Principal Advisor, Office of the Chief People Officer

Principal Advisor, Office of the Chief People Officer at Te Whatu Ora, Wellington

Join Te Whatu Ora at a key time of change where you will meaningfully contribute to our kaupapa of creating a more equitable, accessible, cohesive, and people-centred health system. This is mahi that will improve the health and well-being of everyone in Aotearoa, and we've got an opportunity for you to be part of it

Te whiwhinga mahi The Opportunity

This role reports to the Head of the Office of the Chief People Officer, and will work closely with the wider team, the Chief People Officer and the Senior Leadership Team. It is responsible for supporting delivery of routine and ad-hoc work for the overall group by:

• providing strategic advice across the People & Communications function - which spans health workforce, employment relations, HR, organisational development, health and safety and change management.
• maintaining a focus on supporting health system delivery, including through developing robust advice and options that support the development of Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) strategic ambitions and a workforce of 90,000 people.
• developing advice for Ministers, Health New Zealand and/or Executive Leadership Team as necessary.
• leading programmes of work and/or project teams on complex, sensitive or high-risk areas using excellent relationship management skills
• effectively influencing through engagement and communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• supporting the business with operational policy, strategy and Ministerial servicing
• helping manage the political interface, including Parliamentary questions and public communications.
• A government background in advising Senior leaders, Ministers and/or Boards, is required.
• A proven record of experience and achievement working with senior leaders to provide sound advice based on robust, complete, and varied analytical techniques.
• Proven ability to develop trust and credibility with peers and senior managers to build strong working relationships.
• Has a clear understanding of government processes, including Cabinet papers, briefings, and working with Ministers and their offices.
• Previous experience working in the health sector (desirable)
• A commitment to being a good Te Tiriti partner in all your actions. This includes an understanding of the significance of and obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the ability to apply Te Tiriti principles in a meaningful way in this role
• Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth

Ko te mahi e tika ana mō te ao hurihuri nei Work that suits today's ever -changing world

Te Whatu Ora supports flexible and hybrid working for our kaimahi. In roles that don't require an in-person element, we encourage you to 'work from where you are.' We want our national teams to be made up of diverse people from across the motu, just like our health system.

Nau mai, uru mai Come and join us

When you join us, you become part of transforming the health system. This is a once in a life-time change, that will touch the lives of everyone in Aotearoa, and future generations.

Our name, Te Whatu Ora, means 'the weaving of wellness'. Whatu is the combining together of people, resources, organisations, thoughts and actions for the betterment and wellbeing of all. Whatu is also a direct reference to the pupil of the eye, and the vision required of the new entity and system.

We are working towards a system that better meets the complex demands of a growing population, addresses the persistent inequalities experienced by Māori and ensures greater access, experience, and outcomes for those traditionally not well served by the system - Māori, Pacific and Disabled People.

We want to see the real you in your application and welcome the real you on board if you come and work with us. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the ad, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.

We particularly welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

Me pēhea te tuku tono How to apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role (by submitting your cover letter and CV), please click "APPLY NOW." For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online career portal. If you have any questions about the role, please feel free to contact Matt Kelly at

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