Principal Advisor System and Entity Monitoring

• Help shape the oversight and performance across some of New Zealand’s most important health organisations and system priorities

• Provide expert leadership and judgement while supporting the Ministry to build its monitoring capability to be the best in government

• Provide trusted monitoring, assurance and strategic insight on issues that matter to the performance of New Zealand’s health system

• Permanent | Wellington based Position | 4.4 weeks annual leave

• Midpoint of $145,198 dependent on your professional skills and experience

Ko tōu ake mahi - What you’ll do

This is an opportunity to work at the sharp end of system stewardship, leading complex monitoring and providing authoritative judgement on issues that are visible at the highest levels of government, providing trusted advice that supports decisions be senior leaders and Ministers. As Principal Adviser, System and Entity Monitoring, you’ll play a critical role in turning complex, ambiguous signals into clear, defensible insight. You will lead deep dives, shape escalation decisions, and help ensure entity‑level monitoring translates into coherent system‑level understanding that supports confident decision‑making and public trust.

You will

• Lead complex monitoring and deep dives by owning high‑risk or ambiguous monitoring activity, defining lines of enquiry, testing competing explanations, and determining whether issues are isolated or systemic.

• Provide system‑level synthesis and insight by drawing together entity monitoring, analytics and intelligence to identify cross‑entity patterns, emerging trends and early warning signals.

• Apply expert monitoring judgement and escalation advice by assessing materiality, trajectory and system impact, and recommending proportionate escalation, assurance or intervention options.

• Lead and assure high‑risk advice and assurance activity by providing senior quality assurance over sensitive advice, shaping targeted assurance or reviews, and translating assurance findings into clear monitoring judgements.

• Provide technical leadership and uplift monitoring practice by mentoring Senior Advisers and Advisers, contributing to continuous improvement of tools and approaches, and embedding equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations in all monitoring work.

Ko ngā pūkenga ōu - What you’ll bring

• Relevant tertiary qualification and/or equivalent senior experience in health, monitoring, assurance or complex public‑sector environments.

• Advanced expertise in risk‑based monitoring and assurance, with strong judgement to identify systemic risks, prioritise issues and recommend proportionate interventions.

• Proven ability to lead deep dives and intensive assurance, including shaping lines of inquiry, testing evidence, commissioning external reviews and translating findings into clear insights.

• Highly developed analytical, influencing and communication skills, able to convey complex or technical issues clearly and credibly to senior leaders and stakeholders.

• Recognised technical leader who lifts monitoring practice through mentoring and coaching, with a strong commitment to cultural competence and upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.

Ngā hua o tō mātou whare - 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 wellbeing 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.

Me pēhea te tono mai - How to apply 

Applications close midnight on 26 July 2026. Please note to be eligible for this position you will have working rights and be based in Wellington by the start date. If you plan to relocate, please add this detail to your cover letter.

Click here to view the position description. Please follow the online process at our Careers Website. Please ensure you upload a CV and covering letter with all applications. If you have any questions, email the recruitment team at recruitment@health.govt.nz.