Senior Advisor

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 92,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4.4 weeks annual leave

Wellness allowance after 12 months

Job summary

The New Zealand Government is seeking a Senior Advisor in the Determinants of Health team within the Public Health Agency and Ministry of Health. You will provide high‑quality policy advice and lead major initiatives to improve health outcomes for New Zealanders.

You will develop strategies, build influential relationships across the health system, and mentor colleagues while ensuring rigorous decision-making supports for Ministers and senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in policy, strategy, advisory or related roles within complex environments.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Proven experience leading complex projects, work programmes or policy initiatives.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, including providing clear advice to Ministers and senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic advice: Develop high-quality policy advice, briefings, strategies and recommendations for Ministers and senior leaders, providing clear analysis of complex issues, risks and opportunities.
• Lead complex work programmes: Deliver significant projects and initiatives aligned with organisational priorities, including developing monitoring, evaluation and reporting approaches.
• Build relationships and influence: Develop influential relationships across the Ministry, health sector and government, and represent the Ministry in cross-agency forums, consultations and stakeholder engagements.
• Strengthen capability and quality: Coach and mentor others, provide quality assurance of advice, and strengthen processes, tools and frameworks to support effective delivery and continuous improvement.

Skills

Policy analysis

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Project leadership

Analytical thinking

Job description

Wellington based | Permanent | Full-time4.4 weeks annual leave | Wellness allowance after 12 monthsMidpoint of $108,452.00 dependent on experienceWhat you'll do - Ko tou ake mahiThe Determinants of Health team sits within the Public Health Agency and Mental Health Group, supporting the Ministry's work across public health and mental health. As a Senior Advisor, you'll provide high-quality advice and leadership across key work programmes, using your strategic, analytical and subject matter expertise to help inform decision-making. You'll lead complex initiatives, build influential relationships and work collaboratively across the Ministry and wider health system to support better and more equitable health outcomes for New Zealanders.Lead strategic advice: Develop high-quality policy advice, briefings, strategies and recommendations for Ministers and senior leaders, providing clear analysis of complex issues, risks and opportunities.Lead complex work programmes: Deliver significant projects and initiatives aligned with organisational priorities, including developing monitoring, evaluation and reporting approaches.Build relationships and influence: Develop influential relationships across the Ministry, health sector and government, and represent the Ministry in cross-agency forums, consultations and stakeholder engagements.Strengthen capability and quality: Coach and mentor others, provide quality assurance of advice, and strengthen processes, tools and frameworks to support effective delivery and continuous improvementWhat you'll bring - Ko nga pukenga ouSignificant experience in policy, strategy, advisory or related roles within complex environments.Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to develop evidence-based recommendations.Proven experience leading complex projects, work programmes or policy initiatives.Excellent communication and influencing skills, including providing clear advice to Ministers and senior leaders.Strong understanding of public sector decision-making and machinery of government, with sound judgement and relationship-management skills.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 Thursday 5th November 2026Click 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.