Job Description
Help shape the direction of the New Zealand health system,
Permanent role based in Wellington,
Salary midpoint of $151,476, 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.
The Strategy Group works on a range of instruments that set the medium to longer-term vision, and direction, for the health and wellbeing of the people in New Zealand. We set high-level parameters for how this is achieved through long term investment priorities and system levers and guide collective action towards that vision.
The Health System Stewardship team leads work focussed on lifting performance of the overall health system, shapes the Ministry's role as a steward and advises on policy choices with a system wide impact.
Ko ake mahi - What you'll do
Provide leadership for projects, working with others to ensure all work is well planned, taking a strategic and tactical approach to achieve results through high quality policy advice,
Responsible for professional peer reviews and coaching of Senior Policy Analysts and Policy Analysts work, to ensure quality, validity, accuracy, and consistency,
Build collaborative and positive relationships across the Directorate, Ministry, the wider health sector, government and with other external stakeholders,
Lead preparation and drafting of policy advice, documents, legislation,
Ensure all work reflects our responsibilities to the priority of equity and meeting Treaty of Waitangi obligations.
In this role you will be leading key pieces of policy work as well as supporting senior health leaders have productive direction setting discussions.
Ko pūkenga - What you'll bring
Demonstrated experience in providing advice in a complex system that has led to results,
An ability to be an effective team member who can coach and mentor colleagues with significant experience in developing policy, working with, influencing and leading a range of stakeholders, as well as briefing Ministers,
Experience designing work programmes and project planning to ensure delivery of work is on time and within budget,
Political nuance, with an understanding how issues play out and what is important to stakeholders, as well as the Government of the day,
Tertiary qualification in a relevant field and/or equivalent experience
Ko mātou me tō matou whare - What we bring
Unlock your career potential at Manatū Hauora, where you'll discover a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth. We're not just a workplace; we're a whanau that values your well-being and the importance of work-life balance. At Manatū Hauora, diversity and inclusion are woven into the fabric of our culture, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective matters. Your wellness is our priority, with comprehensive support and resources to keep you thriving. Join us today and be part of a team dedicated to improving healthcare.
Ngā Uaratanga – Our values
Our Values underpin how we work together and with the health and disability sector, public service colleagues and communities.
Manaakitanga (Listen on Māori Dictonary.co.nz) - we show care, inclusion respect, support, trust, and kindness to each other
Kaitiakitanga (Listen on Māori Dictionary.co.nz) - we preserve and maintain an environment that enables the Ministry and our people to thrive
Whakapono (Listen on Māori Dictionary.co.nz) - we have trust and faith in each other to do the right thing
Kōkiri ngātahi (Listen on Māori Dictonary.com Kōkiri + ngātahi) - we connect and work together collectively towards a common purpose.
Me pēhea te tono mai - How to apply
To view the position description and apply, please follow the online process at our Careers Website. Please ensure you upload a CV and covering letter with all applications. If you have any questions, email the recruitment team at recruitment@health.govt.nz.To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand. For information on work visa eligibility, check out the Immigration New Zealand website.
Applications close at midnight on Monday, 28 October 2026.
We are reviewing applications as they come in and interviews may take place during the advertising period. Please note if we receive a high number of applications this job may close prior to the closing date.
We are not utilising recruitment agencies at this time. If you are interested in applying for this position, please do so directly through our careers page.
All candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application via email. Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check.
We value diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and appreciate the richness of experience that your point of difference could bring to us. Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.
Permanent role based in Wellington,
Salary midpoint of $151,476, 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.
The Strategy Group works on a range of instruments that set the medium to longer-term vision, and direction, for the health and wellbeing of the people in New Zealand. We set high-level parameters for how this is achieved through long term investment priorities and system levers and guide collective action towards that vision.
The Health System Stewardship team leads work focussed on lifting performance of the overall health system, shapes the Ministry's role as a steward and advises on policy choices with a system wide impact.
Ko ake mahi - What you'll do
Provide leadership for projects, working with others to ensure all work is well planned, taking a strategic and tactical approach to achieve results through high quality policy advice,
Responsible for professional peer reviews and coaching of Senior Policy Analysts and Policy Analysts work, to ensure quality, validity, accuracy, and consistency,
Build collaborative and positive relationships across the Directorate, Ministry, the wider health sector, government and with other external stakeholders,
Lead preparation and drafting of policy advice, documents, legislation,
Ensure all work reflects our responsibilities to the priority of equity and meeting Treaty of Waitangi obligations.
In this role you will be leading key pieces of policy work as well as supporting senior health leaders have productive direction setting discussions.
Ko pūkenga - What you'll bring
Demonstrated experience in providing advice in a complex system that has led to results,
An ability to be an effective team member who can coach and mentor colleagues with significant experience in developing policy, working with, influencing and leading a range of stakeholders, as well as briefing Ministers,
Experience designing work programmes and project planning to ensure delivery of work is on time and within budget,
Political nuance, with an understanding how issues play out and what is important to stakeholders, as well as the Government of the day,
Tertiary qualification in a relevant field and/or equivalent experience
Ko mātou me tō matou whare - What we bring
Unlock your career potential at Manatū Hauora, where you'll discover a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth. We're not just a workplace; we're a whanau that values your well-being and the importance of work-life balance. At Manatū Hauora, diversity and inclusion are woven into the fabric of our culture, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective matters. Your wellness is our priority, with comprehensive support and resources to keep you thriving. Join us today and be part of a team dedicated to improving healthcare.
Ngā Uaratanga – Our values
Our Values underpin how we work together and with the health and disability sector, public service colleagues and communities.
Manaakitanga (Listen on Māori Dictonary.co.nz) - we show care, inclusion respect, support, trust, and kindness to each other
Kaitiakitanga (Listen on Māori Dictionary.co.nz) - we preserve and maintain an environment that enables the Ministry and our people to thrive
Whakapono (Listen on Māori Dictionary.co.nz) - we have trust and faith in each other to do the right thing
Kōkiri ngātahi (Listen on Māori Dictonary.com Kōkiri + ngātahi) - we connect and work together collectively towards a common purpose.
Me pēhea te tono mai - How to apply
To view the position description and apply, please follow the online process at our Careers Website. Please ensure you upload a CV and covering letter with all applications. If you have any questions, email the recruitment team at recruitment@health.govt.nz.To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand. For information on work visa eligibility, check out the Immigration New Zealand website.
Applications close at midnight on Monday, 28 October 2026.
We are reviewing applications as they come in and interviews may take place during the advertising period. Please note if we receive a high number of applications this job may close prior to the closing date.
We are not utilising recruitment agencies at this time. If you are interested in applying for this position, please do so directly through our careers page.
All candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application via email. Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check.
We value diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and appreciate the richness of experience that your point of difference could bring to us. Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Principal Policy Analyst position is now open for candidates interested in the Work from home Jobs sector. This role in Wellington offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Work from home Jobs is a plus.
