Senior Advisor (NPHS)

Senior Advisor (NPHS)

Permanent, full-time position based anywhere in New Zealand.

Shape communications that support health priorities and better health outcomes for all New Zealanders.

Join the Communications & Engagement team and play a key role in issues management, public information and strategic communications.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders.

We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations - from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.

Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Senior Advisor to join our Communications & Engagement team, with a focus on the National Public Health Service (NPHS) portfolio. This is an opportunity to contribute to communications strategies that support important public health priorities and improve health outcomes for communities across Aotearoa. You'll develop and implement communications strategies, provide trusted advice, identify risks and find new and effective ways to connect with audiences.

An important part of this role is supporting the NPHS on-call roster and providing Public Information Management (PIM) functions when required. You'll work in a dynamic environment where issues can be complex and time-critical, providing calm, considered communications advice and helping to manage risks and reputational issues. You'll also build strong relationships across Health New Zealand and with external stakeholders, including government agencies and Ministers' offices.

Working collaboratively across the organisation, you'll help ensure communications are accessible and reflect the voices and aspirations of all New Zealanders. You'll use evidence, insights and critical thinking to identify opportunities, improve access and contribute to inclusive and responsive health services.

About You

You are an experienced communications professional who is confident working in complex and pressured environments. You can provide clear, trusted advice, build strong relationships and adapt your approach when priorities change.

You will bring:

• A relevant qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, politics or a related field, with around five years' experience in a relevant communications role.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications strategies and delivering high-quality communications advice.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and judgement skills, with the ability to navigate complex, ambiguous and time-sensitive issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proven experience building effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

Experience as a PIM operating under the CIMS structure would be highly desirable, as would health sector or government experience.

You'll be adaptable, collaborative and curious, with the ability to deliver results under pressure while maintaining professionalism, sound judgement and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply, please click "apply now." All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 11:59PM Sunday 30 August 2026. For further information, please contact Nicole Rickard on Nicole.Rickard@TeWhatuOra.Govt.NZ.

The full position description is available on the Health New Zealand Careers site.

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.