Senior Policy Officer -Tobacco & e-Cigarettes Policy

Join the Centre for Population Health at the Ministry of Health for an exciting permanent opportunity and help shape the future of tobacco control in New South Wales! 

About us  

• Join us right in the middle of an exciting time in tobacco control – implementing the Government’s new tobacco reforms to crack down on illegal tobacco and vapes in our community

• Join a passionate team dedicated to driving tobacco control strategy and policy to improve health outcomes and reducing health inequity

• 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 Tobacco and E-cigarette Policy Unit aims to reduce tobacco and e-cigarette use, recognising smoking as the leading cause of preventable death and illness in the NSW community. The Tobacco and E-cigarette Policy Unit leads best practice regulatory policy, preventive policy and program development for tobacco and e-cigarette control.  

Our work includes:  

• Providing leadership in policy and regulation development 

• Developing and delivering public education programs  

• Engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders 

• Undertaking research and monitoring of tobacco related issues.   

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 provides strategic policy advice to deliver tobacco control regulation and policy in NSW. Reporting to the Manager, Tobacco and E-cigarette Policy Unit, the role is responsible for: 

• The development, support for the implementation and evaluation of best practice policies, programs, projects, and activities for the Ministry of Health, public health organisations, and related government agencies  

• Providing policy advice to support the achievement of NSW Health’s objectives in relation to the prevention of tobacco and vaping related chronic disease across NSW.   

About you  
We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who can support the work of NSW Health with:  

• Substantial experience in providing policy advice and recommendations in a complex and multi-disciplinary environment

• Demonstrated skills and experience in undertaking all stages of the policy cycle (development, implementation and review)

• Superior organisational skills and capacity to successfully manage competing priorities and to deliver high quality policy advice within tight timeframes

• Strong oral and written communication and facilitation skills and demonstrated capacity to consult and negotiate effectively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders

• Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in a team environment

The following experience is also desirable for this role: 

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of tobacco control including objectives, policies and legislative frameworks

• Experience in regulatory and/or legislative policy

 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 up-to-date resume (up to 5 pages) and cover letter (1-2 pages) AND 

1) Explaining your interest and motivation in applying for this role and highlighting your relevant skills.  

2) Demonstrate your ability by attaching a response to the two target questions below. 

Target Questions (1-2 pages) 

1) Describe a recent experience where you provided policy advice to your  Executive leader or Manager on a complex or contentious issue. How did you go about this and how did you ensure the advice met the needs of your Executive leader or Manager?  

2) Provide an example of a stakeholder engagement process you have led. What worked well and what would you do differently next time? 

For role related queries or questions contact Rachael Burrell-Sinclair on Rachael.Sinclair@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REQ640432 

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: Thursday 12 March (11:59pm) 2026