Senior Health Policy & Strategy Lead

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

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.