Service Development Advisor at Te Whatu Ora, All Locations

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Permanent full-time based anywhere across Aotearoa
• Help shape innovative, equity-focused health services and system improvements
• Collaborate with passionate teams and influential sector leaders nationwide

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

In this nationally focused role, you will support the development and implementation of new approaches to service delivery, commissioning, and contracting across mental health and addiction services. You will contribute to strategic planning, service improvement initiatives, procurement activity, and provider engagement, while helping drive system-wide change that improves outcomes for priority populations.

You'll play a key role in building trusted relationships with providers and stakeholders, supporting operational and strategic priorities, and contributing to projects that improve access, quality, and equity across the health system.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design and implementation of service improvements and new models of care
• Build strong relationships with providers, clinicians, communities, and sector stakeholders
• Contribute to strategic planning, investment proposals, and funding initiatives
• Support procurement, contract development, and contract negotiations
• Monitor provider performance, quality, and risk, helping address issues proactively
• Contribute to service reviews, projects, and programme delivery
• Provide support for governance and Ministerial reporting requirements
• Work collaboratively across regional and national commissioning and operational teams
• Help improve outcomes for Māori, Pacific peoples, and Tangata Whaikaha | Disabled communities

About you

You are a relationship-focused and strategic thinker who enjoys working in complex environments and contributing to meaningful system change. You bring strong communication skills, sound judgement, and the ability to build credibility with a wide range of stakeholders.

You will ideally bring:

• A relevant tertiary or professional qualification
• Experience working within government, health, or other complex regulated environments
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing advice for senior leaders, Boards, or Ministers
• The ability to think strategically while supporting practical delivery outcomes
• Experience contributing to projects, programmes, or service improvement initiatives
• An understanding of equity-focused approaches and improving outcomes for priority populations
• Experience applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice will be highly regarded

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 Sunday 14 June 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.