Senior Advisor - HAI and IPC (secondment or contract)

The Commission is seeking a Senior Advisor - HAI and IPC via contract or secondment for a period up to 12 months (June 2024).

The Senior Advisor, HAI and Infection Prevention and Control is responsible for leading work as directed by Stream Director, on a range of activities to support the implementation of the NSQHS Preventing and Controlling Infections Standard, the National Hand Hygiene Initiative, and the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare, as well as contributing to broader activities to support the Commission’s work on infection prevention and control and reduction of healthcare-associated infections.

The duties of the Senior Advisor will include but not be limited to:

1. Provide leadership by planning, managing, and coordinating the development and implementation of priority activities related to HAI and IPC and the NSQHS Standards and the Commission’s work plan
2. Proactively identify strategies to achieve the Commission’s work plan priorities; identify challenges and propose possible solutions; and develop and manage effective and productive relations with all health departments and other key stakeholders
3. Manage a small team that develops resources to support implementation of the HAI and IPC requirements of the NSQHS Standards
4. Maintain current knowledge of the scientific literature, policy, and programs in Australia and internationally, in relation to IPC, HAI and AMR to inform timely advice, and the development of appropriate national policies and programs
5. Review and analyse AMR and HAI data to inform advice to the Stream Director and the Chief Executive Officer, and support the development of national policies and programs
6. Provide responsive advice and coordinate the Commission’s involvement in relevant inter-government committees, working groups and projects at a national level, including undertaking representational activities for the Commission as required
7. Ensure appropriate consultation and communication with, and information to, the Stream Director about the planning, implementation and progress on projects and their strategic implications
8. Manage projects and relevant staff involved in identified projects within the program including ensuring that timeframes are met.

The successful candidate will have:

• Superior skills in program and project management in a health environment, particularly in infection prevention and control and/or patient safety
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to cultivate positive working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent decision-making skills, incorporating highly developed analytical skills, conceptual ability, initiative, and professional judgement
• Extensive senior level management experience in leadership of infection prevention and control and/or patient safety programs in the Australian health system
• Extensive senior level experience in infection prevention and control and/or patient safety policy development at a national or state level within a healthcare context
• Relevant qualifications and experience in infection prevention and control or public health and/or patient safety.

To apply for this position, please submit:

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

PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with Commission policy, subject to any valid exemption, it is a condition of engagement that staff have an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination status and are able to provide evidence of their vaccination status prior to commencing their engagement.

The Commission is an inclusive workplace and we welcome and encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We encourage everyone to be themselves without fear of discrimination or judgement about their ancestry, age, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, cultural background and/or disability status.

Applications should be emailed to ACSQHCHR@safetyandquality.gov.au. Questions about the role can be directed to Kim Stewart (02) 9126 3660.

Closing date for applications is midnight, Wednesday 7 June 2023.