Senior Advisor Polynesian Health Corridors Programme (Fixed term)

Ministry of Health New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 92,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Health New Zealand is seeking a Senior Advisor in the Polynesian Health Corridors programme, a fixed-term role based in Wellington until April 2027. You will lead priority projects, strengthen programme delivery frameworks, and provide strategic advice to partner countries across the Pacific.

You’ll collaborate with leadership, coach team members, and build capability while embedding stronger systems and ways of working to improve health outcomes through the Pacific initiatives.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading complex programmes or projects, including planning, risk management, monitoring, and reporting.
• Experience guiding programme improvements and process development.
• Strong collaboration across diverse teams and partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice and leadership to support the delivery of health programmes across Polynesian partner countries.
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of programme processes, tools, and risk management frameworks.
• Support the establishment and delivery of new projects and initiatives, collaborating with teams across the Ministry.
• Coach and mentor team members to build programme management capability and strengthen delivery outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Programme leadership

Strategic thinking

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring

Relationship building

Communication

Education

PRINCE2/MSP/PMP/Agile certification

Job description

• Team in Polynesian Health Corridors Programme


• Fixed term until April 2027| Wellington based


• Lead priority projects, strengthen programme delivery frameworks


• Midpoint of $108,452, dependent on experience

What you’ll do - Ko tōu ake mahi

As a Senior Advisor within the Programme Management pillar of the Polynesian Health Corridors programme, you will play a key role in strengthening programme delivery across partnerships with Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Tokelau, Niue, and the Cook Islands. Working closely with programme leadership, you'll provide strategic advice, lead priority projects, enhance programme frameworks, and build team capability. This six-month fixed-term opportunity focuses on programme planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement, helping embed stronger systems and ways of working while supporting the successful delivery of initiatives that improve health outcomes across the Pacific.

• Provide strategic advice and leadership to support the delivery of health programmes across Polynesian partner countries


• Lead the development and continuous improvement of programme processes, tools, and risk management frameworks


• Support the establishment and delivery of new projects and initiatives, collaborating with teams across the Ministry


• Coach and mentor team members to build programme management capability and strengthen delivery outcomes


• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders

What you’ll bring - Ko ngā pūkenga ōu

• Proven experience leading complex programmes or projects, including planning, risk management, monitoring, and reporting


• Ideally a programme and project management qualification such as PRINCE2, MSP, PMP, Agile, or similar


• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to provide sound advice and develop effective solutions


• Excellent written communication skills, with experience preparing high-quality documentation for senior leaders and stakeholders


• Strong relationship-building and cultural capability, with the ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholders and partner organisations


• Experience mentoring others, driving continuous improvement, and establishing robust processes to support successful delivery.

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.

Applications close midnight Tuesday 22 September.

To be eligible for this position you must be based in Wellington and have full time working rights for the duration of this fixed term.

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.