Chief Advisor at Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

01 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

03 Mar, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Advice, Policy Development, Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement, Issue Resolution, Governance, Risk Judgement, Cultural Competence, Relationship Building, Influencing, Regulatory Issues, Public Sector Decision-Making

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Wellington based | Full-time | Permanent 4.4 weeks annual leave | Wellness allowance after 12 months Side‑by‑side with executive leadership Ko tōu ake mahi - What you’ll do This is a pivotal role at the centre of the Ministry’s strategic engine. As Chief Advisor to the Deputy Director-General Strategy and Policy, you’ll be a trusted partner, providing sharp, future‑focused advice, maintaining momentum on priority work, and helping shape and drive the direction and performance of the Group. You’ll operate with influence across the Ministry and wider system, representing the DDG as required, leading complex pieces of work, managing and resolving issues as needed, and ensuring the Ministry delivers high‑quality policy advice that supports Government priorities now and into the future. Advise and support the DDG on strategy, leadership, and the ongoing development of the Group across its functions (strategy, policy, evidence and research, and clinical leadership), ensuring sustained focus on priorities and future capability. Lead and deliver priority programmes and projects, providing strategic and tactical leadership to progress Government and Ministry objectives through high‑quality advice. Represent the DDG and the Ministry across cross‑agency, executive‑level, parliamentary, and international forums, exercising sound judgement and delegated authority. Strengthen policy quality and governance, supporting the DDG in their role as Head of the Policy Profession and lifting policy practice across the Ministry. Build strong relationships and resolve complex issues, working collaboratively across the Group, Ministry, and system while modelling Ministry values and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations. Ko ngā pukenga ōu - What You'll Bring A relevant tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience) with strong grounding in policy environments. Significant experience advising on complex policy and regulatory issues, with deep knowledge of legislation, governance, and public sector decision‑making. Proven senior leadership capability, influencing at a strategic level and delivering outcomes across large, complex organisations, including people and functional leadership experience. Exceptional relationship‑building, communication, and influencing skills, with the credibility to engage senior leaders, Ministers, and cross‑agency partners. Strategic, innovative, and values‑led leadership, with strong risk judgement, delivery discipline, and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and cultural competence. Ngā hua o tō mātou whare - What we bring Discover a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth. We're not just a workplace; we're a whanau that values your well-being and the importance of work-life balance. At Manatū Hauora, we value the authentic ‘you’, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective matters. Your wellness is our priority, with comprehensive support and resources to keep you thriving. Join us today and be part of a team dedicated to improving healthcare. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings. Please contact us if you require any support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible. Me pēhea te tono mai - How to apply Applications close on Wednesday 18th March. View the position description here and please follow the online process at our Careers Website to apply. Please ensure you upload a CV and covering letter with all applications. If you have any questions, email the recruitment team at recruitment@health.govt.nz. The Ministry of Health is steward of the New Zealand health system and the lead advisor to Government on health. Our overarching goal is for all New Zealanders to live longer and in better health to have an improved quality of life. As steward, we set the direction across the health system so we and others can make informed decisions and prioritise resources accordingly. We advise the Government on health policy, and regulate and monitor the health system, to ensure all New Zealanders have access to health care for better health outcomes. Our role is to create an environment where all New Zealanders are supported to stay well and where all parts of the health system are supported to operate at their best.

Responsibilities

This pivotal role involves providing sharp, future-focused advice to the Deputy Director-General Strategy and Policy, shaping the direction and performance of the Group, and leading complex strategic work. Responsibilities include advising on strategy and policy, representing leadership in various forums, strengthening policy quality, and building collaborative relationships across the system.