The Commission leads and coordinates national improvements in healthcare safety and quality. It works in partnership with patients, carers, clinicians, the Australian, state and territory health systems, the private sector, managers and healthcare organisations to achieve a safe, high-quality and sustainable health system.

The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team is part of the Medicines Safety and Infection Prevention and Control (MSIPC) directorate. The IPC team supports the Commission’s work on the National Safety and Quality Health Service Preventing and Controlling Infections Standard, the National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Healthcare Standards (the Primary and Community Standards) and coordination of the National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI). This includes the development of national policies, guidelines and strategies to prevent and respond to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

The Senior Project Officer is responsible for the development of resources to support implementation of the NSQHS Standards and the Primary and Community Standards, the implementation of the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare, the NHHI, and contributing to other activities to support the IPC program. This includes undertaking research and analysis of information, project management, policy development, stakeholder management, facilitation of meetings, preparation of project documentation and collaborating with other relevant programs within the Commission.

Duties of the Senior Project Officer will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Work with the Manager on the planning, detailed documentation and consultation on strategies, policy, and national guidance to support infection prevention and control and reduction of healthcare-associated infections. This includes the development of resources for healthcare workers, health service organisations and the wider community on IPC and HAI, and providing user support and advice with regards to the NHHI and infection prevention and control.

Review, analyse and report on published literature, data, policy papers and other published material to inform policy and program direction.

Prepare high-quality written reports, briefs and other documents for a range of audiences on complex healthcare issues.

Undertake project management activities including project planning and documentation, implementation, monitoring and reporting on progress; providing recommendations about managing risk, and identifying and resolving problems.

Keep current their knowledge of relevant strategic and clinical issues and investigate how these may be addressed by the Commission, as appropriate to the role.

Provide secretariat support to the work of relevant committees and expert groups managed by the program to produce high quality Agenda Papers and related materials.

Consult with consumers, experts and stakeholders, including the development of consultation approaches and coordination of formal consultation processes to achieve the objectives of the Commission.

Collaborate with other teams across the Commission to ensure alignment with other work programs and strategic priorities.

Liaise, and foster productive working relationships within the Commission and with other agencies, clinical organisations, consumer groups, government authorities, industry bodies and contractors.

Participate in, and present to, committee meetings, forums and workshops on relevant topics.

Other duties as required and directed.

The successful candidate will have:

Demonstrated working knowledge of the application of infection prevention and control principles in acute care, primary and community care, or aged care settings.

Extensive experience in the delivery of wide-reaching infection prevention and control projects, from content development through to information dissemination.

Experience in policy and guideline development at a state or national level, relevant to infection prevention and control, safety and quality, clinical governance or related areas.

Demonstrated high level research and analytical skills.

Demonstrated sound decision making skills and professional judgement.

Demonstrated highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to translate complex information to a variety of audiences in written and oral formats and consult with a wide variety of stakeholders.

For further information, please refer to the position description and applicant pack available from the Commission’s website at: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/careers .

To apply for this position, please complete and submit an application form through https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/careers and upload:

A CV summarising your relevant experience and qualifications.

A two-page cover letter specifically addressing your suitability against each of the six selection criteria.

PLEASE NOTE: To apply for this role, please apply through the Commission's website, not through SEEK. Only complete applications will be considered. Auto-generated applications will not be considered.

Candidates must be Australian citizens to be eligible to apply.

Please note: This position will be offered in a hybrid model of office based (Sydney) and working from home, where operationally feasible. A regular weekly presence in the office is required.

PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED TO NOT APPLY

Questions about the role can be directed to Jan Gralton (02) 7232 5687.

Closing date for applications is 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), Wednesday 13 August 2025.