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Posted 22 August, 2026

Principal Policy Analyst Health Economics

Ministry of Health
Wellington, WGN, NZ Full Time
Reference: dd31620e2147a4d7

Job Description

Principal or Senior Policy Analyst – Economics, Funding and Markets team Wellington based | Full-time | Permanent Wellness allowance after 12 months. Use economic frameworks and analytical tools to solve real-world policy problems in the large, complex and important Health sector. Midpoint of $156,054 for a Principal role / $116,415 for a Senior role, with the exact amount dependent on experience. What you’ll do Lead with insight: Apply health economics tools—like cost–benefit analysis and impact assessments—to shape smart, evidence-based policy decisions. Drive complex policy work: Lead and contribute to high-profile policy programmes, delivering clear, robust advice that stands up to scrutiny. Influence decision-makers: Translate complex economic and policy concepts into practical, compelling advice for Ministers and senior leaders. Build capability: Mentor and support colleagues, lifting policy capability and ensuring consistently high-quality outputs. Collaborate for impact: Work across teams and the wider sector to deliver joined-up solutions that prioritise equity and meet Treaty obligations. What you’ll bring – Senior Policy Analyst Strong experience applying economic analysis within policy, regulatory, or funding settings. Proven ability to use economic frameworks and analytical tools to solve complex, real-world policy problems. Skilled at translating complex analysis into clear, actionable advice for senior leaders and non-technical audiences. Demonstrated leadership in mentoring, peer review, and guiding others on analytical and policy work. A relevant tertiary qualification. Qualifications in an economic field would be an advantage. What you’ll bring – Principal Policy Analyst Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and critical thinking skills, with a solid understanding of government processes and policy development. Demonstrated people management skills including the coaching and mentoring of junior staff. Highly developed written and oral communication skills including the ability to communicate clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Ability to quickly assimilate new information or areas of work and come to an understanding of unfamiliar and complex concepts and environments. Experience in driving policy through influencing and leading a range of stakeholders. Advanced relationship management skills with the ability to develop productive stakeholder relationships through consultation and partnerships. A post graduate qualification in relevant field would be an advantage. 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. Please contact us if you require any support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible. Eligibility and Location This is a Wellington based position. To be eligible for this role you must have full time ongoing working rights in NZ. 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

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