Principal Advisor Infrastructure Monitoring

Role Overview

This pivotal position places you at the heart of the Ministry of Health's oversight of significant health infrastructure investments. As the Principal Advisor for Infrastructure Monitoring, you will lead intricate monitoring and assurance of Health New Zealand's portfolio of high-risk and high-value infrastructure. Collaborating closely with the Lead Advisor, you will provide expert judgement, synthesize insights across various monitoring areas, and elevate the quality and trustworthiness of infrastructure oversight practices throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead detailed monitoring and evaluations across large-scale capital programs, asset collections, and investment plans, focusing on delivery confidence, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with service objectives.
• Offer authoritative assessments and escalation recommendations by analyzing the significance, trajectory, and systemic impact of infrastructure risks, guiding advice to senior leadership and government ministers accordingly.
• Conduct targeted assurance activities focusing on high-risk concerns by defining scopes, verifying evidence, commissioning external reviews when necessary, and converting findings into clear monitoring insights.
• Ensure asset management maturity and sustainability by evaluating integrated, service-centered infrastructure planning, lifecycle asset strategies, and preparedness for future service demands.
• Enhance monitoring methodologies and system understanding by merging infrastructure intelligence with financial, service performance, and digital data; mentor senior staff; improve tools and approaches; and embed equity and Treaty of Waitangi obligations in all functions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant tertiary education and/or comparable experience within health, infrastructure, or complex public-sector contexts.
• Advanced expertise in infrastructure monitoring and assurance, employing disciplined, risk-focused methods on major capital projects and portfolio investments.
• Strong practical judgement skills to appraise delivery confidence, identify systemic and emerging risks, and propose appropriate escalation or intervention strategies.
• Proven experience leading comprehensive reviews and intensive assurance processes, integrating infrastructure insights with financial, service performance, and digital perspectives to derive solid conclusions.
• Respected technical leadership abilities combined with excellent communication and influencing skills; capacity to mentor others, thrive in challenging environments, and uphold Treaty of Waitangi commitments.
• Collaborative mindset and readiness to engage with diverse teams, including Health New Zealand and external bodies (such as the Treasury), ensuring the Ministry provides the best advice to senior decision-makers.

Organizational Benefits

Join a workplace that nurtures professional growth and personal well-being. The Ministry values diversity, inclusion, and authentic individuality, supporting work-life balance and comprehensive wellness resources. Become part of a dedicated team committed to enhancing healthcare outcomes.

Additional Information

• This is a permanent, full-time role based in Wellington.
• Annual leave entitlement is 4.4 weeks.
• Salary midpoint is NZD 143,052, dependent on skills and experience.
• Applicants must have working rights and reside in Wellington at the commencement of employment; relocation intentions should be communicated in the cover letter.
• Applications close midnight Sunday 16th August 2026; early interviews may be conducted, and the vacancy might close sooner than the advertised date if a large volume of applications is received.
• Recruitment agencies are not engaged for this position.