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.
Ahpra is seeking an experienced Policy Manager. Midwifery to lead national regulatory policy work in partnership with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Within Ahpra, the Nursing and Midwifery team provides profession‑specific leadership across governance, policy and engagement, working closely with the NMBA and key partners.
We have a full time, fixed term senior leadership opportunity for a strategic policy professional who is motivated by public protection and excellence in health regulation, preferably based in our Melbourne office.
Reporting to the Executive Officer, Nursing and Midwifery, the Policy Manager, Midwifery leads a portfolio of national regulatory policy work in a complex and dynamic environment. The role is a key member of the Nursing and Midwifery leadership team and works closely with NMBA Board members, senior Ahpra staff, and external stakeholders.
In this role, you will:
- Lead national midwifery regulatory policy initiatives, including the development and maintenance of standards, codes and guidelines
- Provide authoritative, evidence‑based advice within a complex national regulatory environment
- Lead complex, high‑impact policy work that supports public safety and professional practice
- Work at the intersection of policy, governance and health practitioner regulation
- Build strong partnerships with NMBA members, senior Ahpra staff and key sector stakeholders
- Lead and develop a small, high‑performing policy team
- Contribute to strategic leadership within the Nursing and Midwifery team
This role offers an opportunity for an experienced policy, regulation, governance or program delivery professional to expand their leadership impact while working closely with a National Board to shape midwifery regulation at a national level.
About you
You are a confident, credible policy leader with sound judgement and the ability to operate effectively at senior levels. You will bring:
- Demonstrated experience in health practitioner regulation, public policy, or a comparable complex regulatory environment
- Strong understanding of professional regulation and the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme
- Proven ability to lead complex policy projects from concept through to implementation
- Highly developed stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills
- Experience providing authoritative advice on sensitive or high-risk matters
- Strong analytical and conceptual capability, underpinned by evidence-based decision making
- Relevant tertiary qualifications, with nursing and/or midwifery qualifications or professional experience highly regarded
- Leadership and project management capability aligned to a values-led culture
Please see more in the role description: Policy Manager - Midwifery (CL8)
What we offer:
- A friendly and supportive working culture with hybrid arrangements
- Discounts on Private Health Insurance
- Learning and development opportunities
- Attractive base salary starting at $155,869 plus superannuation
To apply:
- Click ‘Apply for this job’ to submit your application.
- Your application must include an updated resume and a cover letter, responding to the selection criteria
- 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 AEST Tuesday 5 May 2026
Please note that applications will be screened and shortlisted during the advertising period. Should we receive suitable candidates during this time, the advertising period will cease.
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
