Public Health Medicine Specialist - Quality and Clinical Leadership - NPHS

• An opportunity to make a positive impact in an organisation that makes a difference to people's lives
• Fixed-term or Secondment Public Health Medicine Specialist role working with the Chief Public Health Clinical Officer
• Work from where you are

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 have an amazing 6 to 12-month fixed-term or secondment opportunity available to join our team as a Public Health Medicine Specialist.  In this role, you will provide strategic and specialist public health advice to the Chief Public Health Clinical Officer.  The Quality and Clinical Leadership program is designed to deliver the changes established under Pae Ora (Healthy Futures legislation) and is aligned with HNZ's strategic direction.  You will lead systems development and processes to ensure the successful delivery of NPHS's clinical and quality delivery program.  You will be working closely and collaboratively within and outside of the team to ensure timely information and advice are provided for decision-making, and guidance is provided to enable the NPHS to be effectively and efficiently operationalised. This role deputises for the Chief Public Health Clinical Officer at times.

About the Team/Service/ Location

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) within Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, works towards Pae Ora (healthy futures) for all by engaging with the wider determinants that impact people's health, focusing on oranga/wellbeing, prevention, protection, and population-level interventions. We are connected across boundaries to deliver public health services that are nationally planned, regionally delivered and locally tailored.

About you

You understand the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and quality in health, and are skilled in applying these principles effectively in your role.  You build and maintain positive relationships at all levels, enhancing the quality and contributions of individuals and teams to achieve the organization's vision and goals.   Driven and accountable, you are aware of your impact on others and are committed to continuously improving your leadership practice. You are flexible and adaptable, and willing to supervise Public Health Medicine Registrars in the team.

Desired skills and experience:

• Fellow of the New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine (or equivalent)
• Master of Public Health with at least five years' experience working in public health in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Proven ability to tailor complex messages to a range of audiences, including clinical, government, executive/senior managers and the public
• Proven experience in successfully developing and maintaining a structured approach to managing a wide range of stakeholder and professional relationships both internally and externally
• Continuous improvement mind-set
• Possess the savvy required to navigate complex landscapes to improve population health

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 Tuesday, 05 May 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Maria Bennett via Maria.Bennett1@tewhatuora.govt.nz