Principal Clinical Advisor - Assisted Dying

• Permanent Full-time role based anywhere across Aotearoa
• Influence system-level clinical practice and contribute directly to service design, policy, and quality improvement
• Work alongside respected clinical leaders in a collaborative, purpose-driven national team environment

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

This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to step into a senior clinical leadership role within Assisted Dying Services, supporting safe, high-quality, and equitable care across Aotearoa New Zealand.

As a Principal Clinical Advisor, you will provide expert clinical leadership, advice, and oversight across complex assisted dying cases, supporting practitioners with prognosis, assessment, and process-related guidance. You will also undertake follow-up clinical discussions where required and provide assurance in relation to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Working across the wider health system, you will play a critical role in shaping service design and clinical practice, contributing to national consistency, innovation, and best-practice approaches. You will partner closely with clinical leaders across Health NZ, Manatū Hauora, Māori clinical leaders, and other key stakeholders to ensure services are safe, responsive, and aligned with the needs of all communities.

A strong focus of this role is system leadership—supporting workforce capability, contributing to service improvement, and ensuring clinical voices inform national policy, design, and delivery.

About the Team

You will join a highly collaborative national clinical leadership environment focused on delivering safe, ethical, and high-quality assisted dying services.

The team works at the intersection of clinical practice, system design, and equity, partnering closely with Hauora Māori, Pacific Health teams, and regional clinical networks. There is a strong commitment to shared learning, clinical integrity, and continuous improvement.

You will work alongside experienced clinicians and system leaders who are committed to ensuring services are compassionate, consistent, and grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity principles. The environment is supportive, collegial, and deeply purpose driven.

About you

You are an experienced senior clinician who brings sound judgement, clinical credibility, and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive situations with care and professionalism.

You will bring:

• A relevant medical, nursing, or allied health qualification
• Strong clinical experience, ideally including complex case management
• The ability to provide clear, balanced, and evidence-based clinical advice in high-stakes environments
• Proven capability in collaboration and relationship management across multidisciplinary and cross-sector settings
• A strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a demonstrated commitment to equity in health outcomes

You are comfortable working at a system level, influencing clinical practice, and contributing to service improvement while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and patient-centred care.

Working at 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 Friday 24 April 2026. For further information, please contact Lynda Francis on lynda.francis@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected kaimahi will be given preference and priority for this position.

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