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.
Lead culturally safe engagement that supports real change in healthcare.
Ahpra, in partnership with 15 National Boards, administers the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (the National Scheme) to ensure Australia’s registered health practitioners – such as doctors, nurses, and dentists - are qualified, competent and safe to practice.
At the heart of our work is a commitment to building a culturally safe and respectful health workforce. We honour the rich healing traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, spanning more than 65,000 years, and strive to address ongoing disparities in healthcare access and safety. Our goal is to make culturally safe practice the standard across healthcare and ensure patient safety for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
About the role
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Officer to join our Statutory Appointments team. This is a full time position, open to candidates in any Ahpra office location.
The role is pivotal in building strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, health practitioners, and peak organisations to increase representation on Boards and Committees within the National Scheme.
As the Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Advisor, you will lead initiatives that attract and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates for statutory appointments, ensuring cultural safety and inclusion throughout the process.
In this role you will:
- Build meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders across health and community sectors.
- Lead the implementation of the Statutory Appointments Attraction Strategy and support broader cultural safety strategies.
- Elevate Ahpra’s profile within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to create interest in Board and Committee opportunities.
- Host webinars and engagement sessions, presenting confidently and adapting communication styles to suit varied audiences.
- Provide cultural expertise and guidance to support selection processes and mentoring frameworks.
- Collaborate with internal teams to align initiatives with Ahpra’s strategic priorities.
About you
You are an exceptional communicator with strong stakeholder engagement skills and a deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, ways of knowing, being, and doing. You bring:
- Demonstrated experience leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement projects.
- Strong connections to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and lived experience.
- Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and provide strategic advice.
- Confidence in presenting and hosting webinars for diverse audiences.
- Experience in health or government sectors will be highly regarded.
For more information about this role, please see the following role description: 
Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Officer
What we offer:
- Be part of a values-led organisation committed to equity and cultural safety
- Work with purpose and influence real change in the healthcare system
- Flexible work arrangements and a supportive, inclusive team culture
- Access to professional development and wellbeing initiatives
- Attractive base salary starting at $118,551 plus superannuation and leave loading
To apply:
- Click ‘Apply for this job’ to submit your application.
- Your application must include a resume, a cover letter and selection criteria addressing the “As the ideal candidate, you will demonstrate the following” section
- 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: 11.30pm AEDT Sunday 18 January 2026
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. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application.
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 and present.
With respect, no agencies please
