Principal Policy Analyst Workforce Strategy and Policy

Marketplace; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness allowance after 12 months

Job summary

The Ministry of Health in Wellington is seeking a Principal Policy Analyst to lead the Workforce Policy and Strategy team. You will shape evidence-informed policy advice for Ministers to address health workforce challenges and ensure a sustainable, accessible health system.

You will work with senior stakeholders, guide complex policy projects, and mentor colleagues while based in Wellington in a permanent full-time role within a collaborative, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification.
• Extensive experience developing policy and strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including tailoring advice for different audiences.
• Strong relationship management skills and a collaborative approach with stakeholders.
• Experience leading policy projects and coaching/mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Manager to shape and deliver the strategic policy agenda.
• Lead policy projects and significant programmes of work.
• Influence workforce issues through effective engagement and communication with senior stakeholders.
• Enhance the overall capability of the team through guiding and mentoring.

Skills

Policy development

Analytical thinking

Written and verbal communication

Stakeholder management

Mentoring/leadership

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

# Principal Policy Analyst Workforce Strategy and Policy at Ministry of Health, Wellington## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* Wellington based | Permanent | Full-time* Wellness allowance after 12 months* Midpoint of $156,054 dependent on experience**What you'll do - Ko tōu ake mahi**Help shape the future of New Zealand's health workforce. The Workforce Policy and Strategy team is part of the Strategy and Policy Group, and leads the development of policy advice that supports a sustainable, accessible, and responsive health system for all New Zealanders. You'll be responsible for leading the development evidence-informed advice for Ministers that seeks to manage health workforce challenges so that New Zealand has the workforce to meet the needs of the health system today and in the future. Our work programme includes driving improvement in education, training, immigration, employment and planning settings for the health workforce. Based in Wellington, this is an opportunity to work on complex and high-impact issues that matter.* Work with the Manager to shape and deliver the strategic policy agenda* Lead policy projects and significant programmes of work* Influence workforce issues through effective engagement and communication with senior stakeholders* Enhance the overall capability of the team through guiding and mentoring'**What you'll bring - Ko ngā pūkenga ōu*** A relevant tertiary qualification* Extensive experience developing policy and strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess complex information and develop practical solutions.* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor advice for different audiences.* Strong relationship management skills and a collaborative approach to working with stakeholders.* Experience leading others in policy projects and experience coaching and mentoring.**About the Ministry** As the Government's lead advisor on health, we help shape the future of New Zealand's health system through policy, regulation and monitoring. Join a team that makes a real difference to the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders while working in a supportive, inclusive environment that values wellbeing, growth and development. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to an accessible and respectful recruitment process. **How to apply - Me pēhea te tono mai**Applications close Midnight Wednesday 25 November 2026. Click here to view the position description. Please follow the online process at our Careers Website to apply. Please ensure you upload a CV and covering letter with all applications. If you have any questions, email the recruitment team at [e-mail]. Please note: We are reviewing applications as they come in and interviews may take place during the advertising period. Please note if we receive a high number of applications this job may close prior to the closing date.## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Ministry of Health || Location: | Wellington || Position type: | Ongoing - Full Time || Category: | || Date listed: | 04-Nov-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 18-Nov-2026 || Reference: | JR100923\\_1793754287 || Attachment: | No File Attached || File links: | || Website: | |Note: You may be redirected to the employer's careers website.