The Senior Policy Officer is a dynamic position within the fast paced Ageing and End of Life Policy team, the role will be coordinating and developing high-level briefings to support the Director-General and Minister for Health; provide strategic advice on aged care and dementia issues; and contribute to key discussions on health reform issues. This position also supports commissioning and oversight of community services, procurements and contract management. The team manages a broad range of policy areas, so the ability to work flexibly and efficiently, both individually and as part of a team, to respond quickly to business needs and meet tight timeframes is essential. This position works closely with the Voluntary Assisted Dying Implementation Taskforce and will contribute to policy and programs on Voluntary Assisted Dying and other end-of-life programs. The Senior Policy Officer must have well-developed written, verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to liaise with a diverse range of stakeholders. The position requires sound judgement and strong organisational skills. The successful applicant will be comfortable working across sensitive issues with compassion, empathy and resilience. The following capabilities form the criteria that are required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply. Eligibility/Other Requirements: Professional / Technical Skills and Knowledge: Sound ability to think strategically, understand and analyse policy, make judgements in a sensitive and complex area, and contribute to the production of strategic health policy advice. Well-developed written communication skills with demonstrated ability to research and prepare a range of documents, including briefs, submissions, and reports. Ability to assist in the planning, development and implementation of policy initiatives and projects, in a dynamic environment and under tight timeframes. Compliance Requirements/Qualifications: Experience working in a human services policy or public health setting, and/or experience working in aged care, dementia or cancer policy or intergovernmental relations is desirable but not mandatory. Prior to commencement successful candidates may be required to undergo a pre employment National Police Check. Notes: A merit pool will be established from this selection process and may be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months. Opportunities for flexible working options could include hybrid working, being a combination of working from home, designated office based and FlexiSpace working locations across the ACT, part-time hours, job-sharing, flexible start, and finish times. How to Apply: A current curriculum vitae A written response of no more than two pages which: demonstrates how your Skills, Knowledge and Experience address the criteria outlined in the ‘What you require’ section of the Position Description, and outlines why you want the job and why you believe you are the best person for the position. Contact details for two referees, one of which must be your most recent supervisor. Applications should be submitted via the Apply Now button below. Important Information for Applicants Effective from 1 July 2025, as part of the ACT Public Sector (ACTPS) 2025 Change Implementation Program, the ACT Health Directorate and the Community Services Directorate will amalgamate to form the new Health and Community Services Directorate . In addition, positions in the Digital Services Division in the Health Directorate will join the new Digital Canberra (DC) directorate. Further information about the Changes Implementation Program is available in the ACTPS 2025 Taskforce Report - Open Government Information .
