EL2 Director, Medicines Safety and Quality and Infection Prevention and Control

The Medicines Safety and Infection Prevention and Control (MSIPC) directorate includes the Antimicrobial Resistance and Use in Australia (AURA) Project, the Medicines Safety and Quality (MSQ) program and the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program. These programs contribute to the achievement of deliverables for the safe clinical processes stream of the Commission’s Work Plan and support the implementation of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards and other national health service standards.

The AURA project coordinates two AMR surveillance systems that contribute to AURA and analyses of data from those systems and community antimicrobial use data.

The Medicines Safety and Quality (MSQ) Program provides leadership for action and guidance to support safe and quality use of medicines and 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 also 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 Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program coordinates the National Hand Hygiene Initiative, and develops national policies, guidelines and strategies to respond to healthcare-associated infections. Maintenance of the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infections in Health Care is a key responsibility of the program. 

The Director is responsible for leading program development and implementation for these portfolio areas within the Commission and reports to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO). As a member of the Leadership team, the Director provides strategic advice and leadership for the development and delivery of their program within the Commission’s approved work plan and will support the achievement of Commission priorities and programs regarding safety and quality in healthcare.

The Director will have a superior understanding of the Australian health system and have specific knowledge related to an area of expertise in their program. They must have a high level of experience in:

• Managing public policy programs
• Planning and implementing major projects
• Engaging in, and developing, relationships with stakeholders
• Ensuring the progress of programs in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer.

Duties of the Director will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Provide program leadership by managing and coordinating the planning, development and implementation of the AURA, Medicines Safety and Quality, and Infection Prevention and Control programs as part of the Commission’s work plan.
2. Implement the agreed work plan of the Commission and other complementary activities required to meet the overall responsibilities of the Commission, as directed by the CEO and Chief Medical Officer.
3. Undertake and oversee project management activities, including the development of project plans, budgets, monitoring and reporting, including identifying problems and managing risks.
4. Lead and manage a team of project staff to deliver the outcomes specified for the AURA, Medicines Safety and Quality, and Infection Prevention and Control programs and other complementary activities required to meet the overall responsibilities of the Commission, as directed by the Chief Medical Officer.
5. Work closely with the Chief Medical Officer and Executive team in developing and managing effective and productive relations with the Commonwealth, the jurisdictions and other key stakeholders.
6. Promote the programs’ priorities and work through a range of communications, public relations and appropriate fora as required by the Chief Medical Officer.
7. Provide advice and coordinate the Commission’s involvement in relevant inter-government committees, working groups and projects at a national level, including undertaking representational activities on behalf of the CEO, the Chief Medical Officer and the Commission.
8. Collaborate with other teams across the Commission to ensure alignment with other work programs and strategic priorities. 
   Advise the Chief Medical Officer and where required, the CEO, Board and Commission standing committees on their programs.
9. Advise the Chief Medical Officer and where required, the CEO, Board and Commission standing committees on their programs.
10. Ensure the Chief Medical Officer is consulted and informed about the implementation of and progress on program projects and strategic implications.
11. Manage team members on a day-to-day basis, including providing supervision, coaching, performance development and performance management where required, to ensure the program area’s deliverables are met to time and to a high-quality.
12. Undertake the fiscal management of the programs including program budgeting and staff resourcing in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer.

The successful candidate will have:

• Extensive and comprehensive experience in Australia’s health care system, including the development and implementation of national approaches to safety and quality in health care.
• Demonstrated experience in program or project management including managing budgets, organisational capability, and strategic planning, with a focus on achieving outstanding results.
• Demonstrated highly developed analytical skills and conceptual ability, including capacity for sound judgement and innovative problem-solving.
• Strong interpersonal skills including an ability to communicate with influence and an ability to cultivate productive working relationships with a range of government and non-government stakeholders across the health system.
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills including demonstrated ability to prepare high level briefing documents and submissions, present to a range of audiences, and explain complex technical and clinical issues simply.
• Demonstrated skills in leading a complex team.

Apply now

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.

Please note:

• Previous applicants need not apply.
• Candidates must be Australian citizens to be eligible to apply.
• This position will be offered in a hybrid model of office based (Sydney) and working from home, where operationally feasible. A regular weekly presence in the office is required.
• Salaries in the Commission are provided through its Enterprise Agreement. An Individual Flexibility Arrangement for additional remuneration may be offered for successful applicants who are able to demonstrate applicable skills and experience at a senior level.

Questions about the role can be directed to Carolyn Hullick (02) 7232 5761.

Closing date for applications is 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), Sunday 13 July 2025.