Chief Advisor, Pae Ora: Health Equity & Policy

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 168,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government in Wellington is seeking a Chief Advisor - Pae Ora to influence national health policy, strategy, and system transformation at the highest levels. You will lead strategic leadership and provide expert advice to strengthen policy, strategy and data insights to address health needs, with a focus on improving Māori health outcomes.

Working alongside health sector partners and stakeholders, you will help create programmes, tools and approaches that drive system change to

Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience developing policy, strategy, or programmes that achieve meaningful outcomes for Māori and other population groups.
• Deep understanding of the New Zealand health and disability system, including Māori health priorities, equity challenges, and emerging issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and experience working in partnership with groups to achieve lasting system change.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and systems-thinking skills, with the ability to navigate complexity, create evidence-based advice and provide influential guidance.
• Exceptional relationship management, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills, with experience working across government, the health sector, and Māori communities.

Responsibilities

• provide strategic leadership, expert advice, and thought leadership to address health need
• facilitate initiatives to influence and build organisational capability to address health need
• lead cross-sector work that supports the monitoring, evaluation and delivery of Whiria te Ora, the Māori Health Strategy 2026

Skills

Strategic leadership

Policy development

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Job description

New Zealand Government in Wellington is seeking a Chief Advisor - Pae Ora to influence national health policy, strategy, and system transformation at the highest levels. You will lead strategic leadership and provide expert advice to strengthen policy, strategy and data insights to address health needs, with a focus on improving Māori health outcomes.

Working alongside health sector partners and stakeholders, you will help create programmes, tools and approaches that drive system change to