Senior Policy Analyst Pacific Health

health; Wellington; On-site; NZD 111,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4.4 weeks annual leave

Job summary

Ministry of Health (Manatū Hauora) in Wellington is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to lead complex policy work and deliver high‑quality, evidence‑informed advice that improves health outcomes for Pacific communities.

You will mentor colleagues, collaborate across the system, and manage policy projects from scoping to evaluation while balancing thought leadership with hands‑on delivery. Permanent Wellington-based role with generous leave and opportunities to influence national health strategy.

Qualifications

• Pacific heritage and understanding of Pacific worldviews, enabling culturally grounded policy advice.
• Tertiary qualification in health or a relevant field, or equivalent experience, with strong policy knowledge.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to explain complex issues clearly across audiences.
• Strong critical thinking and the ability to translate complex issues into practical options for decision-makers.
• Advanced relationship-management skills, with experience influencing and leading work across stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex policy work, apply rigorous evidence and analysis.
• Mentor colleagues, collaborate across the system, delivering high-quality advice for Pacific communities.
• Prepare policy documents, legislation, guidelines and advice to support decisions and Pacific health priorities.
• Lead policy projects from scoping to evaluation.
• Apply project management to plan and deliver policy work across programmes.
• Peer review policy products for robustness and policy alignment.
• Mentor colleagues and build policy capability through implementation and monitoring.

Skills

Policy leadership

Evidence-based analysis

Mentoring

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Education

Tertiary qualification in health or relevant field

Job description

Work on complex policy and deliver quality advice that improves outcomes for Pacific communities.

Thought Leadership role with hands‑on delivery

Permanent | Wellington based position | 4.4 weeks annual leave

Midpoint of $122,812 dependent on experience

Ko tōu ake mahi - What you'll do

As a Senior Policy Analyst, you'll help lead complex policy work, apply rigorous evidence and analysis, and help drive the Ministry's strategic priorities. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys blending thought leadership with hands‑on delivery‑someone who can mentor others, collaborate across the system, and deliver high‑quality advice that supports better health outcomes for Pacific communities.

This is a key role in supporting the Pacific Health team to deliver high‑quality, evidence-informed policy advice that is grounded in Pacific worldviews and lived realities. This role contributes to complex policy work that advances the Ministry's strategic priorities, as outlined in the Government Policy Statement, Te Mana Ola: The Pacific Health Strategy and other strategic documents, and supports improved health outcomes for Pacific peoples.

Prepare high‑quality policy documents, legislation, guidelines, and advice that support effective decision‑making and advance Pacific health priorities.

Lead and contribute to complex policy projects, applying the full policy process‑from scoping and analysis to impact assessment, implementation planning, and evaluation.

Apply strong project management skills to plan, coordinate, and deliver policy and research work across diverse programmes.

Peer review policy products to ensure advice is robust, accurate, evidence‑informed, and aligned with Ministry expectations.

Build policy capability by mentoring colleagues, fostering collaboration, and contributing to statutory obligations through implementation, monitoring, reporting, and review.

Ko ngā pūkenga ōu - What you'll bring

• Pacific heritage and deep understanding of Pacific worldviews, values, and customs, enabling culturally grounded and influential policy advice.
• A tertiary qualification in health or a relevant field, or equivalent experience, with strong knowledge of public policy and government processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to explain complex issues clearly across a range of audiences and settings.
• Strong critical thinking and the ability to quickly understand new or complex issues, translating them into clear, practical options for decision‑makers.
• Advanced relationship‑management skills, with experience influencing, partnering, and leading work across diverse stakeholders.

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.

You must be based in Wellington and have permanent NZ working rights to be eligible for this position.