Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
- Permanent, full time
- Team is primarily Wellington-based, but work from where you are
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
The Senior Advisor supports positive outcomes in the health system by ensuring Health New Zealand and its Ministers meet their machinery of government requirements.
This role will provide timely, high-quality responses and advice, support and peer review the work of Advisors and manage requests of higher complexity and or interest. The Senior Advisor will rotate across all ministerial products to ensure individual professional development by building expertise and knowledge, and provide cover and additional support during periods of high volumes.
About the Team
Government Services plays a vital role at the heart of government engagement, coordinating the delivery of high volumes of official information responses, ministerial correspondence, parliamentary questions, and briefings, handling around 12,000 products annually. We pride ourselves on producing high-quality outputs at pace, ensuring Ministers and the public receive timely and accurate information.
You'll be part of a dynamic, responsive team that thrives under pressure, values collaboration, and works closely with leaders across the organisation. While the team is primarily based in Wellington, we're open to applicants based elsewhere in New Zealand who can work effectively and stay connected in a distributed environment.
About you
You're an experienced public servant with a strong understanding of the machinery of government, particularly responding to OIA requests, and a proven record of working closely with Ministers and their offices. Your technical expertise is backed by excellent written and verbal communication skills, enabling you to translate complex information into clear, concise advice for a range of audiences. Known for your attention to detail and sound judgement, you manage risk with care and remain composed under pressure.
You thrive in complex, fast-paced environments where initiative, adaptability, and prioritisation are key. Alongside your ability to work independently and collaboratively, you bring a strong focus on supporting others—mentoring and developing staff to build capability and foster high-performing teams. You are relationship-focused, professional, and committed to delivering high-quality, accurate work while maintaining confidentiality and integrity.
- A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent relevant work experience.
- Minimum of three years working in the government services field.
- Demonstrable knowledge of relevant legislation and machinery of government.
- Experience with coaching and mentoring of staff.
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 Thursday 17th July 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Matt Kelly at matt.kelly@tewhatuora.govt.nz
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change affected kaimahi will be given preference and priority for this position.