Principal Health Policy Lead Influence Ministers

Ministry of Health New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness allowance

Job summary

Ministry of Health New Zealand in Wellington seeks a Principal Policy Analyst to lead complex policy work, shaping access to health services and medicines, and to advise Ministers. You will work across Health NZ, Pharmac and other agencies, bringing strategic thinking and sound judgement.

Based in Wellington, this role offers an opportunity to influence policy directions that affect patients and whānau, while supporting analysts to deliver high-quality, evidence-informed advice.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience developing policy and strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to assess complex information and develop practical solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication tailored for diverse audiences.
• Strong relationship management and collaborative stakeholder engagement.
• Experience leading policy projects and coaching teammates.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex policy projects and cross-agency programmes.
• Deliver clear, evidence-informed advice to Ministers and senior decision-makers.
• Shape the team’s strategic policy agenda and anticipate risks and opportunities.
• Build trusted relationships across government, health sector and external groups.
• Coach and mentor analysts to raise analytic quality and impact.
• Champion analytical excellence, equity and Treaty of Waitangi obligations.

Skills

Policy development

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership & mentoring

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Ministry of Health New Zealand in Wellington seeks a Principal Policy Analyst to lead complex policy work, shaping access to health services and medicines, and to advise Ministers. You will work across Health NZ, Pharmac and other agencies, bringing strategic thinking and sound judgement.

Based in Wellington, this role offers an opportunity to influence policy directions that affect patients and whānau, while supporting analysts to deliver high-quality, evidence-informed advice.