Job Description

• Wellington based | 6 month Fixed Term | Full-time
• Partner with leaders to drive meaningful health outcomes.
• Influence system-wide decisions that improve health equity.
• Midpoint of $186,364, dependent on experience

What you’ll do - Ko tōu ake mahi

This is a unique opportunity to influence national health policy, strategy, and system transformation at the highest levels. As Chief Advisor – Pae Ora, you will be part of a team that provides strategic leadership to strengthen policy, strategy and data insights to address health need, particularly to improve Māori health outcomes.

Working alongside people leaders, health sector partners and broader stakeholders, you'll help create programmes, tools and approaches that drive system change to advance pae ora (healthy futures). You will:

• provide strategic leadership, expert advice, and thought leadership to address health need
• facilitate initiatives to influence and build organisational capability to address health need
• lead cross-sector work that supports the monitoring, evaluation and delivery of Whiria te Ora, the Māori Health Strategy 2026

What you’ll bring - Ko ngā pūkenga ōu

• Extensive senior leadership experience developing policy, strategy, or programmes that achieve meaningful outcomes for Māori and other population groups.
• Deep understanding of the New Zealand health and disability system, including Māori health priorities, equity challenges, and emerging issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and experience working in partnership with groups to achieve lasting system change.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and systems-thinking skills, with the ability to navigate complexity, create evidence-based advice and provide influential guidance.
• Exceptional relationship management, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills, with experience working across government, the health sector, and Māori communities.

About the Ministry

As the Government's lead advisor on health, we help shape the future of New Zealand's health system through policy, regulation and monitoring. Join a team that makes a real difference to the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders while working in a supportive, inclusive environment that values wellbeing, growth and development.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to an accessible and respectful recruitment process.

How to apply  - Me pēhea te tono mai

Applications close Midnight Sunday 25th October 2026. 

Click here to view the position description. Please follow the online process at our Careers Website to apply. Please ensure you upload a CV and covering letter with all applications. If you have any questions, email the recruitment team at recruitment@health.govt.nz.

Please note: We are reviewing applications as they come in and interviews may take place during the advertising period. Please note if we receive a high number of applications this job may close prior to the closing date.