Senior Policy Officer
Join the Centre for Population Health at the Ministry of Health for an exciting ongoing opportunity and help shape the future of health in New South Wales!
About us
We offer robust development and growth support to all our employees, ensuring you have the resources and opportunities to thrive in your career
Join a passionate team dedicated to promoting public health and working to prevent morbidity and mortality caused by smoking and vaping
While regular office presence is essential at our St Leonards office, we offer flexible work arrangements to support your needs
Embrace a healthy work-life balance with our flexible/hybrid working hours
To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook.
About this role
You'll be joining the largest public health system in Australia and contribute to a world-class health system in NSW.
The Centre for Population Health (CPH) aims to promote health and prevent morbidity and mortality caused by modifiable risk factors. The CPH portfolio encompasses blood borne viruses, sexual health, tobacco and obesity. The strategies used to address these issues include state-wide policy and planning, legislation and regulation, program development, resource allocation, performance monitoring, research and evaluation.
The CPH works closely with service provider organisations such as Local Health Districts (LHDs) to manage and support the local delivery of agreed policies, programs and services across the state. Programs and services funded by the CPH are delivered in government, non-government, community and clinical settings. The CPH approach is characterised by a focus on evidence-informed programmatic and system-level interventions that improve health, reduce health inequity, create healthy environments, promote community action, enable personal health-seeking and recognise the social determinants of good health.
The Senior Policy Officer will report into the Manager of the Smoking and Vaping Clinical Policy Team, which works to understand and embed health prevention into routine clinical care and practice to address lifestyle related risk factors for chronic disease and associated morbidity and mortality in NSW. The Team has a focus on cessation and prevention efforts in relation to tobacco and vaping (e-cigarettes) in clinical settings.
Crown Clerk 9/10, starting salary from $129,464 - 142,665 plus Super and annual leave loading, with a 35-hour work week.
For more information, please read the full Role Description.
What you'll be doing
The Senior Policy Officer role will provide policy advice and guidance to support the implementation of evidence-based, best practice policies and initiatives to support the achievement of NSW Health’s objectives in relation to Population Health, with a focus on cessation and prevention efforts related to smoking and vaping.
About you
We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who can
support the work of NSW Health with:
Relevant qualifications and/or experience with demonstrated experience in developing and implementing policy and programs to address current and emerging health issues. Experience related to smoking and vaping prevention and cessation particularly in clinical settings is highly regarded
Demonstrated experience providing advice and support to managers, senior executives, and staff across NSW Health to consistently interpret and apply policies and practices
Proven skills preparing high quality written advice in the form of reports, briefs, policy, discussion papers, or circulars to inform, respond to requests, or initiate consideration of new policy initiatives
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills with demonstrated experience consulting and negotiating effectively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders
Superior organisational skills and capacity to successfully manage competing priorities and to deliver high quality products within agreed timeframes and budgetsCapacity to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in a team environment.
How to apply
At The Ministry of Health, we want you to make the most of the opportunities you’ll get to grow your skills and your career, surrounded by authentic, smart people and leaders. Please review the role description and submit your:
1) Up-to-date resume (up to 4 pages)
2) Cover letter (up to 1 page) which explains your interest and motivation in applying for this role and highlights your relevant skills
3) Response to the two target questions below (1-2 pages)
Target Questions
Target question 1 – Provide an example of a time you led a complex health policy or project and how you ensured it was delivered successfully.
Target question 2 – Provide an example of a time you had to engage with complex stakeholders on a challenging issue. Provide details of what worked well and the things you would you do differently.
For role related queries or questions contact Megan Morris on megan.morris@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REQ637917
If you do require any adjustments to the recruitment process during the recruitment process, please contact Karen Kennedy on karen.kennedy8@health.nsw.gov.au
Closing Date: Wednesday 04 March (11:59pm) 2026
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
This is an ongoing role
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
Don't miss your chance to embark on this fulfilling journey! Apply now!
Applications Close: Wednesday 04 March (11:59pm) 2026
