Policy Lead, Primary & Community Health

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

New Zealand Government is seeking a Manager, Primary and Community Care Policy to lead strategic policy advice shaping primary care and health system settings in Aotearoa. You will influence funding, incentives and policy frameworks, while building strong relationships with Ministers, senior officials and stakeholders in a complex, fast‑moving environment.

You will lead a policy team, ensure delivery of high‑quality briefings, and champion equity and Te Tiriti obligations across programmes that

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading policy advice on complex issues.
• Strong systems thinking and analytical capability to understand funding and incentives.
• Proven ability to influence Ministers and senior leaders with high‑quality advice.
• Excellent relationship management and cross‑government collaboration skills.
• Experience leading teams and building capability in a policy context.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with delivery and risk management.
• Strong judgement and political awareness for challenging issues.
• Commitment to equity, partnership, and long‑term system sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of strategic policy advice to strengthen primary and community care and improve health outcomes.
• Shape system settings, funding arrangements, incentives, and policy frameworks across the health system.
• Build trusted relationships with Ministers, senior officials, sector leaders, providers, iwi, and communities.
• Lead the preparation of briefings, Cabinet papers, and advice for Ministers and senior leaders on complex policy issues.
• Oversee delivery and implementation of complex policy programmes with evidence‑based, practical advice.
• Champion equitable outcomes and ensure policy solutions reflect diverse populations' needs.
• Lead and develop a policy team, fostering collaboration, rigour, learning, and high‑quality advisory delivery.
• Champion equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations within a culture of inclusion and excellence.

Skills

Policy leadership

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Execution focus

Political acumen

Equity focus

Job description

New Zealand Government is seeking a Manager, Primary and Community Care Policy to lead strategic policy advice shaping primary care and health system settings in Aotearoa. You will influence funding, incentives and policy frameworks, while building strong relationships with Ministers, senior officials and stakeholders in a complex, fast‑moving environment.

You will lead a policy team, ensure delivery of high‑quality briefings, and champion equity and Te Tiriti obligations across programmes that