Health Policy Advisor

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The role of Defence Health is to ensure a better, stronger and healthier NZDF by:

• Maximising the health of the operational Force;
• Creating a deployable health capability that can go anywhere, anytime with flexibility and agility; and
• Providing robust benchmarked military health governance to NZDF.

In this position you will be joining a highly collaborative team in providing clear policy guidance, standards and protocols for the provision of health services within NZDF. You will be working across a variety of Health policy and governance documentation to ensure information is up to date and accessible.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Translating existing policies into the required, accessible formats.
• Developing and maintaining policy associated documentation in the NZDF required formats and publication systems.
• Preparing, editing and proofing print masters and from draft texts and illustrations with InDesign.
• Contributing to related projects, in line with the Defence Health policy programme and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there is the option for flexible working arrangements.

This is a fixed term opportunity covering parental leave, ending June 2026.

Applications may be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

You will have strong interpersonal skills to be able to engage and communicate across a diverse range of stakeholders and customers, both orally and in writing. Excellent attention to detail is crucial in this role to ensure a high level of accuracy and quality assurance, while working both independently and as part of a small team.

Ideally, you will also have:

• 4+ years' experience in a similar role, it would be advantageous if you have experiences in technical writing/operational policy within the public sector.
• Ideally you will have an understanding of health and NZDF terminology.
• Proven adaptability to adjust to changing priorities to meet requirements.
• Advanced technical document management skills.
• A high degree of computer literacy is required, especially with Microsoft Office, Sharepoint and the Adobe Creative Suite of publishing and graphics applications (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Thursday 17 July 2025.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

NZDF is currently undertaking a Workforce Savings Programme (WSP) to realise efficiencies and required enduring savings, in which NZDF has proposed some changes to the organisational structure of its civilian workforce. At this point in time this position is not proposed to be affected. We welcome your application for this important role and want to let you know that if the WSP is likely to impact on the role you are applying for, we will let you know at the earliest opportunity.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
• You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.