Senior Advisor Polynesian Health Corridors Programme until July 2029

Ministry of Health New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 98,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Health New Zealand in Wellington is seeking a Wellington-based, full-time leader to drive strategic health programmes across Polynesia, supporting the Polynesian Health Corridors and partnerships with six Pacific nations.

You will provide strategic leadership across workstreams, oversee procurement and contract management, mentor staff, and strengthen programme performance through stakeholder engagement. This fixed-term role runs until July 2029.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading complex projects or programmes.
• Experience with planning, risk management, monitoring and reporting.
• Procurement and contract management experience preferred.
• Experience in international development context is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of complex projects, ensuring strategic advice and reporting.
• Mentor team members and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide procurement and contract management leadership with risk management.
• Build trusted relationships with government and Pacific partners to achieve outcomes.
• Translate technical information into clear recommendations for senior decision makers.

Skills

Leadership

Procurement

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Mentoring

Communication

Job description

• Wellington based | Full-time
• Fixed term until July 2029
• Strategic leadership, influence, and high-quality delivery
• Midpoint of $108,452 dependent on experience

Ko tōu ake mahi - What you’ll do

Lead work that delivers real health outcomes across Polynesia, supporting the Polynesian Health Corridors programme and partnerships with six Polynesian countries. You'll provide strategic leadership across programmes and workstreams, influence key decisions, and drive high-quality delivery through effective procurement, contract management, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement. This role offers broad exposure across programme delivery activities while helping build team capability and strengthen programme performance.

• Lead the development and delivery of complex projects and programmes, providing strategic advice, planning, monitoring, and reporting to ensure successful outcomes.
• Champion best practice by mentoring and coaching, building capability within the team, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide procurement and contract management leadership, ensuring compliance with government procurement rules, internal process and effective risk management.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies and Pacific partners, to achieve shared outcomes.
• Analyse complex information and develop high-quality advice, translating technical issues into clear, actionable recommendations communications and briefings for a range of audiences including senior decision makers.

Ko ngā pūkenga ōu - What you’ll bring

• Proven experience leading complex projects, programmes, or initiatives, including planning, risk management, monitoring and reporting, and procurement and contract management experience ideally within an international development context.
• Sound understanding of Pacific health and development issues, particularly within Polynesian countries, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to develop options, provide advice, and translate complex information into clear insights and recommendations.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and influencing skills, with a track record of collaborating across organisations to achieve positive outcomes.
• Strong organisational and leadership capability, including mentoring others, driving continuous improvement, establishing effective processes, and delivering high-quality work 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 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.