Senior Policy Analyst Pacific Health

Ministry of Health; Wellington; On-site; NZD 111,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4.4 weeks annual leave

Job summary

The Ministry of Health in Wellington invites applications for a Senior Policy Analyst who will lead complex policy work, apply rigorous evidence, and deliver high‑quality advice to improve Pacific health outcomes. This permanent, Wellington-based role blends thought leadership with hands‑on delivery, mentoring colleagues and collaborating across the system to implement policy from scoping to evaluation.

Based in New Zealand’s capital, you will engage with diverse stakeholders and support policy

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex policy work, applying rigorous evidence and analysis to inform decisions.
• Mentor colleagues, collaborate across the system, and deliver high‑quality advice grounded in Pacific worldviews.
• Prepare high‑quality policy documents, legislation, guidelines, and advice to support decision‑making.
• Lead and contribute to complex policy projects from scoping and analysis to impact assessment and evaluation.
• Build policy capability through mentoring and cross‑agency collaboration.

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.

Applications close on Friday 9 October 2026. Please Note: You must be based in Wellington and have permanent NZ working rights to be eligible for this position. The Ministry of Health is steward of the New Zealand health system and the lead advisor to Government on health. Our overarching goal is for all New Zealanders to live longer and in better health to have an improved quality of life. As steward, we set the direction across the health system so we and others can make informed decisions and prioritise resources accordingly. We advise the Government on health policy, and regulate and monitor the health system, to ensure all New Zealanders have access to health care for better health outcomes. Our role is to create an environment where all New Zealanders are supported to stay well and where all parts of the health system are supported to operate at their best.