Health Policy Advisor

**Mo te tunga | About the role**

The role of Defence Health is to ensure a better, stronger and healthier NZDF by:

- Maximising the health of the operational Force;
- Creating a deployable health capability that can go anywhere, anytime with flexibility and agility; and
- Providing robust benchmarked military health governance to NZDF.

In this position you will be joining a highly collaborative team in providing clear policy guidance, standards and protocols for the provision of health services within NZDF. You will be working across a variety of Health policy and governance documentation to ensure information is up to date and accessible.

Your key responsibilities will include:

- Translating existing policies into the required, accessible formats.
- Developing and maintaining policy associated documentation in the NZDF required formats and publication systems.
- Preparing, editing and proofing print masters and from draft texts and illustrations with InDesign.
- Contributing to related projects, in line with the Defence Health policy programme and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there is the option for flexible working arrangements.

This is a fixed term opportunity covering parental leave, ending June 2026.

**Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and Experience**

You will have strong interpersonal skills to be able to engage and communicate across a diverse range of stakeholders and customers, both orally and in writing. Excellent attention to detail is crucial in this role to ensure a high level of accuracy and quality assurance, while working both independently and as part of a small team.

Ideally, you will also have:

- 4+ years' experience in a similar role, it would be advantageous if you have experiences in technical writing/operational policy within the public sector.
- Ideally you will have an understanding of health and NZDF terminology.
- Proven adaptability to adjust to changing priorities to meet requirements.
- Advanced technical document management skills.

**Nou te rourou | What's in it for you**

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning - safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all - irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics - NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

**Me pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply**

Applications close on **Thursday 17 July 2025**.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

**Please Note**:

- Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
- Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

**Please Note**:
To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:
Higher Level Security Clearance
- You **must** be a New Zealand citizen **or** you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence **or** have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
- At minimum, you **must** hold New Zealand Permanent Residence **or** have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, **and** you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
- You **must** have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.