We're a team of 38 permanent staff who demonstrate our company values of integrity, commitment, transparency and courage.
We follow Equal Employment Opportunities guidelines with an emphasis on recruiting the best person to do the job regardless of gender, nationality, disability or age. We offer flexible hours and opportunities for part-time employment and aim to foster a culture that drives inclusivity. Our leadership has also been focused on closing pay gaps associated with gender or ethnicity.
As part of our sustainability framework, we are committed to creating a culture of organisational sustainability and a workforce of environmental champions and stewards. We have been a Toitū net carbonzero certified organisation since the 2018/19 financial year.
Current job opportunities at the HRC
System Design Lead
As the System Design Lead, you’ll sit within the HRC’s Strategy and Policy team, working across the organisation and sector to design, implement, and continuously improve the systems that power the HRC’s research investment.
In this highly influential role, you will:
- Design fit-for-purpose funding opportunities and assessment processes that drive strategic outcomes and advance health outcomes and science.
- Adapt international best practice to the New Zealand context and align with national health, research, science and innovation system directions.
- Engage stakeholders (including health researchers, research providers and government) to inform design, implementation, and evaluation.
- Provide clear communications and documentation so changes are understood and embedded.
- Oversee implementation and establish evaluation and performance monitoring, embedding continuous learning and improvement.
You’re a strategic, systems-minded leader who can translate strategy into practical, high-impact delivery. You bring:
- 4+ years’ policy development and 4+ years’ process/system design experience, including complex multi-stakeholder delivery.
- Proven business process management and system design capability with successful implementation.
- Strong relationship, engagement and facilitation skills, with the ability to effectively lead, collaborate and influence to effect change.
- Ability to identify, understand and apply relevant evidence and technological solutions.
- Knowledge of health research and the New Zealand health/research, science and innovation sectors; outstanding written and oral communication.
- Ability to work within complex political, policy and research environments. balance diverse perspectives, and influence outcomes to deliver what is needed.
- A postgraduate qualification in health/health research, social science, public policy, or equivalent experience.
For more information about this role and to apply, please contact Robbie McKenzie at RWR health:
Phone: 027 519 4993, email: robbiem@rwrhealth.co.nz, website: www.rwrhealth.co.nz
Ethics & Regulatory Lead
As the Ethics & Regulatory Lead, you’ll provide expert guidance on research ethics, regulation, and integrity while supporting several influential committees, including the HRC Ethics Committee, Data Monitoring Committees, and scientific committees that provide advice to the Director General of Health on whether clinical trials should be approved.
In this high-impact role you will:
- Lead the advancement of ethics and regulatory policy to ensure best practice across funded research
- Provide secretariat support and expert advice to multiple statutory and standing committees
- Engage with key external stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, Medsafe, universities, and clinical research organisations
- Strengthen HRC’s position as a leader in research ethics and integrity
- Ensure inclusive and culturally responsive approaches are reflected in policies and processes
About you:
You will bring strong expertise in research ethics and regulation, combined with excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills. You’re comfortable navigating complex committee environments and influencing decisions at a national level. You’ll bring:
- A relevant tertiary qualification (Bachelor’s minimum; postgraduate study in Law, Health, or Ethics advantageous).
- 3+ years’ experience in research integrity, human or animal ethics, or regulatory oversight.
- Experience developing or improving ethics-related policies and processes.
- Proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, from government agencies to research institutions.
- A working understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to advancing equity in health research.
For more information about this role and to apply, please contact Robbie McKenzie at RWR health:
Phone: 027 519 4993, email: robbiem@rwrhealth.co.nz, website: www.rwrhealth.co.nz