Principal Advisor

• Contribute to Pae Ora and the elimination of cervical cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Location: National
• Fixed Term for 24 months, full time (1FTE)

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders.

We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.

Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

We have a fixed term, full-time, opportunity to join the National Public Health Service (NPHS), Prevention Screening, as a Principal Advisor with the National Cervical Screening Programme. The Principal Advisor will be:

• nationally focused, prioritising strategic and operational advice to support the delivery of high-quality cervical screening services.
• responsible for leading continuous improvement projects
• engaging with key stakeholders, internally and externally, to incorporate a full range of perspectives into activities, and
• assisting with the mentoring, coaching and professional development of others.

The Principal Advisor will also contribute to broader agenda-setting activities of Health NZ and other agencies particularly those with policy-setting responsibilities for the health system.

About the Team/Service/ Location

The National Public Health Service works towards Pae Ora (healthy futures) for all by engaging with the wider determinants that impact people's health, focusing on oranga/wellbeing, prevention, protection, and population-level intervention. While this position is a national position, applications are welcome from suitably experienced candidates across Aotearoa New Zealand. Working flexibly is an option.

About you

As a Principal Advisor with the National Cervical Screening Programme, you will be confident working in a fast-paced environment and getting 'stuck in' with a range of work. You will have a strong eye for detail and quality, the ability to quickly understand new information, manage a broad range of work, write for a broad range of audiences, prioritise well and keep key players informed. You will be a natural problem solver, have a strategic mindset and understand the healthcare ecosystem. Due to the wide-ranging nature of the work in this role, a varied background is welcome. Skills and experience in the following, will be vital for your success in this role:

• Excellent analytical skills combined with an ability to quickly assimilate new information, and to write and talk about complex issues clearly and concisely with a range of audiences
• Experience in applying critical thinking and using sound judgement to develop options and provide advice, particularly in leading complex or contentious policy work.
• Leadership experience, including designing and managing a portfolio of work, and resources.
• Experience in implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in action.
• A relevant graduate qualification or equivalent experience in a related field (e.g. public policy, public health, epidemiology, informatics, or other health qualification).

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click "apply now".All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by Monday, 1 December 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Anesha Pillay

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.