Principal Advisor

Play a critical role in shaping the future of public health surveillance in Aotearoa, New Zealand
- Permanent full-time role, Wellington-based with support for flexible working
- Salary midpoint of $136,833, 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. Our mahi ensures New Zealanders are cared for by a health system that is innovative, future focussed and world leading.
The Public Health Agency sits at the heart of Manatū Hauora and provides public health leadership across the health and disability sector and beyond and influences the wider determinants of population health to enable people, their whānau and environments to be healthy and improve their wellbeing.
The Intelligence, Surveillance and Knowledge (ISK) group leads, co-designs, and develops intelligence, surveillance, and knowledge to inform Public Health strategy and policy, regulation, and monitoring of the health system actions to improve Population and Public Health outcomes and equity.

Ko tōu ake mahi - What You'll Do
As the Principal Advisor, you will lead the charge in driving the development, implementation, and review of an Aotearoa NZ surveillance strategy, which will have a profound impact on shaping the nation's public health initiatives. Your ability to identify and prioritise national surveillance priorities will be crucial in steering our efforts towards addressing the most pressing health challenges.
We are looking for someone with advanced skills of critical thinking and thought leadership. Your expertise will be instrumental in developing and supporting the ISK (Information and Knowledge Services) work programme delivery. Your innovative approach will ensure that our strategies and actions are based on evidence-based best practices, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for all citizens.
Collaboration is at the heart of this role. You will have the opportunity to partner with Te Aka Whai Ora and work closely with stakeholders to set standards for data collection methods and processes. Your guidance will be pivotal in ensuring that data is collected accurately, ethically, and efficiently, empowering us to make informed decisions about public health.
One of the key aspects of this position is advising on the collection and analysis of high-quality data. Your expertise will be critical in informing monitoring and reporting decision-making processes. You will have the opportunity to incorporate mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and tofa loloto (Pacific knowledge) to ensure that our public health initiatives are culturally responsive and inclusive.
Your leadership extends beyond specific projects and areas. As a Principal Advisor, you will provide thought leadership expertise and advice to inform future decision-making for work programmes that best support the delivery of the Government and Manatū Hauora's priorities and objectives. Your strategic and tactical approaches will be essential in achieving results through high-quality advice.
We are deeply committed to building strong partnerships with Māori communities. As such, you will play a central role in partnering with Māori and fostering collaborative and positive relationships within Te Pou Hauora Tumatanui, Manatū Hauora, the wider health sector, government, and other external stakeholders. Emphasizing equity and meeting Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations will be at the core of your work, ensuring that our efforts contribute to a more just and inclusive society.
As a Principal Advisor, you will also have the opportunity to coordinate and facilitate expert advisory groups of independent advisors. This collaborative approach will allow us to harness diverse perspectives and expertise to develop comprehensive and innovative solutions to complex public health challenges.
In addition to your advisory role, you will play a pivotal part in enhancing the capability of the team. By providing coaching, mentoring, and quality improvement advice to team members during their day-to-day work, you will contribute to a supportive and empowering work environment, fostering growth and development.
By joining us, you will be at the forefront of public health advancements in Aotearoa New Zealand, making a significant difference to the health and well-being of the nation. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to the greater good and work in an inspiring and supportive environment.

Ko ngā pukenga ōu - What You'll Bring
- PhD or Masters level qualification or equivalent experience in epidemiology, public health, science, social science, applied research methods, behavioural science or relevant clinical discipline
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to foster and maintain positive stakeholder relationships, the abilit