The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) works in partnership with 15 National Boards to implement the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme for health professionals. Through this scheme, health practitioner regulation exists to protect the public by ensuring that only practitioners who have the skills, qualifications and knowledge to provide safe care are registered.
Reporting to the Executive Officer, Optometry, the Senior Governance and Policy Officer provides high‑level governance and policy leadership to support the Optometry Board of Australia in delivering its regulatory functions under the National Scheme. The role operates within a complex regulatory environment and works closely with Board members, internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure governance and policy practices are robust, transparent, evidence‑based and aligned with legislative requirements.
We have a fixed term, 3 month opportunity to join Ahpra (Melbourne office preferred).
A key focus of the role is supporting work related to the Review of the Registration standard: Endorsement for scheduled medicines, including drafting a consultation report that includes an analysis of consultation submissions, response for feedback and recommended next steps, to advise and inform Board decision making.
In this senior role, you will lead the delivery of high‑quality governance and policy services to the Optometry Board of Australia, enabling effective and informed decision‑making.
- Provide authoritative governance and policy advice to the Board, including the review and development of policy, standards, codes, guidelines and reports, with a particular emphasis on scheduled medicines endorsement.
- Lead the analysis of consultation submissions and other evidence, preparing clear, defensible recommendations, agenda papers, briefings and correspondence for the Board and Executive Officer.
- Lead the development and preparation of agenda and policy papers, briefings and correspondence for the National Board and Executive officer.
As the ideal candidate you will demonstrate the following:
- Strong policy development and analytical capability, with proven experience analysing consultation submissions, legislation and complex evidence to produce clear, well‑reasoned consultation reports, briefs, papers and evidence-based recommendations.
- Extensive experience delivering governance, policy and secretariat services within a complex regulatory, public sector or health environment, including providing high‑level, authoritative advice to senior decision‑making bodies.
- Highly developed communication and relationship‑building skills, enabling you to work collaboratively and confidently with Board members, executive leaders and a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Excellent organisational skills and professional judgement, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet time‑critical deadlines and deliver high‑quality outcomes with integrity and accountability.
- Sound knowledge of medicines regulation and scheduled medicines endorsement is desirable.
You are a confident and trusted governance and policy professional who brings strong analytical capability, sound regulatory judgement and a clear commitment to public interest regulation. Comfortable operating at a senior level within a complex environment, you contribute to robust, transparent and effective decision‑making that supports Ahpra’s purpose of protecting the public and enabling safer healthcare.
See more in the attached role description: Senior Governance and Policy Officer (CL7)
What we offer:
- Interesting work with a strong public safety purpose.
- Hybrid work arrangements (40% office, 60% home)
- Inclusive and supportive colleagues, enjoy coming to work and collaborating with your team.
- Attractive 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 of no more than 2 pages addressing the Qualifications/Experience section of the role description
- 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 recruitment@ahpra.gov.au
- Closing Date: Applications for this position will be accepted up to 11.30pm AEST on Sunday 24 May 2026.
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. We may also use this recruitment process to build a merit pool for this role and potentially other similar roles within Ahpra.
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 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.
With respect, no agencies please.
