EL1 Senior Project Officer, Medicines Safety and Quality

The Medicines Safety and Quality (MSQ) Program contributes to achievement of deliverables for the safe clinical processes stream of the Commission’s Work Plan. This includes action and guidance to support safe and quality use of medicines. The MSQ Program also supports the Commission’s contribution to implementation of the National Medicines Policy and the National Strategy for Quality Use of Medicines.

The MSQ Program is responsible for the ongoing stewardship of nationally standardised tools and systems used in the Australian health system to prescribe, dispense and administer medicines safely. The Commission promotes quality use of medicines by collecting data and reporting on the use of medicines, developing national guidance, and supporting cross sector engagement. The MSQ Program oversees supporting resources for health service organisations regarding the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards Medication Safety Standard, and the medication safety requirements of other national standards.

This Senior Project Officer role works under the direction of the Manager, Medicines Safety and Quality and is responsible for a range of policy and program activities across the team. 

The role involves a range of research, analytic, writing, planning, project management, secretariat and consultation activities across a range of technically complex areas, to advance the Commission’s work to improve the safety and quality of health care.

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

1. Under the direction of the Manager, Medicines Safety, lead the planning and implementation of strategies and national guidance to support activities related to the safe and quality use of medicines. 
2. Review, analyse and summarise published literature, data, policy papers and other published material to inform policy and program direction.
3. Prepare high-quality written reports, briefs and other documents for a range of audiences on complex healthcare issues.
4. 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.
5. Provide secretariat support to the work of relevant committees and expert groups managed by the program.
6. Consult with experts and stakeholders including development of consultation strategies and coordination of formal consultation processes to achieve the objectives of the Commission.
7. Collaborate with other teams across the Commission to ensure alignment with other work programs and strategic priorities. 
8. Liaise, and foster productive working relationships with other agencies, clinical organisations, consumer groups, government authorities, industry bodies and contractors.
9. Participate in, and present to, committee meetings, forums and workshops on relevant topics.

The successful candidate will have:

• Excellent policy development and project management experience relevant to safety and quality, health care, particularly related to safe and quality use of medicines.
• Demonstrated high level research and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated excellent writing skills, including the ability to write high quality documents for a variety of audiences and in different formats.
• Demonstrated highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, in particular, an excellent ability to consult and negotiate with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• A high level of knowledge and comprehensive understanding of key safety and quality issues relevant to safe and quality use of medicines.              

To apply for this position, please complete and submit an application form and upload:

• A CV summarising your relevant experience and qualifications.
• A two-page cover letter broadly addressing your suitability against both the position description and selection criteria. 

Candidates must be Australian citizens to be eligible to apply.

Please note: All staff are required to provide evidence of a COVID-19 primary vaccination course, which is the first two doses of a Therapeutic Goods Administration approved or recognised COVID-19 vaccine.

Questions about the role can be directed to Paul Miles (02) 7232 5442.

Closing date for applications is 11:59pm (AEST), Thursday 12 September 2024.