Policy Directorat Ministry of Health -

apartmentMinistry of Health placeWellington calendar_month04/03/2026

Wellington based | Full

-time | Permanent | 4 positions4.8 weeks annual leave | Wellness allowance after 12 monthsHigh-impact roles for seasoned policy leaders shaping system-wide directionKo tōu ake mahi

What you'll do We are establishing four new Policy Director roles as part of a deliberate strategy to deepen policy expertise and lift policy leadership across the Ministry of Health.

These are senior, high'influence roles for experienced policy leaders who bring both depth and breadth of experience and are ready to shape direction at scale.
The roles report to a Group Manager and are members of the Group's leadership team.Policy Director roles in the Strategy and Policy Group Policy Director

Strategy and Funding PolicyThis role focuses on strategic advice on the health system, investment, and funding settings.

You will bring deep expertise in Crown financial management, value'for'money analysis, and economic policy frameworks to support sustainable, long'term decision'making across the system.Policy Director

Sector PolicyThis role leads policy advice across aged care, primary and community health, maternity and child health, disability, and social sector interfaces.

You will bring extensive experience working across sectors and delivering improved outcomes through a range of policy levers, including in environments with mixed public and private service provision.Policy Director

Health Services and Regulatory Systems PolicyThis role provides leadership on health system regulation and stewardship, workforce strategy, medicines policy and funding, and the innovation and expansion of health services and treatments, including precision health and genomics.

You will bring strong experience in regulatory policy design and/or economic policy frameworks within complex systems.
Policy Director role in the Public Health Agency and Mental Health GroupPolicy Director

Public Health and Mental Health PolicyThis role provides strategic policy leadership within the Public Health Agency, working closely with the relevant Group Manager to shape and align the policy agenda and work programmes.

Policy Directors are senior experts who bring broad and deep policy experience, providing thought leadership, managing complex issues, and supporting strong relationships across the system.
You will work in partnership with Group Managers to lead policy development across the Group and collaborate across the Ministry, wider government, and the health system.
Across all roles, you will:Partner with Group Managers to drive strategic policy direction and ensure coherence across portfolios, teams, and work programmes.Provide trusted advice and thought leadership to DDGs, Group Managers, and senior leaders on complex, sensitive, and high'risk policy issues.Strengthen policy stewardship and capability, supporting continuous improvement in policy frameworks, skills, and practice across the Ministry.Lead and deliver priority programmes of work, applying strategic and tactical leadership to achieve results through high'quality policy advice.Build influence and strong relationships, representing the Ministry across government and external forums while modelling the Ministry's values and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.Ko ngā pukenga ōu

What You'll BringA relevant tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience) with deep expertise in public policy and strong understanding of legislative, regulatory, and political environments.Extensive senior policy leadership experience, in central government, advising on complex policy issues, setting strategic direction and influencing policy agendas at portfolio and system level.Proven ability to operate at the political interface, managing risk, complexity, and sensitive issues with sound judgement and governance discipline.Exceptional communication, relationship'building, and influencing skills, with the credibility to represent the Ministry in high'level forums and across government.Strategic, innovative, and values'led leadership, with a strong commitment to equity, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, capability development, and leading through change.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 Thursday 19th March 2026.

Please specify which position you are applying for in your cover letter.

Click here to view the position description for Strategy & Policy, and here to view the position description for Public Health Agency and Mental Health Group.
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.

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