Principal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program Officer

Ahpra considers that being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position. This position is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants in accordance with relevant Commonwealth, State and Territory legislation.

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.

This is a full time permanent position, to be based in our Brisbane office working a hybrid arrangement.

Reporting to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program Manager, Health Strategy Unit (HSU), this opportunity will see you make your mark through leading a team that is 100% Indigenous staffed in the delivery of program work that will support the National Scheme’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety Strategy 2020-2025, along with future iterations and work across the agency to embed cultural safety and anti-racism practice into the business and operations of Ahpra and in the healthcare system. This includes supporting the work of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy Group, building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and the provision of advice and leadership to Ahpra and the National Boards.

As the ideal candidate, you will have:

• Lived and living cultural experience grounded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being, doing, and working.
• Experience in leading an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of cultural safety and anti-racism
• Experience in managing programs of work and/or projects relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in similar environments
• Relevant experience in health, public policy, or similar
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead, motivate others, and inspire change
• Well-developed problem solving skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Positive approach to managing challenges with a solution-focused outlook
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of working in an environment like the National Scheme

Please refer to the position description for full overview: Principal Indigenous Program Officer

What we offer:

• Work that is purposeful and impactful, advocating and working towards changes in processes and systems to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples receive culturally safe healthcare that is free from racism
• A friendly and supportive team and working culture with an active social club
• Great work/life balance
• Generous provisions for personal leave, ceremonial and cultural leave, annual leave loading, and the ability to purchase additional annual leave
• Attractive base salary of $135,031 per annum plus superannuation

To apply:

• Click ‘Apply for this job’ to submit your application. 
• Your application must include a current resume and cover letter showcasing your skills as they relate to the Role Description (2 page maximum)  
• For any queries or a confidential discussion regarding this position, please contact Melissa Browning on 07 3149 4660 or via email recruitment@ahpra.gov.au
• Applications must be submitted by 11:30 pm AEDT Sunday 22 March

Offers of employment are 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 is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. 

This position is classified as “Identified” meaning only Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples are eligible to apply. The position requires an in-depth knowledge and lived experience of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture and an ability to communicate with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities. 

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 and present. 

With respect, no agencies please.