Strategic Policy Lead for Health & Public Policy

Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora; Wellington; On-site; NZD 98,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4.4 weeks annual leave

Wellness allowance after 12 months

Job summary

Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora invites applications for a Senior Advisor in the Determinants of Health team, within the Public Health Agency and Mental Health Group. You will provide high-quality strategic advice, lead complex initiatives and build influential relationships to improve health outcomes for New Zealanders.

You will lead policy development, briefing material, and monitoring approaches while coaching teams and ensuring robust, evidence-based recommendations reach Ministers and

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.
• Strong understanding of public sector decision-making and machinery of government, with sound judgement and relationship-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic advice: Develop high-quality policy advice, briefings, strategies and recommendations for Ministers and senior leaders.
• Lead complex work programmes: Deliver significant projects and initiatives aligned with organisational priorities, including 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 and stakeholder engagements.
• Strengthen capability and quality: Coach and mentor others, provide quality assurance of advice, and strengthen processes and tools to support effective delivery.

Skills

Policy experience

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Project leadership

Communication

Public sector knowledge

Job description

Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora invites applications for a Senior Advisor in the Determinants of Health team, within the Public Health Agency and Mental Health Group. You will provide high-quality strategic advice, lead complex initiatives and build influential relationships to improve health outcomes for New Zealanders.

You will lead policy development, briefing material, and monitoring approaches while coaching teams and ensuring robust, evidence-based recommendations reach Ministers and