Senior Policy Analyst - Food Policy
Role Title: Senior Policy Analyst – Food Policy Unit
- Employment type: Permanent, full time
- 35 hour working week, in a hybrid working environment
- Be a part of an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve
- Join a passionate team, supporting health and wellbeing for everyone across NSW
About this role
This senior role plays a key part in the Centre for Population Health’s statewide leadership of healthy eating and active living policy and programs to reduce overweight and obesity and chronic disease. The role has a particular focus on NSW healthy food environment policies and contributes to national food and nutrition policy and regulation processes.
Crown Clerk 9/10, salary from $133,348 - $146,945 plus Super and annual leave loading.
For more information, read the full Role Description.
What you'll be doing
- Exploring and evaluating new policy approaches, undertaking food policy/program development, implementation, review and evaluation addressing current and emerging issues in relation to chronic and communicable disease prevention.
- Providing high quality, strategic policy advice to executive and staff across the NSW Health Service and the Ministry of Health on state and national food policy issues, drawing on evidence and including consideration of the views of key stakeholders and an understanding of inter- agency and internal government processes.
- Preparing high quality written advice to senior executives in the form of reports, briefs, policy, discussion papers, or circulars to inform, respond to requests, or initiate consideration of new policy initiatives.
- Engaging with key staff in public health organisations and stakeholder representatives to ensure effective interface on policy and program development, planning and implementation.
About you
We are seeking motivated and committed individuals with:
- Substantial experience in the provision of policy advice in a complex and multi-disciplinary environment. Previous experience working in government is desirable.
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of policies and legislation impacting on chronic and communicable disease prevention, with a particular focus on and experience in food, nutrition and the food supply.
- Demonstrated skills and experience in undertaking all stages of the policy cycle (development, implementation and evaluation/review).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
Essential qualifications:
- Tertiary qualifications in food/ nutrition/ dietetics/ public health
How to apply
All applicants must review the role description and apply by submitting an up-to-date resume (up to 5 pages) and cover letter (1-2 pages) explaining your interest and motivation in applying for this role and highlighting your relevant skills and how you meet the requirements of the role.
We also request you to undertake the following writing task and ask that you do not use an AI tool to complete this task. Please answer the following two questions (maximum response 1 page in total).
- If you could introduce a new food/ nutrition policy for NSW what would it be and why? What considerations are needed for NSW? What approach would you take to develop it?
- What type of management style do you prefer to work to/ how does a manager get the best from you? Provide an example of this.
Closing Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2026 (11:59PM).
Working at The Ministry of Health
The position is located in St Leonards, in a modern, purpose-built building within an activity-based working environment. Close to public transport, cafés and local amenities.
Benefits
The Ministry of Health offers its employees challenging and rewarding work with opportunities for career progression, learning, development and work-life balance. To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook.
For role related queries or questions contact Lisa Yates, Principal Policy Analyst, Food Policy Unit on lisa.yates@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REQ677553.
If you do require an adjustment during the recruitment process, contact Karen Kennedy on karen.kennedy8@health.nsw.gov.au
Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the Ministry of Health we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.
To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.
Additional information
- This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
- For more information on applying visit the Ministry of Health Career portal.
- Please note the selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.
Applications Close: Tuesday, 8 September 2026 (11:59PM).
