Principal Policy Analyst Workforce Strategy and Policy

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness allowance after 12 months

Job summary

New Zealand Government, based in Wellington, is seeking a senior policy leader to shape the health workforce strategy. You will guide Ministers with evidence-informed advice and oversee major policy projects to ensure a sustainable, accessible health system for all New Zealanders.

Based in Wellington, you will work with senior stakeholders, mentor team members, and drive education, immigration, and workforce planning settings to meet current and future health system needs.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience developing policy and strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, tailoring advice for different audiences.
• Strong relationship management and collaborative stakeholder engagement.
• Experience leading policy projects and mentoring colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy projects and major programmes within the health workforce portfolio.
• Shape and deliver strategic policy agenda in collaboration with the Manager.
• Influence workforce issues through engagement with senior stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop the capability of the policy team.

Skills

Policy development

Analytical thinking

Written & verbal communication

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership & mentoring

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

Wellington based | Permanent | Full-timeWellness allowance after 12 monthsMidpoint of $156,054 dependent on experienceWhat you'll do - Ko tou ake mahiHelp 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 agendaLead policy projects and significant programmes of workInfluence workforce issues through effective engagement and communication with senior stakeholdersEnhance the overall capability of the team through guiding and mentoring'What you'll bring - Ko nga pukenga ouA relevant tertiary qualificationExtensive 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 MinistryAs 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 pehea te tono maiApplications 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] 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.