Head of Equity and System Influence

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is on a pro-equity journey, working to give life to the principles of TeTiriti o Waitangi and ensure equitable health and wellbeing outcomes for all pēpi, tamariki and whānau.

Te Whiwhingamahi | The opportunity

We are looking for an accomplished Head of Equity and System Influence to provide strategic leadership across health equity, priority population outcomes, advocacy, equity intelligence and assurance. This is a full time permanent role that can be based anywhere across the country.

You will lead the development of the organisational systems, capability and ways of working needed to embed equity into how we plan, make decisions, invest, design and deliver services, measure impact and continuously improve.

This is a role for someone who can see the bigger picture while remaining closely involved in the work. You will bring together evidence, data, evaluation, lived experience and population insights to help us understand what is changing, what is making a meaningful difference, for whom and why and what we need to do next.

You will:

• Provide trusted strategic advice to the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team, Board and senior leaders on health equity, priority population outcomes and the equity implications of organisational decisions. 
  
• Lead organisation wide approaches that embed equity into strategy, service design, transformation, workforce, digital, investment and performance. 
  
• Identify systemic barriers to equity and work across the organisation to develop sustainable, evidence-based responses. 
  
• Lead the development and delivery of our advocacy strategy and work programme. 
  
• Strengthen Whānau Āwhina Plunket’s position as an influential voice and thought leader in child and whānau health and wellbeing. 
• Translate complex evidence, emerging trends and lived experiences into compelling submissions, advice and advocacy material. 
• Build meaningful relationships with government, iwi and Māori organisations, community and priority population partners, NGOs and others across the health and social sectors. 
  
• Develop assurance and evaluation approaches that demonstrate progress against our Te Tiriti and equity commitments. 
  
• Lead and develop a high performing team, building their capability, confidence and collective impact. 

   

He kōrero mōu| About you

You will be an influential, values led leader with senior level experience in strategy, public policy, advocacy, equity or system change. You understand how to move from insight to action, creating the conditions, capability and accountability needed for lasting change.

You can make complex information clear, meaningful and useful. Comfortable working with senior leaders and governance, you can respectfully challenge thinking, navigate difficult conversations and influence decisions while maintaining trusted relationships.

You will also bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in an area such as public health, social sciences, public policy or community development. 
  
• Proven experience leading system level or organisational change. 
  
• A strong understanding of equity and the systemic factors that influence outcomes for priority populations. 
  
• Experience developing advocacy strategies, policy submissions, strategic advice or other influential written material. 
  
• The ability to analyse evidence, data, trends and complex issues and translate these into practical insights and action. 
  
• Strong relationship management skills and the credibility to engage effectively with Boards, executive leaders, government agencies, sector partners and communities. 
  
• Experience leading, coaching and mentoring others and building capability across both a team and a wider organisation. 
  
• A practical, hands on leadership style and the ability to maintain momentum through ambiguity and incomplete information.
  
• Experience within the health sector and an understanding of New Zealand’s machinery of government would be advantageous.
  

Above all, you will connect with our kaupapa and demonstrate the courage, humility and commitment required to advance equity and create meaningful change for pēpē, tamariki and whānau.

Ngāhua mahi o Te Whānau Āwhina| What we offer

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is the largest service in Aotearoa supporting the health and wellbeing of tamariki under five and their whānau. We have the privilege of connecting with more than 80% of newborn pēpi, giving this role a unique opportunity to influence outcomes at both an organisational and national level.

You will join a purpose led organisation where your leadership, ideas and expertise can shape meaningful and sustainable change. You will work alongside committed leaders, kaimahi and sector partners who share a desire to improve outcomes and ensure the voices and experiences of whānau inform the decisions that affect them.

We have a number of Wellbeing programs including fitness Passport and Wellbeing Days.

Our values of Māia, Tūhono, Manaaki and Māhaki guide how we work together. We are committed to creating an environment where people can contribute, grow and make a genuine difference.

Me pēheatetukutono | How to apply

If you are ready to use your strategic leadership, advocacy expertise and ability to influence systems to help create equitable outcomes for pēpē, tamariki and whānau, we would love to hear from you.

For specific questions about the mahi, contact hr@plunket.org.nz

Application close date: 12th October 2026. Please note, we will process applications as they are received. If we find a successful candidate, we reserve the right to close this advert early.

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He huanui oranga mo ngā mokopuna whakatipuranga roto i ngā hapori heke iho, heke iho

Setting the path of wellness in our communities for the early years, for generations to come

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of pēpi, tamariki and theirwhānau/family. We have committed to adopting a pro-equity approach where we give life to the Treaty principles of tino rangatiratanga, partnership, active protection, equity and options in our mahi/work to ensure healthy tamariki, confident whānau and connected communities. This journey is creating exciting career opportunities - If you would like to contribute to the important mahi we do, naumai, haeremai.

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