Principal Advisor

An exciting new role based in Auckland
- Help shape engagement strategies that uplift community wellbeing aspirations and influence system change
- Salary midpoint of $136,833, actual salary dependent on your experience

Ko wai mātou - About Us
At Manatū Hauora 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. Our mahi ensures New Zealanders are cared for by a health system that is innovative, future focussed and world leading.

Ko tōu ake mahi - What You'll Do
The Principal Advisor of Public Health Equity and Engagement is an influential leadership role within the newly established team based in Auckland with a national focus. As the Principal Advisor, you will provide strategic advice and thought leadership to the Public Health Agency, driving key priorities and initiatives. Your expertise will shape engagement strategies that uplift community wellbeing aspirations for pae ora.
Collaboration is at the heart of this role. You will build strong relationships across with the wider health sector, and government, with a particular focus on local government, localities, and place-based initiatives. By fostering collaboration with other functional teams and agencies, you will ensure the integration of public health approaches into cross-sectoral activities.
Your responsibilities will include policy development and analysis. You will prepare and draft policy documents, legislation, guidelines, and provide ad hoc advice. Using a comprehensive policy process, you will assess options, conduct rigorous impact assessments, and consider implementation, risk mitigation, and evaluation requirements. Peer review of documents and material will be essential to ensure quality and consistency.
As a leader, you will drive projects and areas, employing strategic and tactical approaches to achieve high-quality results through policy advice. You will contribute to the administration of statutory obligations, monitoring, reporting, and reviewing. Additionally, you will play a crucial role in building the Ministry's policy capability by mentoring and supervising less experienced staff, guiding them through the policy development process.
Equity and meeting Treaty of Waitangi obligations will be central to your work. You will ensure that all your efforts reflect these priorities and uphold the responsibilities associated with them.
This Principal Advisor position offers an exceptional opportunity to shape public health policy, foster collaboration, and drive positive change in health outcomes for our population. Join us in making a tangible impact on the well-being of communities across New Zealand.

Ko ngā pukenga ōu - What You'll Bring
- Significant experience in providing advice to Ministers and driving work programmes to ensure delivery of work is to the expected quality
- An understanding and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and to improving equity of health outcomes
- Proven strategic leadership skills that support project design, development, and implementation
- Strong relationship management skills and experience in engaging with a range of sector groups and agencies
- Proven thought leadership and senior policy development expertise

He aha ta tatou kawe mai - What We Bring
Flexibility - We understand everyone is different and treat most roles as flexible
Inclusivity - Our Values help us to provide a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace
Wellbeing - Our people can be themselves, are supported and able to perform well in their roles
Purpose - Our mahi is nationally significant and is improving the lives of New Zealanders

Ngā Uaratanga - Our Values
Our Values underpin how we work together and with the health and disability sector, public service colleagues and communities
Manaakitanga -We show care, inclusion, respect, support, trust, and kindness to each other
Kaitiakitanga -We preserve and maintain an environment that enables our people to thrive
Whakapono -We have trust and faith in each other to do the right thing
Kōkiri ngātahi - We commit and work together towards a common purpose

Me pēhea te tono - 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 we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.