Principal Advisor - New Zealand Clinical Senate

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Permanent, full-time role based in Auckland or Wellington
• Contribute to transforming the future of health in a rewarding role focused on making a difference and leading change

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

As a Principal Advisor, you are responsible for ensuring the NZ Clinical Senate (“the Senate”) meets its purpose to prepare constructive, impartial, and timely advice to the Commissioner on a range of topics, informed by professional experience, best practice, and available evidence. This role will work with the Senate leadership including the Chair, Deputy Chair and Executive, and be well connected to the Health NZ/Te Whatu Ora leadership structures, and the wider health sector. The Senate is in the early stages of being set up and you will be integral to the implementation of this exciting initiative. You will also provide support to the Commissioner's Clinical Advisory Committee (CCAC) and its Chair.

The Principal Advisor is an integral senior advisory role in Health NZ /Te Whatu Ora, with strong subject matter expertise, writing and relationship skills capable of leading a portfolio of work.  The Principal Advisor will support the delivery of routine and ad hoc work for the Senate and clinical advisory group under the direction of the Senate Chair.

About the Team/Service/ Location

The New Zealand Clinical Senate is a newly formed clinical group that will provide independent advice to Health New Zealand. The New Zealand Clinical Senate (NZCS) will include and engage clinicians from across the health sector and provide strategic, system-wide clinical advice and leadership on issues affecting the quality, affordability and efficiency of delivery of patient care.

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.  Experience of the machinery of government is helpful but not essential.

• A relevant tertiary qualification, or equivalent experience (e.g. Law, Humanities or Business).
• Needs to draw on extensive specialised work experience typically supported with professional qualifications –10 - 15 years
• Experience in applying critical thinking and using sound judgement to develop options and provide advice, particularly in leading complex or contentious policy work.
• Experience in the development and presentation of well-articulated, unambiguous, and robust advice, papers, and reports.
• A proven ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, to influence and guide organisational and system-level decision making.

Working at 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 Tuesday, 8^th April 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Anesha Pillay via Anesha.pillay@tewhatuora.govt.nz