EL1 Assistant Director - Health Policy

McArthur; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 116,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

McArthur is seeking an experienced EL1 Assistant Director - Health Policy to join a high-profile Commonwealth Government department. You will lead the implementation of major health policy initiatives and translate policy intent into practical outcomes.

The role requires EL1-level experience or a strong APS6 with leadership, plus baseline security clearance and Australian citizenship. The engagement runs from Oct 2026 with an initial contract to 30 June 2027 and potential 12-month extension.

Qualifications

• Experience at EL1 level or acting EL1, or senior APS6 with leadership capability.
• Current Australian Government Baseline security clearance or higher.
• Australian citizenship to maintain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and delivery of significant Government policy initiatives.
• Plan, coordinate and deliver complex policy reform projects within governance requirements.
• Provide strategic advice to senior executives on risks and reform priorities.
• Lead consultation with Commonwealth agencies, state/territory governments and external stakeholders.
• Monitor and evaluate policy implementation and present clear recommendations.

Skills

EL1 leadership

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Executive briefs

Job description

• Initial contract to June 2027 + potential 12-month extension

McArthur is seeking an experienced EL1 Assistant Director - Health Policy to join a high-profile Commonwealth Government department and support the implementation of significant health policy initiatives and reforms.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced EL1, or a high-performing APS6 ready to step up, who understands how Commonwealth policy moves from Government intent through to practical implementation.

The successful candidate will work within a policy team focused on improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Australians accessing Commonwealth services. You will lead complex policy implementation activities, provide strategic advice to senior leaders and work across government and with external stakeholders to deliver practical, evidence-based outcomes.

The opportunity

• $84-$93 per hour + superannuation
• 37.5 hours per week
• Commencing as soon as practicable / anticipated October 2026
• Initial engagement through to 30 June 2027
• Potential extension of up to 12 months
• Flexible working arrangements may be negotiated with the successful candidate's manager

Key responsibilities

As Assistant Director, you will:

• Lead the implementation and delivery of significant Government policy initiatives, translating policy intent into practical and sustainable outcomes
• Plan, coordinate and deliver complex policy reform projects within agreed timeframes and governance requirements
• Provide strategic advice to senior executives on policy implementation risks, emerging issues, delivery challenges and reform priorities
• Lead consultation, engagement and negotiations with Commonwealth agencies, State and Territory governments and external stakeholders
• Monitor and evaluate policy implementation activities and provide clear recommendations where issues or risks emerge
• Develop high-quality briefs, advice, implementation documents, reports and stakeholder material
• Incorporate stakeholder feedback into policy and implementation activities
• Support the continuous improvement of health-related policies and programs
• Provide leadership and direction to a small team

About you

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• Strong understanding of Commonwealth Government policy development, decision-making and implementation processes
• Experience delivering or implementing significant policy initiatives, programs or reforms within a complex environment
• Experience working at EL1 level, acting EL1 level, or as a highly experienced APS6 with demonstrated leadership capability
• Strong policy analysis and strategic thinking skills
• High-quality written communication, including executive and/or ministerial briefs, submissions and policy advice
• Demonstrated stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills across government and external organisations
• Experience identifying implementation risks, emerging issues and practical solutions
• Strong governance, planning and delivery capability
• Ability to work with limited direction and manage competing priorities

Highly regarded

Experience within Commonwealth health policy, health programs, veteran wellbeing, disability, aged care, primary care, public health or related social-policy environments will be highly regarded.

Previous experience within the Department of Health and Aged Care, Department of Veterans' Affairs, Services Australia, NDIA, Australian Digital Health Agency or a similar Commonwealth policy environment would also be advantageous.

Mandatory requirement

Applicants must hold a current Australian Government Baseline security clearance or higher.

Australian citizenship will be required to maintain the relevant Commonwealth security clearance.

Why apply?

This role offers the opportunity to work at the centre of significant Commonwealth policy implementation, influence complex reform and contribute to programs with a direct impact on health and wellbeing outcomes.

With a competitive $84-$93 per hour + superannuation, multiple location options and the potential for a further 12-month extension, this would suit an experienced Commonwealth policy professional looking for their next substantive EL1 assignment.