Senior Advisor Health Security

Ministry of Health New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Health New Zealand is seeking a senior public health professional to lead the Nurse Vaccinator Pathway rollout and support partners to strengthen immunisation capability.

Based in Wellington, this full-time fixed-term role delivers expert health security advice, designs initiatives to reduce vaccine-preventable diseases, and manages stakeholder engagement, procurement, contracts, monitoring and evaluation.

Qualifications

• Strong nursing, immunisation, or public health experience, supported by relevant qualifications.
• Experience leading public health programmes or initiatives from design through to delivery.
• Knowledge of Polynesian health priorities and the links between Pacific nations and Pasifika communities in NZ.
• Experience providing high-quality advice, applying sound judgement, and working effectively with stakeholders.
• Strong communication, relationship management, and organisational skills; able to think strategically and deliver results in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Nurse Vaccinator Pathway rollout and support partner countries to strengthen immunisation capability and workforce development.
• Provide expert health security advice and lead the design and delivery of initiatives focused on vaccine-preventable diseases across Polynesian countries.
• Manage and oversee programme activities, including stakeholder engagement, procurement, contract management, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation.
• Build strong relationships with country partners, government agencies, health sector stakeholders, and Pacific communities to support successful programme delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement by contributing to planning, processes, tools, and frameworks that support the effective delivery of the Health Security work programme.

Skills

Nursing experience

Immunisation

Public health

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Education

Nursing qualification

Public health qualification

Job description

• Improve preparedness and response to vaccine-preventable diseases
• Midpoint of $108,452 dependent on experience

• Wellington based | Full-time
• Fixed term until 30 June 2029
• Improve preparedness and response to vaccine-preventable diseases
• Midpoint of $108,452 dependent on experience

Ko tōu ake mahi - What you’ll do

• Lead the Nurse Vaccinator Pathway rollout and support partner countries to strengthen immunisation capability and workforce development.
• Provide expert health security advice and lead the design and delivery of initiatives focused on vaccine-preventable diseases across Polynesian countries.
• Manage and oversee programme activities, including stakeholder engagement, procurement, contract management, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation.
• Build strong relationships with country partners, government agencies, health sector stakeholders, and Pacific communities to support successful programme delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement by contributing to planning, processes, tools, and frameworks that support the effective delivery of the Health Security work programme.

Ko ngā pūkenga ōu - What you’ll bring

• Strong nursing, immunisation, or public health experience, supported by relevant qualifications.
• Experience leading public health programmes or initiatives from design through to delivery.
• Knowledge of Polynesian health priorities and the links between Pacific nations and Pasifika communities in New Zealand.
• Experience providing high-quality advice, applying sound judgement, and working effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong communication, relationship management, and organisational skills, with the ability to think strategically and deliver results in a complex environment.

Ngā hua o tō mātou whare - What we bring

Discover a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth. We're not just a workplace; we're a whanau that values your well-being and the importance of work-life balance. At Manatū Hauora, we value the authentic ‘you’, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective matters. Your wellness is our priority, with comprehensive support and resources to keep you thriving. Join us today and be part of a team dedicated to improving healthcare.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings. Please contact us if you require any support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible.

Applications close Midnight Monday 21 September 2026.

Please note: To be eligible for this position, you will be based in Wellington and have full time working rights for the duration of the contract term.