Director Defence Health Policy at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

You will be managing a highly collaborative team in providing clear policy guidance and standards for the provision of health services within the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) as part of the Defence Health Directorate. This team works across a variety of Health policy and governance documentation to ensure information is up to date and accessible.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Translating existing policies into the required, accessible formats;
• Analysing, developing and maintaining policy associated documentation in the NZDF required formats and publication systems;
• Regularly attending and reporting to Health Management and Health Leadership boards;
• Preparing, editing and proofing print masters and from draft texts and illustrations;
• Managing a small team, including mentoring and guidance as required; and
• Contributing to related projects, in line with the Defence Health policy programme and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

You will have strong interpersonal skills to be able to engage and communicate across a diverse range of stakeholders and customers, both orally and in writing, as well as manage and working as part of a small and effective team. This role requires excellent attention to detail, as it is crucial to deliver a high level of accuracy and quality assurance, along with being flexible to changing priorities.

Ideally, you will also have:

• Experience within a management role, preferably within the health environment;
• Experience with technical writing/operational policy within the public sector;
• An understanding of health and NZDF terminology and environment;
• Ability to read, interpret and translate legislation, policy and procedures;
• Advanced technical document management skills; and
• A high degree of computer literacy is required, especially with Microsoft Office, SharePoint and the Adobe Pro.

Mō mātou | About Us

Defence Health includes primary medical and dental care, physical performance and rehabilitation care, occupational health, mental health, social wellness and spiritual wellbeing. Defence Health also partners with other NZDF teams to support health and safety, and single Service health specialties (e.g. Maritime medical). 

The Defence Health Directorate (DHD) provides health and wellbeing stewardship, strategic governance and professional/technical control over all Defence Health elements.

Every hour of every day, 365 days of the year, the New Zealand Defence Force is contributing to the defence, security and well-being of Aotearoa / New Zealand. As a modern, professional military, it is our goal to maintain well-trained, equipped and disciplined armed forces that can react to crisis at short notice. 

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

NZDF is an inclusive organisation that is open to flexible working arrangements and welcomes applications from people regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, beliefs/opinions, or family circumstances.

In return for your expertise, dedication and hard work, NZDF is offering remuneration reflective of your experience, along with:

• Great benefits for you and your family.
• Full time ongoing work.
• Fully funded life cover up to $300,000.
• 5 weeks annual leave per year.
• Flexible working environment and positive culture.
• Variety, challenge and a chance to influence.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

To view the Position Description and to Apply, please use the links on this page.

Please note:

• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.
• If you are an existing NZDF employee (excluding contractors) you must apply through our Internal Vacancies site, via the HR Toolkit.

Applications close on Sunday 2 April 2023.

Please note: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand (NZ) and be able to obtain and maintain the required level of NZ Government security clearance for the position applied for. The minimum citizenship and residency criteria for security clearances to be granted by the NZ Defence Force are as follows:

Higher level Security Clearance

• most preferably a NZ citizen who has resided continuously in this country for the last 10 years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last 10 years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher level.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.