The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) works in partnership with 15 National Boards to implement the national regulatory scheme for health practitioners. 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 and are practising safely.

As a key member of the Research, Evaluation and Insights Team (REIT), the Senior Research Officer will play a role in leading the delivery of high value research and evaluation projects that support policy and decision making in the regulation of Australian health practitioners registered under the National Scheme. Working within the Ahpra REIT, the successful applicant will demonstrate strong research skills and take a lead in shaping and delivering a contemporary regulatory research program focussed on research projects relating to recommendations from the Independent Review of Overseas Health Practitioner Regulatory Settings (the Kruk Review).

The Senior Research Officer will take a lead role in developing a contemporary evidence base to support a review of the English language skills requirements for internationally qualified health practitioners applying for registration in Australia and optimisation of associated standards. This involves exploring alternative options for how applicants may meet these requirements, thereby improving the public’s access to health services.

This is a full-time, fixed term (until July 2025 with possible extension) role, located in any Ahpra location

About you

You have strong experience with the design and implementation of research projects along with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods and principles. In addition to your technical expertise, you can lead research projects across the 16 regulated health professions to completion while working with a range of key stakeholders to identify high priority areas for analysis. 

In this role you will:

• Play a lead role in the delivery of a contemporary research program, including the identification, development, execution and translation of insight-generating initiatives to drive policy development, with a focus on English language standard setting
• Provide leadership developing, conducting and completing research projects and work closely with key stakeholders to facilitate regulatory policy and decision-making
• Deliver end-to-end project management from scoping of requirements through to delivery of analysis, findings, and recommendations, including the preparation of complex reports for the National Director and National Executive
• Interrogate administrative databases to identify and explore factors associated with risks to the public
• Prepare research ethics proposals, meeting papers, presentations, reports and publications as required.

As the ideal candidate, you will demonstrate the following

• A relevant qualification in public health, statistics, data science, or a degree with a strong focus on research methods and data analysis, or equivalent demonstrated experience
• Demonstrated experience in leading research projects from conception to dissemination stage, ideally within a policy setting
• Experience in working with language standard setting is desirable
• An ability to build constructive and respectful relationships with stakeholders, including the ability to work collaboratively within a team
• High level of professionalism and probity, preparedness to engage responsibly with risk, sound judgement, courage, resilience and a high level of self-awareness
• Can-do attitude with commitment to the task at hand, solve problems creatively and dedicated to service excellence

You can read more in the attached role description: Senior Research and Evaluation Officer (CL6) - June 23

What we offer:

• 17.5% leave loading 
• You will receive a company laptop and working from home kit. 
• Professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn licenses 
• Inclusive and supportive colleagues, enjoy coming to work and collaborating with your team 
• Salary packaging arrangements including novated leasing and education expenses  
• Discounted health insurance with Private Health 
• Attractive salary of $113,718 per annum plus Superannuation 

If you would like to be part of this work and contribute to access to safer healthcare, we would love to hear from you.  

To apply

• Click ‘Apply Now’ to submit your application.
• Your application must include a cover letter, current resume and maximum 2 page document addressing the selection criteria above.
• 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
• For any queries or a confidential discussion regarding this position, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Research and Evaluation Officer - ELS - Kruk Review 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. 

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

Ahpra is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage people of all abilities to apply, particularly people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and those who may experience diversity or disability related barriers in securing employment.  If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.

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

With respect, no agencies please.