Job Description

• Rewarding opportunity to contribute to mental health, addiction and suicide prevention policy and make a difference to the lives of New Zealanders. 

• Professional development opportunities and great colleagues who support each other to succeed. 

• Salary midpoint of $85,578, actual salary dependent on your experience. 

The Mental Wellbeing team is responsible for legislation development, strategy development, and advising Ministers on mental health, addiction and suicide prevention policy issues. 

 Ko ake mahi - What you'll do 

In this role you will work on interesting, challenging and rewarding policy work that contributes to transforming the mental health and addiction system, and improved mental wellbeing outcomes for all people in New Zealand. 

Mental health and wellbeing is a key issue for people and whānau across the country and our mahi impacts on everyone from those who experience inequity to supporting communities to thrive. 

A key work area for this role is the opportunity to support the Mental Health Bill through the Parliamentary stages. This is a once in a generation opportunity be part of work that will replace our now over 30-year-old Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992. 

We have a great team of positive, energetic and collegial individuals who work collaboratively with each other, our Ministry colleagues and stakeholders to deliver on our work. We support each other and celebrate wins. 

Ko pūkenga - What you'll bring 

• Understanding of public policy and the machinery of government 

• Critical thinking and policy analysis skills 

• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to tailor complex information to a range of audiences 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to foster good stakeholder relationships. 

• An understanding of the mental health and addiction sector and current policy challenges is beneficial 

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.   

To learn more about us, visit https://www.health.govt.nz/about-us  

Ngā Uaratanga – Our values  

Our Values underpin how we work together and with the health and disability sector, public service colleagues and communities.  

• Manaakitanga (Listen on Māori Dictonary.co.nz) - we show care, inclusion respect, support, trust, and kindness to each other  

• Kaitiakitanga (Listen on Māori Dictionary.co.nz) - we preserve and maintain an environment that enables the Ministry and our people to thrive  

• Whakapono (Listen on Māori Dictionary.co.nz) - we have trust and faith in each other to do the right thing  

• Kōkiri ngātahi (Listen on Māori Dictonary.com Kōkiri + ngātahi) - we connect and work together collectively towards a common purpose.  

Me pēhea te tono mai - How to apply 

Click APPLY and make sure to include your cover letter and CV. See information for job applicants here: https://www.health.govt.nz/about-us/careers/information-for-job-applicants 

For any questions or a confidential kōrero, contact recruitment@health.govt.nz  

Applications close Wednesday, 27 November. Please note we are reviewing applications as they come in and may close prior to the closing date if we receive a large number of applications. Interviews will take place 4-6 December. The start date for this role is February 2025 (negotiable).

We place importance on our people having a sense of belonging, so if you require adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.