Lead Health Security

Wellington based | Full-time Fixed term until 30 June 2029 Lead health partnerships across Polynesia and make a lasting impact. Midpoint of $145,198 dependent on experience What you’ll do This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing team delivering impactful health programmes that strengthen health systems across Polynesia. As Lead – Health Security, you'll combine strategic programme leadership with people leadership, guiding the Health Security and Access to Essential Medicines pillars while building strong partnerships across government, the health sector, and Polynesian countries. Working at the intersection of public health, international engagement, and programme delivery, you'll play a key role in improving health outcomes, developing team capability, and shaping the future direction of the Polynesian Health Corridors programme. Lead strategic programme delivery by overseeing the design, planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Health Security and Access to Essential Medicines pillars. Provide leadership and support to your team through coaching, mentoring, capability development and performance management, creating an inclusive and collaborative team culture that delivers results. Build and maintain influential relationships with Polynesian country counterparts, government agencies, clinical leaders, suppliers and key stakeholders to support programme objectives and strengthen partnerships. Drive programme performance and continuous improvement by managing risks and issues, leading adaptive management practices, and ensuring high-quality, timely delivery of work across the programme. Provide strategic advice and leadership on public health, medicines management and health security matters, supporting senior leaders and fostering effective cross-pillar ways of working across the programme. What you’ll bring Relevant qualification or equivalent experience, with the ability to provide strategic advice and make sound decisions in complex environments. Proven experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams, while building capability for current and future priorities. Strong people leadership skills, including succession planning and managing critical roles to ensure organisational sustainability. Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across a wide range of internal and external partners. Demonstrated commitment to equity, cultural competence and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, supported by strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities. 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. Applications close Midnight Wednesday 13th August 2026. The Ministry of Health is steward of the New Zealand health system and the lead advisor to Government on health. Our overarching goal is for all New Zealanders to live longer and in better health to have an improved quality of life. As steward, we set the direction across the health system so we and others can make informed decisions and prioritise resources accordingly. We advise the Government on health policy, and regulate and monitor the health system, to ensure all New Zealanders have access to health care for better health outcomes. Our role is to create an environment where all New Zealanders are supported to stay well and where all parts of the health system are supported to operate at their best. #J-18808-Ljbffr