0 Number of staff in cost centre: KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS Internal: External:          Manager Corporate Communications Communications Account Manager Group managers and staff GM People & Communications People Services Business Partners Other ACC managers and staff Other government agencies Communications communities of practice KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES ACCOUNTABILITIES DELIVERABLES Communications strategy   Assist the Account Manager to implement ACC’s communications strategy within the assigned area Ensure that the communications strategy is well understood within the assigned area, remains fit for-purpose and assists in the achievement of ACC’s strategic objectives Communications policy  Translate ACC’s communications strategy into practical and effective frameworks, policies and processes that meet business needs within the assigned area Strategic communications support  Assist the Account Manager to provide strategic communications advice to managers and staff within the assigned area Quickly understand a range of complex and diverse business issues and understand and advise on the communications implications Escalate issues which represent a significant risk to ACC to the Account Manager Assist the Account Manager to apply effective processes to identify risk, and strategies to manage that risk Escalate issues that could seriously impact on ACC’s reputation     Brand management   Relationship management      People leadership Accident Compensation Corporation  Protect and enhance the ACC brand, ensuring it is applied appropriately and consistently Ensure that key messages are well understood and consistently applied throughout ACC communications Partner and collaborate with other functions across the organisation Build strong relationships with managers and staff within the assigned area Develop strong networks in the communication sector Understand needs, operating contexts, and problems/issues of audiences and stakeholders Understand and identify potential opportunities, solutions and assistance for internal customers Identify opportunities and risks, and apply effective forward thinking in a constantly changing environment Page 2 of 4 BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCY FOCUS AREAS Customer Focus Level 2 Demonstrating Customer Focus is about acting with the customer in mind (internal or external) and ensuring the customer is at the centre of everything we do Builds effective customer relationships       Establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect Makes self available especially when the customer is going through a difficult period Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of customers and internal stakeholders Gives detailed reasons for providing or declining certain services in a manner that maintains positive relationships Handles difficult customers tactfully and with respect Takes proactive steps to ensure the privacy of customer information and makes suggestions for process improvements Motivation to Achieve Level 2 Motivation to Achieve is about being action-oriented and responding positively to challenges and opportunities Sets challenging objectives and overcomes obstacles         Accident Compensation Corporation Delivers on assigned objectives and strives to overcome obstacles or setbacks Proposes new and innovative ways of achieving outcomes Has a “can do” attitude – taking on new challenges and making the most of opportunities Plans and prioritises work, and tracks delivery to meet objectives Is action oriented to get results and pursues all tasks with energy and drive Challenges colleagues and managers in a constructive way and accepts decisions made in the organisations best interests Seldom gives up before finishing especially in the face of resistance or setbacks Sets challenging objectives for themselves and others where appropriate– ones that are a stretch but are not unrealistic or impossible Page 3 of 4 Teamwork Level 2 Teamwork is about working together constructively and putting the team ahead of individual success Builds a cohesive team environment           Acknowledges the value of others' contributions; celebrates and communicates the success of others Avoids “reinventing the wheel” and uses networks to achieve goals Makes a conscious effort to understand other points of view and engages in constructive dialogue Gives constructive feedback to team members Sets a positive example by contributing to team discussions in a constructive manner (recognising that some people find speaking in a group more difficult than others) Accepts responsibility for team results Resolves conflict in a timely manner that is respectful of differing viewpoints and ensures that teamwork and trust is maintained Is clear about roles and responsibilities in the team Is aware of own behaviours and how they impact on others Is committed to building 'One ACC' ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS             Communications experience in a large and complex corporate/government organisation Proven experience in effective implementation of communications strategies and plans, programmes and initiatives Experience in providing proactive communications advice to managers and staff Qualification in journalism, communications or related field High level of interpersonal, relationship management and networking skills Superior communications (written and oral) and presentation skills, using a variety of writing skills and styles Strong customer service orientation Excellent problem solving and analytical skills Political savvy and understanding of the machinery of government Flexible, agile and resilient in a fast-paced and quickly changing environment Able to handle highly sensitive and confidential information related to strategy, risk and issues management Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple competing deadlines Accident Compensation Corporation Page 4 of 4