Job Description

• Leadership opportunity to drive a strategic and rewarding policy work programme for improving mental wellbeing in New Zealand, supporting a team to grow and succeed.
• Fixed term or secondment for parental leave cover (from late February/early March 2025 to the end of March 2026)
• Salary midpoint of $162,129, actual salary dependent on your experience

Ko ake mahi - What you'll do

Mental health and wellbeing is a priority for the Government with the establishment of New Zealand's first dedicated Minister for Mental Health. The Ministry has an exciting and ambitious work programme spanning strategic and legislative work across a wide variety of policy issues relating to mental health, addiction (reducing harm from alcohol, other drugs, and gambling) and suicide prevention.

In this leadership role you will:

• lead a great team of positive, energetic, and collegial individuals with a passion for improving mental health and wellbeing in New Zealand
• work closely with the Group Manager to drive the Group's strategy and policy work programme, including resource allocation and prioritisation to deliver high quality advice
• work closely with other internal teams including clinical, lived experience, system intelligence and regulatory, and across other agencies, to ensure our policy advice is relevant, fit for purpose, and contributing to broader Government priorities
• ensure all work prioritises the achievement of equity, and build and support lived experience voice throughout the work programme.

Ko pūkenga - What you'll bring

• Significant strategy and policy experience and strong understanding of the machinery of government
• People leadership skills and experience, with a focus on supporting the pastoral and development needs of team and fostering a thriving team culture
• Successful experience in collaborating positively with colleagues, stakeholders and across government to achieve outcomes

The role would be suitable for an emerging or new policy leader ready to step up and take on an exciting opportunity, or an experienced policy leader keen to try their hand at a challenging and rewarding subject area.

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 Mental Health, Addiction and Suicide Prevention Strategy and Policy Group is responsible for legislation development, strategy development, and advising Ministers on mental health, addiction and suicide prevention policy issues.

Ko mātou me tō matou whare - What we bring

Unlock your career potential at Manatū Hauora, where you'll 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, diversity and inclusion are woven into the fabric of our culture, 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.

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 

To view the position description and apply, please follow the online process at our Careers Website. 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.To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand.  For information on work visa eligibility, check out the Immigration New Zealand website.

This advertisement will be closing on Thursday 23 January 2025. Please note if we receive a high number of applications this job may close prior to the closing date.

We are not utilising recruitment agencies at this time. If you are interested in applying for this position, please do so directly through our careers page.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application via email. Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, psychometric assessment and a criminal check.

We value diversity 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 contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.