Principal Advisor - Planning, Funding and Outcomes

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking a Principal Advisor – HSS Funding and National Contracts to provide strategic leadership across a complex national programme. You will help shape planning, funding and contracting approaches that support equitable healthcare delivery for all New Zealanders.

You will work with senior leaders, regional teams, and experts to develop integrated, evidence-based advice and to influence policy and programme delivery at scale. Hybrid Wellington role.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in the health sector with publicly funded systems.
• Expertise in planning and funding for secondary/tertiary health services.
• Proven leadership of large, complex programmes in dynamic environments.
• Strong strategic thinking and systems leadership capability.
• Excellent communication for senior leaders and executives.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of integrated, evidence-based advice for senior leaders.
• Provide strategic leadership across funding allocations and national contracts.
• Collaborate with regional teams and subject matter experts to shape planning.
• Influence national decision-making to improve equitable health outcomes.
• Support organisational capability through cross-team collaboration.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Systems thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Leadership

Job description

# Principal Advisor - Planning, Funding and Outcomes at Te Whatu Ora, Wellington## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* **Based in Wellington, Permanent Full-time with a hybrid model – 4 days in the office*** **Influence nationally significant health funding and contracting programmes*** **Join a highly strategic and collaborative team where your expertise, leadership and systems thinking**Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders.We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations — from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.**About the Role**As a Principal Advisor – HSS Funding and National Contracts, you will work alongside the Group Manager HSS Funding and National Contracts to provide strategic leadership and expert advice across a complex and high-profile programme of work including regional funding allocations, the planned care programme of work and system level planning. This is an opportunity to operate at system level, helping shape planning, funding and contracting approaches that support sustainable and equitable healthcare delivery across New Zealand.You will lead the development of integrated, evidence-based advice for senior leaders and executive stakeholders while bringing insights from across the health sector and other jurisdictions to improve outcomes. Working closely with programme leads, regional teams, subject matter experts and senior leadership, you will champion collaboration, innovation and system-wide thinking to strengthen programme delivery and organisational capability.This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making, navigate complex challenges, and contribute to nationally important work that supports better health outcomes for all New Zealanders.**About the Team and Location**The HSS Funding and National Contracts team sits within Planning, Funding and Outcomes and plays a critical role in supporting the delivery of effective, equitable and sustainable health services across the motu. The team works collaboratively across Health NZ, including with regional teams, Hauora Māori Services, Pacific Health and wider government stakeholders to ensure funding and contracting approaches align with national priorities and community needs.You will join a highly experienced and collaborative team environment that values strategic thinking, innovation, partnership and continuous improvement.**About you**You will be a highly experienced health sector professional with deep expertise in planning and funding within publicly funded health systems. You will bring strong strategic capability, systems thinking and the ability to work confidently across complex stakeholder environments while balancing operational realities with long-term outcomes. You will bring:**You will bring:*** 10+ years' experience within the health sector, including significant experience in publicly funded health systems* Demonstrated expertise in planning and funding, particularly across secondary and tertiary healthcare services* Proven experience leading and delivering large, complex programmes of work in dynamic environments* Strong strategic thinking and systems leadership capability, with the ability to analyse complex issues and develop effective solutions* Excellent communication skills, including experience preparing high-quality advice for senior leaders and executive stakeholders* Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence across diverse groups* A demonstrated understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and experience applying Te Tiriti principles in practice* A collaborative and adaptable approach, with strong judgement, integrity and the ability to work effectively across teams and organisations**Working at Health New Zealand**Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.**How to Apply**To apply, please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by **11:59PM Sunday, 04 October 2026**. For further information, please contact Jenita Spencer on [e-mail].***The full position description is available on the Health New Zealand Careers site******We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.***## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Te Whatu Ora || Location: | Wellington || Position type: | Permanent Full time || Category: | Health || Date listed: | 29-Sep-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 04-Oct-2026 || Reference: | HNZ/1946482 || Attachment: | 1946482 PD Principal Advisor.pdf (PDF, 329KB)Job Description |