- Contribute to transforming the future of health in this Principal Advisor role
- Location: National
- Fixed Term for 24 months, full time (1.0FTE)
About the Role
We have the opportunity available to join the National Public Health Service (NPHS) Prevention Directorate as a Principal Advisor. This is a fixed term, full-time role.
Principal Advisors are senior advisory roles in Health NZ, with strong subject matter expertise, writing and relationship skills, and capable of leading a portfolio of work. In this role you will play a leading role in the development of advice in the Breast Screen Aotearoa Programme supporting the Prevention Directorate, and the wider organisation, to contribute to the agenda-setting activities of Health NZ and other agencies, particularly those with policy-setting responsibilities for Health. You will be able to coach and mentor teams and individuals to deliver complex or contentious pieces of work and support the professional development of the team members. You will also work alongside leadership to deliver the organisational priorities of Te Whatu Ora/Health NZ and drive continuous improvement in processes and practices within the team.
About the Team/Service/ Location
The NPHS within Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, work 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. We are connected across boundaries to deliver public health services that are nationally planned, regionally delivered and locally tailored.
About you
As a Principal Advisor, you are 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 good political nous and understand the healthcare ecosystem. Due to the wide-ranging nature of the work in this role, a varied background is welcome.
- A relevant graduate qualification or equivalent experience (e.g. public health, epidemiology, informatics, or other health qualification)
- Needs to draw on extensive specialised work experience typically supported with professional qualifications –– 5-10 years
- 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
- 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
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 Wednesday. 6 August 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Anesha Pillay via Anesha.pillay@tewhatuora.govt.nz
Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change affected kaimahi will be given preference and priority for this position.