The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) works in partnership with 15 National Boards to implement the national regulatory scheme for health professionals. The purpose of health practitioner regulation is to protect the public by ensuring that only health practitioners who have the skills, qualifications and knowledge to provide safe care are registered.

Ahpra is committed to providing a culturally safe work environment that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate and serve. 

This is a full time fixed term (until June 2026) position based in our Melbourne Office working a hybrid arrangement.  

The Strategy and Policy directorates exists to protect the public through whole of National Scheme strategy, policy, engagement and regulatory governance functions that are effective and responsive. The directorate provides high quality services that are national and run across the professions we regulate. The directorate works in partnership with National Boards and collaboratively with accreditation authorities and key partners.

Working within the Strategy and Policy Directorate and reporting to the Executive Officer, Dental, the Senior Project and Policy Officer, supports the Dental Board of Australia (DBA) in its policy and standards development by researching regulatory matters and undertaking appropriate stakeholder consultation to prepare and review registration standards, codes, guidelines, policy and guidance material to meet the National Board’s requirements. The position will also undertake project management in relation to a portfolio of activities. 

In this role you will:

• Provide authoritative specialist advice to guide the National Board in the development of policy, standards, codes and guidelines.
• Lead the development and provision of consistent, specialist and high-quality advice on governance matters to the National Board, its committees and advisory groups.
• Lead the development and preparation of agenda and policy papers, briefings and correspondence for the National Board and Executive Officer.
• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with all National Board members providing accurate advice on regulatory, governance and procedural aspects and actively seek and respond to feedback about the provision of regulatory, governance and policy services.
• Work with the Executive Officer in the development of strategy and planning in the context of the NRAS Strategy and Health Profession Agreement.

As the ideal candidate, you will demonstrate the following:

• Degree in public policy, law, health, regulation or business or equivalent and/or relevant experience.
• High level experience in complex policy analysis and development, preferably within a regulatory or public sector environment.
• High level experience in interpreting and applying legislative, policy and procedural requirements as they relate to a regulatory environment.
• Well advanced experience in providing authoritative advice particularly in resolving critical and sensitive issues.
• Excellent interpersonal/communication skills, ability to work collaboratively in teams and manage relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

Role Description :  Senior Policy and Project Officer, Dental.pdf

What we offer:

• A friendly and supportive working culture
• Discounts on Private Health Insurance
• Great work/life balance hybrid working arrangement
• Central location and sophisticated open plan workspaces in a 5 star rated building
• Attractive salary of $129,526 per annum plus superannuation

To apply:

• Click ‘Apply Now’ to submit your application.
• Your application must include a current resume and cover letter addressing the 'Qualifications & Experience" section of the Role Description (2 page maximum) 
• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process
• Applications must be submitted by 11.30pm on the closing date.
• For any queries or a confidential discussion regarding this position, please contact Maja Doma on 03 8708 9510 or email [email protected]using the subject line: Senior Policy and Project Officer - Dental enquiry via EthicalJobs. 

Please note applications will be screened and shortlisted during the advertising period.  Should we receive suitable candidates during this time, the advertising period will cease. 

Offer of employment is subject to successful background (pre-employment screening) and Criminal History checks.

Ahpra requires all employees to comply with Ahpra policies, including the  Flexible working policy. 

Ahpra acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continued connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and Elders past, present and emerging.

With respect, no agencies please