Principal Advisor - Ethics at Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

31 May, 26

Salary

143052.0

Posted On

02 Mar, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Ethics Advice, Policy Shaping, Work Programme Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement, Coaching, Mentoring, Quality Assurance, Legislative Compliance, Treaty Obligations, Influencing, Change Leadership, Analytical Capability, Advisory Capability, Communication Capability

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Wellington based | Full-time | Permanent 4.4 weeks annual leave | Wellness allowance after 12 months Lead trusted ethics advice on complex, national health issues Midpoint of $143,052, dependent on experience Ko tōu ake mahi - What you’ll do This is a high‑impact Principal Advisor role at the centre of complex and sensitive decision‑making across health, disability and reproductive technology ethics. As Principal Advisor, you will provide trusted, high‑quality advice to Ministers, ethics committees and the wider sector, helping shape ethically sound policy and practice across Aotearoa. You will lead significant work programmes, influence system‑wide approaches, and strengthen ethical capability while ensuring equity, legislative compliance and Treaty obligations are embedded in everything you do. Provide senior ethics advice and thought leadership to support Ministers, ethics committees and the sector, informing strategic decision‑making and the delivery of Government and Ministry priorities. Lead and coordinate complex work programmes and projects, ensuring alignment across the Ministry, ethics committees, government agencies and the wider health and disability sector. Build strong, effective relationships and communications, engaging stakeholders through a range of channels and representing Ethics and the Ministry nationally and internationally as required. Strengthen capability and quality across the team, providing coaching, mentoring, quality assurance and continuous improvement advice in day‑to‑day work. Ensure robust, equitable and compliant practice, embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and equity priorities while ensuring all work meets legislative, policy and ethical guideline requirements and reflects best practice. Ko ngā pūkenga ōu - What you’ll bring A postgraduate qualification (Master’s or equivalent) in ethics, philosophy or a related field. Strong understanding of the machinery of government and key issues across the New Zealand health and disability sector. Proven experience leading complex, high‑profile and sensitive work programmes, with strong influencing and change leadership skills. Excellent analytical, advisory and communication capability, able to translate complex technical issues for diverse audiences under pressure. Demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, partnership with Māori, and building effective relationships across the Ministry and the wider sector. 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 Sunday 15th March. Please note, you must have the right to work in a full time, permanent position in NZ, and be based in Wellington to be eligible for this position. Click here view the position description. 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 high-impact role involves providing trusted, high-quality ethics advice to Ministers, ethics committees, and the wider sector to shape ethically sound policy and practice across Aotearoa. Responsibilities include leading significant work programmes, influencing system-wide approaches, and strengthening ethical capability while embedding equity and legislative compliance.