Principal Advisor

Role overview

This Wellington-based permanent position offers the chance to contribute to meaningful work that strengthens mental health and suicide prevention outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand. The role is full time and sits at the midpoint salary of $145,198, subject to experience.

What you will do

In this position, you will act as a senior adviser providing high-level, evidence-based guidance on complex areas of work. You will help shape decisions that improve outcomes for communities nationwide by working alongside senior leaders, sector partners, and community stakeholders to design and deliver practical, strategic initiatives.

• Offer specialist advice and analytical support for the Suicide Prevention Action Plan, including coordination, stakeholder engagement, and reporting responsibilities.
• Drive and guide cross-Ministry and sector-wide projects to ensure major programmes stay aligned and are delivered successfully.
• Develop and sustain effective working relationships with stakeholders from communities, service providers, government bodies, and the broader health sector.
• Manage complex projects and workstreams, ensuring strong outcomes through structured planning and effective delivery.
• Promote improvement and innovation to help lift outcomes across the system.

What you will bring

The role calls for strong subject-matter understanding and/or lived experience that can help inform suicide prevention work at both system and agency level. You should also be comfortable guiding programme design, delivery, and monitoring, while working with a broad range of stakeholders across public, health, and community settings.

• Knowledge of the sector and/or lived experience relevant to suicide prevention initiatives.
• Experience in shaping, implementing, and tracking programmes.
• Confidence engaging with and influencing diverse groups across government, health, and community organisations.

What we offer

The organisation describes itself as a supportive workplace that values wellbeing, balance, and personal and professional growth. It emphasises an inclusive culture where people can bring their full selves to work, with respect for different voices, backgrounds, and perspectives. Support is available for candidates who need adjustments to access the recruitment process.

How to apply

Applications close on Tuesday 30 June 2026. Applicants are asked to use the organisation’s careers process and submit both a CV and a covering letter. Questions can be directed to the recruitment team at recruitment@health.govt.nz. Applications are being reviewed as they are received, and the vacancy may close early if a large number of applications is received. Recruitment agency submissions are not being accepted.