- Provide high level, expert and strategic advice in this Principal Advisor role
- Location: Flexible
- Permanent, Full-Time
About the Role
We have the opportunity available to join our Protection team as a Principal Advisor – Environmental Health in a permanent, full-time role.
The purpose of the Principal Advisor - Environmental Health is to provide high level, expert and strategic advice to the National Public Health Service (NPHS) national team, regional NPHS kaimahi, government agencies and to the wider sector.
You will play a leading role in the development of advice in public health Protection, supporting the NPHS Protection 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.
Provide leadership, oversight, and direction on key pieces of work and to ensure the delivery of quality advice in areas of expertise across the team to ensure we apply best practice methodology to surveillance of communicable and non-communicable diseases, environmental and other hazards, risk factors, determinants of health, and our preventive care services.
Help lead team(s) to deliver complex or contentious pieces of work, and to support the professional development of the team members.
About the Team/Service/ Location
The National Public Health Service (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
You come with health sector or government experience with knowledge of government structures and processes. You have excellent analytical skills combined with an ability to quickly assimilate technical information from multiple sources under time pressures. You are comfortable applying your knowledge and skills to deal effectively with complex and sensitive situations and topics.
- A relevant graduate and post-graduate qualification
- Experience in implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in action
- Up to date knowledge of relevant New Zealand legislation involving public health and environmental legislation
- Previous experience working in a regulatory environment in central or local government
- Proven ability to coach and mentor employees
- Leadership experience, including designing and managing a portfolio of work, and resources
- Experience in applying critical thinking and using sound judgement to develop options and provide advice particularly in leading complex or contentious policy work
- A preference for experience in working across multi-disciplinary teams
- Proven organisational skills with the ability to think ahead, use initiative, establish priorities and meet deadlines whilst preserving high levels of accuracy and confidentiality
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 8 September 2025 If you have any questions about the role, please contact Elismha Lubbe at Elismha.Lubbe@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz
Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.