Principal Advisor

An active member of the leadership team for the Communications and Engagement Group
- Play a part in activating the Ministry's strategic communications direction
- Permanent Wellington-based role
- Salary midpoint of $140,938, actual salary dependent on your experience

Ko wai mātou - About us
At Manatū Hauora - Ministry of Health we are the kaitiaki of the health system, providing leadership and driving strategy and performance. We regulate the health sector and are the primary source of advice on health matters.
The Communications and Engagement group is a core part of the Government and Executive Services directorate, leading and supporting all Ministry communications and engagement and associated processes and channels.
Ko ake mahi - What you'll do
The Principal Advisor, Strategic Communications provides a focus on organisational strategic alignment and how the communications role works within the Ministry's strategy. You will play a technical leadership role in a team with a critical role leading, assessing and delivering the Ministry's full suite of communications. You will also manage projects that reflect the Ministry's priorities.
You will bring together insights, research and data, assessing against risks and opportunities. This is to help drive the development of clear communication on government policy, the Ministry's work, and change behaviour. You will play a key role in providing an integrated approach to all elements of external and internal communications including strategy, media (traditional and social), planning, implementation, data and insights.
You will ensure all communications activity is measured, support regular reviews of approaches and plans to ensure objectives have been achieved and a continuous improvement mindset is applied in your approach to the work.
Ko pūkenga - What you'll bring
- You will be a seasoned communications practitioner with significant experience achieving business outcomes with a track record of high-quality delivery
- Demonstrated experience working successfully in diverse cultural contexts, with knowledge of Māori and Pasifika relations in order to improve equity of outcomes. A track record providing high-quality advice to Ministers and senior leaders and driving work programmes to ensure delivery
- Strong critical thinking and judgement to analyse large, complex issues
- The ability to readily grasp ideas, analysis and advice produced by othersA leader in reputation and relationship management with a focus on building and maintaining trust and confidence and positioning the organisation as a trusted authority
- Strong written skills and an ability to take complex information and synthesise into key messages for relevant audiences
- Strong relationship and stakeholder management skills, and able to develop trusted and authoritative two-way relationships

Ko mātou me tō matou whare - What we bring
Unlock your career potential at Manatū Hauora, where you'll 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, diversity and inclusion are woven into the fabric of our culture, 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.
Ngā Uaratanga - Our values
Our Values underpin how we work together and with the health and disability sector, public service colleagues and communities.
- Manaakitanga (Listen on Māori Dictonary.co.nz) - we show care, inclusion respect, support, trust, and kindness to each other
- Kaitiakitanga (Listen on Māori Dictionary.co.nz) - we preserve and maintain an environment that enables the Ministry and our people to thrive
- Whakapono (Listen on Māori Dictionary.co.nz) - we have trust and faith in each other to do the right thing

Me pēhea te tono mai - How to apply
We value diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and appreciate the richness of experience that your point of difference could bring to us. Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.