Principal Analyst - Surveillance -Intelligence - NPHS at Te Whatu Ora, All Locations

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Lead national public health surveillance with technical excellence and mentorship
• Location: National or Regional NPHS Office
• Permanent, Full-Time

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

We are looking for a Principal Analyst – Public Health Surveillance to join the National Public Health Service (NPHS) Intelligence Directorate. This is a permanent, full-time role. This position offers the chance to lead nationally significant surveillance work, combining technical expertise with mentorship of analysts and oversight of critical surveillance activities. You will play a central role in transforming surveillance data into actionable intelligence, shaping how New Zealand understands and responds to public health threats.

As a Principal Analyst, you will:

• Provide high-level technical leadership, coaching and mentoring of junior analysts, and set standards for excellence in data interpretation, visualisation, and reporting.
• Offer expert analysis of surveillance data, contributing to both operational response and strategic insight.
• Partner in the design and uplift of new or evolving surveillance systems, ensuring they are fit-for-purpose and intelligence-led.
• Support the delivery of proactive, high-impact public health intelligence that informs decision-making at national and regional levels.
• Lead and partner for the development and delivery of surveillance relevant workstreams.

About the Team/Service/ Location

The NPHS within Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, work 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 intervention. We are connected across boundaries to deliver public health services that are nationally planned, regionally delivered and locally tailored.

About you

You are someone with a broad familiarity with coding in data analysis tools with a deep expertise in at least one recognised analysis tool. Has current knowledge in relevant emergent technologies, and of trends in industry and public health thinking You're equipped with strong communication skills, with experience in using data storytelling and translating complex and technical information into clear and understandable language for non-technical audiences. You feel comfortable working in fast-paced and variable work environments. You're able to apply critical thinking and use sound judgement to develop options, effectively communicate them, and provide valuable advice.

• You bring a rare mix of technical depth, public health understanding, and leadership skill.
• 10–15 years' experience with relevant qualifications in statistics, epidemiology, public health, data science, or similar.
• Proven leadership in public health surveillance, with experience guiding teams and building capability in applied analysis.
• Deep expertise in at least one recognised analytical tool (e.g., R, Python, SQL) and familiarity with others.
• Experience applying surveillance insights to inform real-world public health action, response, or planning.
• Strong understanding of emerging analytical technologies and evolving public health intelligence methods.
• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to turn complex data into compelling stories for diverse audiences.
• Experience engaging stakeholders across agencies and disciplines to co-design and deliver high-quality public health products.

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 Tuesday 27 May 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Anesha Pillay via Anesha.pillay@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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