Senior Adviser - Health

The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders.

Kia hangai ake e te Manatu he ao-haumaru, ao-tonui, ao-pumau, ki te oranga tonutanga mo Aotearoa whanui.

• Lead and manage complex multi-country health investments.
• Provide technical advice on the Ministry's investments in health in the Pacific region.
• Wellington based.

Exciting opportunity in the Pacific and Development Group where you can make the most of your specialist health expertise and knowledge of the domestic and international health sector.

About the role - Korero mo te turanga

This role sits within the Ministry's Pacific and Development Group which leads an integrated approach to New Zealand's diplomatic and development engagement with New Zealand's partner countries in the Pacific and other developing countries and regions. PDG is responsible for the delivery of New Zealand's International Development Cooperation in the Pacific and globally. The work of the group helps to fulfil a number of MFAT's strategic foreign policy objectives.

The Development People and Planet Division (DPP) is a Division within PDG that provides high quality thematic policy and technical advice to MFAT divisions. The Division also designs and manages complex multi-country projects and programmes.

The Health Unit provides specialist advice on issues relating to population health and health systems. The Pacific region is a priority focus for engagement in these areas. Recognising health as a fundamental human right, and the connections between health and development, the goal of the Health Unit is to support Pacific Island countries to address their priority population health needs and achieve universal health coverage, particularly through investments centred on Primary Health Care approaches.

The key purpose of this role is to provide technical advice, influence the Ministry's strategy and programming through sector insights, and develop policy advice for health-related development issues. Senior Advisers in the Health team are also expected to lead and project manage complex multi-country health investments/activities in the Pacific region.

This role includes travelling overseas to meet with implementing partners.

For more detail you can request a copy of the position description by emailing recruitment@mfat.govt.nz

The salary range for this role is $124,674 to midpoint $146,675 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint depending on your level of experience.

Who are we looking for? - Ma wai te mahi nei?

We'd like to hear from you if you are an experienced health specialist with the following:

• Master degree in public health or field related to health and development;
• Qualification in nursing, midwifery, or medicine;
• Minimum 5 years experience in public health ideally at increasing advisory levels, with extensive experience working on health issues in developing contexts, including in the Pacific Region;
• Solid track record of providing policy advice at increasing levels of seniority;
• Strong understanding of and ability to apply public health frameworks;
• Knowledge and understanding of development issues and trends, particularly in the Pacific region;
• In-depth understanding of the health challenges and key opportunities in the Pacific region;
• Experience working across diverse cultural contexts;
• Existing professional network within the New Zealand health sector and international health arena.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitiangi/Te Tiriti , Te Reo Maori and Maori customs and protocols would be beneficial.

Why MFAT? - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Aorere

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options consistent with guidance from the Public Service Commission. Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

MFAT is Rainbow Tick accredited. We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

About us - Mo matou

Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous. By building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance New Zealand's interests and pursue New Zealand's values. We provide advice to the Government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world.

To Apply/Interested? - Me pehea te tuku tono

Apply today with your CV and cover letter.

To be considered for this position at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ Citizen, or Permanent Resident.

You must be able to obtain and maintain a Confidential security clearance. Ordinarily, to obtain this level of clearance candidates must have sufficient checkable background in countries where meaningful and reliable checks can be undertaken. Where requisite checks are unable to be made, the candidate application may not be able to be progressed.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Confidential clearance . Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Applications close at midnight on Friday, 18 April 2025.

Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role. This is a `Corporate' role (known here as a Specialist role) based in central Wellington, NZ.

While it is not usual for specialist staff to be `posted' outside of NZ, from time to time a specialist role overseas becomes available at one of our embassies, high commissions, missions or consulates. To be considered for one of these positions you would need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

If you do have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy/diplomatic career, you would be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.