Vacancies on the Ethics Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ECAR at Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora

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Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

26 Feb, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

28 Nov, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Communication Skills, Consensus Building, Ethics Review, Assisted Reproductive Procedures, Human Reproductive Research, Governance Experience, Regulatory Experience, Strategic Leadership

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Vacancies on the Ethics Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ECART) The Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora (the Ministry) is seeking candidates who wish to be considered for appointment to the Ethics Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ECART). ECART is established under section 27 of the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2004 (the HART Act). Its purpose is to consider, determine and review applications for assisted reproductive procedures or human reproductive research. About the role | Kōrero mō te tūranga Being a member of the Committee is rewarding and challenging. An ability to work objectively across a range of relevant perspectives and not adopt a narrow advocacy position is required of all members. Members are also expected to demonstrate open and responsive communication skills, with an ability to reach consensus when different points of views are shared. Appointments to the Committee are made by Associate Minister of Health, Hon Matt Doocey, typically for a term of three years. Members can be reappointed for a second term and serve up to six consecutive years. The Ministry recognises that diversity enables our boards and councils to be high-performing and is committed to delivering greater diversity to statutory boards and ensuring they represent the diversity in New Zealand's population, including gender, ethnicity, disability, age and geographic location. The Ministry encourages people from all backgrounds, especially those who can reflect the needs, values, and beliefs of Māori, have an understanding and are committed to meeting obligations of the Treaty of Waitangi, to apply for these roles. Having diverse membership on ECART is particularly important, as Committee decisions affect whether New Zealanders from various background are able to start or expand their families. ECART members meet every two months and candidates are encouraged to apply for ECART regardless of location. The Committee meets online via zoom and, occasionally in-person in Wellington. Travel costs are covered for members. About you | Kōrero mōu For all applicants, governance and/or regulatory experience is a plus but not required. It is beneficial if you have the ability to lead strategically, and to balance competing demands. An ability to work objectively across a range of relevant perspectives and not adopt a narrow advocacy position is required of all members. Members are also expected to demonstrate open and responsive communication skills, with an ability to reach consensus when different points of view are shared. Members are expected to develop a strong working knowledge of the HART Act 2004, and in particular, the guiding principles for ECART; and be able to apply legislation and regulations in ethics review of applications. You will need to have computer access and skills, as applications are lodged, assigned and viewed online. Strong internet connections are necessary as the majority of committee meetings are undertaken via video conferencing. Required skills and attributes for non-lay candidates include: Expertise in assisted reproductive procedures Expertise in human reproductive research In this instance a non-lay member is defined as health practitioners, professionals, academics and those involved in health research as well as clinical practice, businesses or organisations. Required skills and attributes for lay candidates include: expertise in law, with medico-legal experience be able to represent community and consumer interests As defined by the attached terms of reference a lay person is a person who, at no time during the persons membership of ECART or in the 3 years before becoming a member of ECART: is a health practitioner within the meaning of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003; or is involved in health research; or is employed by or associated with, or has a pecuniary interest in, a provider. How to apply | Me pēhea te tono Applications must be made using the Ministry of Health online Career Centre by close of business 19 December 2025 and include: a covering letter, and a current CV. Due diligence checks will be undertaken for shortlisted applicants. Your personal information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. The Ministry may also request that the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service conduct national security screening of you as part of the appointment process. The appointment process can be lengthy, taking 6 to 12 months. Your patience and professionalism as we work through the next steps is appreciated. The outcome of the recruitment process for this Committee will be confirmed after it has been considered by the Minister as per their delegated authority. Who we are | Ko wai mātou See the Ministry of Health Board appointments webpage for more information. If you would like to obtain further information or clarification, or if your circumstances change or should you wish to withdraw your application, please contact the Statutory Appointments and Integrity Services team by emailing: appointments@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

Members of ECART consider, determine, and review applications for assisted reproductive procedures or human reproductive research. They are expected to work objectively and communicate effectively to reach consensus on various viewpoints.