Principal Policy Analyst - Primary and Community Health Policy at Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

01 Jun, 26

Salary

153748.0

Posted On

03 Mar, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Policy Analysis, Evidence-Based Advice, Strategic Thinking, Intellectual Leadership, Equity, Te Tiriti O Waitangi Obligations, Policy Design, Impact Analysis, Risk Management, Evaluation, Peer Review, Coaching, Stakeholder Influencing, Briefing Ministers, Work Programme Management, Political Judgement

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Wellington based | Permanent | Full-time Shape national health policy, influence, and deliver advice that improves lives. Midpoint of $153,748 dependent on experience Ko tōu ake mahi - What you’ll do As a Principal Policy Analyst, you’ll operate at the forefront of a complex and fast‑moving policy environment, providing trusted, evidence‑based advice that influences government decision‑making. You’ll be recognised as an exemplar of quality policy practice, bringing strategic thinking, intellectual leadership and a strong commitment to equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations. Working collaboratively across the Ministry and the wider health system, you’ll help turn complex issues into clear, practical and durable policy solutions. Turn complex health issues into clear decisions by shaping sharp, evidence‑led advice for Ministers and senior leaders across policy papers, briefings, guidance and legislative work. Lead end‑to‑end policy design—framing problems, testing options, and applying robust impact analysis (regulatory, health and cost‑benefit) through to implementation planning, risk management and evaluation. Drive delivery across priority programmes by setting direction, planning intelligently, and steering work so it lands on time, is fit‑for‑purpose, and stands up in a high‑pressure environment. Lift the standard of policy practice—providing expert peer review, spotting what needs strengthening, and embedding continuous improvement in the quality and consistency of advice. Strengthen people and partnerships through coaching and deep analytical support, building trusted relationships across the Ministry and sector, and ensuring equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations are reflected in every piece of work. Ko ngā pūkenga ōu - What you’ll bring A relevant tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience) with a strong grounding in health or public policy Proven experience designing and applying robust analytical approaches to inform policy decisions A strong track record developing policy, influencing stakeholders, and briefing Ministers and senior leaders Demonstrated ability to design and manage work programmes, delivering complex work on time and within budget Sound political judgement and awareness of government priorities, with quantitative and modelling skills (including Excel) as an advantage 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 Tuesday 17th March. Please note that you must be based in Wellington and have permanent working rights to be eligible for this position. If you plan on relocating then please outline this in your cover letter. Click here to view the position description and apply. 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

The Principal Policy Analyst will operate at the forefront of the policy environment, providing trusted, evidence-based advice to influence government decision-making and shape national health policy. Responsibilities include leading end-to-end policy design, driving delivery across priority programmes, and strengthening policy practice through review and coaching.