Programme Communications Lead

The Government wishes to ensure that Aotearoa New Zealand has world-class research capability in place to respond to infectious disease threats into the future to Improve preparedness for future pandemics.

Following the success of the first phase of funding, the next phase of the Infectious Diseases Research Platform, hosted by PHF Science, with an investment of $75 million, over seven and a half years, will allow for longer-term approaches and the opportunity to grow a pipeline of researchers.

This phase of the Infectious Diseases Research Platform (IDRP) aims to:

• Significantly increase New Zealand's economic and social resilience to infectious disease threats

• Grow infectious disease science leaders and research capability

• Build science surge capability able to support an effective pandemic response

• Coordinate infectious disease research capability across the platform and with end-users to increase the impact of the research

• Work closely with Australian researchers

• and build on the Government's previous investments in infectious disease research and research capability in support of resilience.

Te tūnga | The role

Reporting to the Programme Director, the Communications Lead is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies and plans to enable the Infectious Disease Research Platform (IDRP) to achieve its strategic objectives and operational needs. The Communications Lead will work across external and internal stakeholders so promote the aims and objectives of the research programme and the success of the research funded through it.

The position works closely with the IDRP team on a day-to-day basis and will proactively collaborate with PHF Science's Head of Communications and Engagement to ensure their approach is consistent with PHF Science communication standards.

The position is varied requires confident and clear communication skills, the ability to present complex information in a simple, easily digestible and attractive manner and a flexible and can-do approach.

Note: This is a fixed term 0.5FTE position until 27 February 2027 to support the next phase of the IDRP. Our preference is for this role and the platform hub to be based in Wellington at our Kenepuru office; however, we are open to the right candidate being based at either of our Auckland or Christchurch offices. The role will involve travel within New Zealand to meet with relevant stakeholders and groups.

Kia angitu koe | About you

To be successful in this role, you will have the following:

• A relevant qualification or equivalent professional experience

• Successful experience in producing communications strategies and plans and implementing these

• Ability to communicate persuasively, both orally and in writing, to a range of audiences

• Strong editing skills and ability to translate technical writing into reader friendly content

• Experience working with websites and social media

• Demonstrated experience in successful news media management and/or public relations, handling complex, controversial or sensitive topics

• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills

• Sound judgment, tact, and discretion

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects with minimum supervision, guided by approved strategy and policies

• The ability to operate in a small team, contributing wherever necessary to ensure the performance of the whole communications team remains high

Ngā painga | The benefits

• Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments.

• Four weeks annual leave, plus two additional annual leave days and three additional PHF Science days (usually the three days between Christmas and New Year's Eve)

• 15 days sick leave and service leave provisions after five years

• Annual volunteer day to support an organisation or issue you care about in the community.

• Free annual flu vaccinations

• Life insurance and physical loss benefit

• Subsidised Southern Cross insurance & access to special retail discounts.

• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a confidential and free counselling service.

Mō mātou | About Us

Established in 2025, formerly ESR, PHF Science is a New Zealand Government-owned research organisation dedicated to the health, wellbeing and safety of our communities. Specialising in public health and forensic sciences, we monitor disease, help ensure safe food and water, reduce harm from drugs, support the justice system and more. Our science powers innovations and solutions to help New Zealand prosper and grow.

With 4 locations across Aotearoa New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch and Wellington (Kenepuru and Wallaceville), we use world-leading science to monitor disease, test food and products, safeguard our water, and support the justice sector. By joining forces with experts and iwi, we're tackling critical issues to ensure a better Aotearoa New Zealand for all.

We are an accredited Living Wage employer and value our people, providing excellent environment for fostering and developing our people in a values-driven, flexible, and ever evolving landscape. We are committed to sustainability and are proud to have received our Toitū Carbonreduce Certification.

Tono mai | Apply Now

We encourage applications from those with an understanding of or a willingness to develop their capability in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and/or te reo Māori.

Applications close 8am on 8 December 2025.

Click apply to submit your application. Please ensure you upload a cover letter and CV, outlining your interest and relevant skills for this opportunity.

We will be back in touch once advertising closes and applications have been reviewed.

PHF Science is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to your application.

If you don't meet every requirement in this position description, please don't exclude yourself. Studies indicate that women and other individuals from under-represented groups often only apply when they satisfy all the criteria. We focus on recruiting individuals who share our core values of Mahi Rangatira (Our quality counts), Mahi tahi (our team spirit), Mahi Auaha (we push boundaries), Mahi Pono (we do the right thing). If these values resonate with you, we encourage you to submit your application.

PHF Science is committed to developing a diverse, inclusive, equitable workplace where people feel they belong. We believe this is the right thing to do, but we also believe it is a worthwhile commitment that makes our organisation stronger and more capable through building on our diversity of thinking, enabling us to better understand the needs of our stakeholders and people and respond effectively to them. An inclusive environment means the diverse perspectives we have are more likely to be expressed, heard, and acted on.

Please note the successful applicant will be required to complete a pre-employment drug-screen and police records check as conditions of employment.