Public Health and Forensic Science - directors

About Public Health and Forensic Science

Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is a Crown owned company, proposed to be fully transitioned into a Public Research Organisation (PRO) by mid-2026.

Formerly the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), PHF Science is designed to maximise the value of science sector government funding and will play a role alongside the other PROs in the stewardship of public good science. 

Specific skills and experience sought

Specific skills

At this time, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology is seeking candidates for two director roles on the PHF Science Board, whose skills and experience align with one of the following:

Role one: strategic finance

• Financial professional, ideally a Chartered Accountant or possessing Chief Finance Officer experience.
• Ability to assess the strategic financial performance of an organisation at the governance level, including evaluating spending and investment opportunities and decisions.
• Experience assessing financial risk and value for money.
• Business and commercial acumen, and depth and breadth of governance experience.
• Audit and risk experience, preferably in audit and risk committee Chair roles.

Role two: public health

• Credible public health leader with experience in New Zealand’s public health system.
• Strong sector networks, including an understanding of major industry stakeholders and groups.
• Expertise in related scientific field(s).
• An awareness of international public health systems and best practice.

Foundational skills and experience

In addition to skills outlined for each role, directors are expected to possess some, or all, of the following:

• Depth and breadth of governance experience.
• Leadership skills and strategic capability.
• Financial, business and commercial acumen.
• Effective communication skills, including stakeholder and relationship management experience.
• Knowledge of public accountability, machinery of government, and New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology system.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Member responsibilities

The Public Service Commission’s guidance sets out that a Crown entity director should:

• comply with the Crown Entities Act, Companies Act, and other relevant legislation
• act with honesty, integrity, in good faith, and not at the expense of the entity’s interests
• act with reasonable care, diligence, and skill (as a ‘reasonable person’ would in the same circumstances)
• avoid disclosing information obtained in their capacity as a member, unless in specified circumstances
• provide effective leadership to the entity, consistent with the purpose of the entity and Ministers’ expectations
• provide guidance and support to the Chief Executive to ensure the entity is managed effectively
• manage risk and ensure compliance of the entity
• attend board meetings and ensure appropriate policies and structures are in place to support the entity
• provide guidance and support to other board members to ensure they contribute effectively to the governance of the entity.

Directors are expected to adhere to the board conduct principles outlined in the Treasury’s Owner’s Expectations Manual, and the Public Service Commission’s code of conduct.

Time commitment and remuneration

Directors of the PHF Science Board are paid $42,852 per annum.

The Board is expected to meet on average ten times a year, with the majority of those meetings in person.

Further information

For enquiries about the position, email: boardappointments@mbie.govt.nz

Please note that the closing date for applications is midnight Sunday 26 April, 2026.