Principal Advisor DGA

Wellington based | Full-time 12-month fixed term opportunity Midpoint of $145,198 dependent on experience Ko tōu ake mahi – What you’ll do This is a unique opportunity to work at the centre of the Ministry within the Performance and Governance group, supporting the Director-General on complex, high-priority matters. As Principal Advisor, you will provide senior, independent second‑opinion advice, helping maintain a clear line of sight across system performance, risks, and delivery. Working across policy, regulation, monitoring and corporate functions, you will bring strong judgement, insight and synthesis—testing advice, identifying misalignment, and ensuring priority matters are progressing in line with intent. You will operate with a high degree of autonomy, credibility and influence in a fast-paced and politically sensitive environment. You will be an integral member of the Director-General Advisory Team, working closely with the Director to provide high-quality advice, coordination, and support on strategic and operational priorities. You will Provide senior, independent advice to the Director-General on the quality, coherence and risks of advice and delivery Maintain oversight of priority issues, risks and commitments, supporting clarity of ownership and follow-through Identify cross-cutting and emerging risks or opportunities and support early escalation where needed Deliver clear, system-level synthesis and insight, connecting information across multiple domains Support the Director-General to make timely, well-informed decisions, including shaping and testing key material Strengthen internal governance by supporting clarity of roles, escalation pathways and decision-making processes Engage credibly with senior stakeholders, including Crown entities, providing constructive challenge and insight Provide support and oversight to junior members of the team on a day-to-day basis to lift capability and strengthen practices. Ko ngā pūkenga ōu – What you’ll bring Proven experience providing high-quality advice at a senior level in policy, monitoring, regulatory, or corporate contexts Demonstrated ability to operate at a system level, connecting across functions and understanding interdependencies Strong critical thinking and judgement, with the ability to test assumptions and provide robust second‑opinion advice Experience advising Ministers or senior leaders on complex, sensitive issues with system-level impact Excellent relationship management and influencing skills, with strong political awareness Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across diverse stakeholders Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and concisely Ngā hua o tō mātou whare – What we bring 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, we value the authentic ‘you’, 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. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings. Please contact us if you require any support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible. Me pēhea te tono mai – How to apply Applications close Midnight Wednesday 22nd May 2026. Click here to view the position description. Please follow the online process at our Careers Website to apply. 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. Please note: 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. The Ministry of Health is steward of the New Zealand health system and the lead advisor to Government on health. Our overarching goal is for all New Zealanders to live longer and in better health to have an improved quality of life. As steward, we set the direction across the health system so we and others can make informed decisions and prioritise resources accordingly. We advise the Government on health policy, and regulate and monitor the health system, to ensure all New Zealanders have access to health care for better health outcomes. Our role is to create an environment where all New Zealanders are supported to stay well and where all parts of the health system are supported to operate at their best.