Job Description

• Use your media expertise
• Wellington based 12 months fixed term for parental leave cover
• Salary midpoint of $136,833, actual salary dependent on your experience

Are you a high performing individual with a media background, a passion for communicating and someone who thrives in busy environments?

Ko wai mātou - About Us

At Manatū Hauora – Ministry of Health we are the kaitiaki of the health system, providing leadership and driving strategy and performance. We regulate the health sector and are the primary source of advice on health matters. Our mahi ensures New Zealanders are cared for by a health system that is innovative, future focussed and world leading.

Ko tōu ake mahi - What You'll Do

As the Principal Advisor Media, you'll play and important role in building and maintaining trust and confidence in the Ministry's activities and actions. You'll serve as a vital conduit between the Ministry and the media, translating complex health information into a call for action and ensuring that the public has access to the most accurate and up-to-date information possible.

You'll need to be a resilient individual who is able to write quickly and accurately, distilling complex concepts and ideas into clear and concise language that is easily understood by the public. You will also be tracking progress towards key communications and organisational goals, ensuring that the Ministry is consistently meeting its targets and delivering on its promises.

You will be communicating directly with the media, producing material that is fit for purpose and providing expert advice about the best approach for each situation. You will work closely with Ministry staff to ensure that your messaging is consistent and effective, and you will be comfortable operating at the highest levels of the organisation and with key stakeholders.

This role will be critical in shaping public perceptions of the Ministry and its activities. Through your expert communication skills, your ability to translate complex information into clear and actionable messaging, and your commitment to achieving the Ministry's goals, you will be instrumental in building and maintaining trust and confidence in the Ministry's activities and actions.

Ko ngā pukenga ōu - What You'll Bring

To be successful in this position, you will be adept at working in a fast-paced, agile environment and will bring;

• Two years or more of daily mainstream media experience
• Strong written skills and an ability to take complex information and synthesise into key messages for relevant audiences
• Demonstrated experience at managing high profile and sensitive issues
• Demonstrated experience working successfully in diverse cultural contexts, with knowledge of Maori and/or Pasifika relations
• Prior communications and/or engagement experience from within the public or health sector preferred.

He aha ta tatou kawe mai - What We Bring

Flexibility – We understand everyone is different and treat most roles as flexible

Inclusivity – Our Values help us to provide a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace

Wellbeing – Our people can be themselves, are supported and able to perform well in their roles 

Purpose – Our mahi is nationally significant and is improving the lives of New Zealanders

Ngā Uaratanga – Our Values

Our Values underpin how we work together and with the health and disability sector, public service colleagues and communities to achieve pae ora – healthy futures for all New Zealanders.

Manaakitanga –We show care, inclusion, respect, support, trust, and kindness to each other

Kaitiakitanga –We preserve and maintain an environment that enables our people to thrive

Whakapono –We have trust and faith in each other to do the right thing

Kōkiri ngātahi – We commit and work together towards a common purpose

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply

To view the position description and apply, please follow the online process at our Careers Website. If you have any questions, email our Recruitment Team. Applications close on Tuesday, 6 June 2023

We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and appreciate the richness of experience that your point of difference could bring to us. Please let us know if there is any support we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.