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. We protect the public by only registering practitioners with the necessary skills, qualifications and expertise to practise safely in Australia.
The Health Workforce Directorate leads the National Scheme's work to support a sustainable, capable and future-focused health workforce. Working closely with National Boards, the Directorate oversees key functions across the practitioner journey, including accreditation of pre-registration pathways, professional standards, prevention focused regulatory policy and regulatory improvement initiatives including insights, research and evaluation that enhance public safety, workforce sustainability and the experience of practitioners, stakeholders and the community.
This is a full-time opportunity with a hybrid working arrangement, with a preference for the successful candidate to be based in our Melbourne office.
About the role
As National Director, Policy & Accreditation, you will help shape the future of health practitioner regulation, accreditation and workforce sustainability across Australia. Providing strategic leadership across a nationally significant portfolio, you will contribute to the delivery of the National Scheme Strategy and influence outcomes that support a safe, responsive and future-focused health workforce.
Leading a diverse portfolio and high-performing teams, you will drive nationally significant reform, influence complex regulatory and workforce challenges, and build strong partnerships across government, National Boards, accreditation authorities and the broader healthcare sector, with a focus on prevention and workforce focused regulatory policy. Your work will directly contribute to protecting the public while enabling innovation and positive outcomes for the Australian health system.
About you
You are a strategic and influential leader who thrives in complex environments and is motivated by the opportunity to create meaningful change. You can bring people together around a shared vision, navigate competing priorities and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups to achieve lasting outcomes.
With a strong background in policy, regulation, accreditation or a related field, you have successfully led large-scale reform initiatives and delivered results through collaboration, innovation and sound judgement. You are equally comfortable providing advice at executive and board level as you are leading teams through change and transformation.
What you will bring
- A proven track record of leading strategic reform, policy, accreditation or regulatory initiatives in complex environments.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and build consensus across diverse groups.
- Strong strategic thinking and the ability to translate vision into practical outcomes and sustainable change.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex programs or projects, balancing innovation with effective delivery.
- Sophisticated problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate emerging and sensitive regulatory challenges.
- An authentic and collaborative leadership style that inspires high-performing teams and brings people on the journey.
For further information about the role, please review the role description: Role description National Director, Policy and Accreditation
What we offer:
- An opportunity to work for a high-profile, national, for-purpose organisation focused on public safety in healthcare.
- The opportunity to lead nationally significant work that shapes the future of health practitioner regulation, accreditation and workforce sustainability in Australia.
- A values-led organisation that promotes flexibility, inclusion and employee wellbeing.
- A highly competitive remuneration package commensurate with the skills and experience required for the role.
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: 11.30pm AEST on Sunday 26 July 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 arrangements 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.
