Senior Project Officer, Cancer Care

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC) is seeking a Senior Project Officer to drive continuous quality improvement across the cancer care continuum in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations. You will translate clinical evidence and data into practical service improvements, supporting pathways from prevention to palliative care.

Working with clinicians, program managers and partners, you will lead CQI initiatives, coordinate project

Qualifications

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Clinical CQI Leadership: Lead and support CQI initiatives focused on Cancer Awareness, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, Palliative and End of life care.
• Service Improvement & Clinical Support: Provide clinical advice to support culturally safe Cancer Care Models, and Optimal Care Pathways.
• Project Management: Manage funded project activities, deliverables, timelines, risks and reporting requirements.
• Advocacy, Policy & Stakeholder Engagement: Connect with community and Member Services to understand their needs and priorities.

Job description

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council – Sydney CBD NSW

About The Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC)

The Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC) is the peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across New South Wales. We work alongside our Members to strengthen Aboriginal community-controlled healthcare and improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Our work spans advocacy, policy, workforce development, health promotion, research, training and organisational support. We bring the experience and priorities of our Members into state and national decision-making, advocate for better health systems and investment, and help build the capability and sustainability of the Aboriginal community-controlled health sector.

Join our team of dynamic and innovative people who value and proudly play a meaningful role in supporting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people and communities across NSW.

About the Role

This is an opportunity for an experienced health professional to combine clinical expertise, project management and continuous quality improvement (CQI) to drive meaningful improvements in cancer care.

The Senior Project Officer will work with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to strengthen culturally safe, evidence-based care across the cancer care continuum, from prevention and screening through to treatment, survivorship and palliative care. The role also carries a strong advocacy component, helping shape conversations on cancer care policy at a broader level.

Working closely with clinical teams, program managers, jurisdictional partners and national stakeholders, you'll translate clinical evidence, data and policy into practical service improvements that strengthen patient pathways, clinical governance and health outcomes.

This role requires regular travel across the allocated region to local ACCHOs and communities.

Responsibilities:

Clinical CQI Leadership

• Lead and support CQI initiatives focused on Cancer Awareness,prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, Palliative and End of life care.
• Apply CQI frameworks (e.g. PDSA cycles, clinical audit and feedback).
• Support ACCHOs to interpret and act on clinical data to improve outcomes.

Service Improvement & Clinical Support

• Provide clinical advice to support culturally safe Cancer Care Models, and Optimal Care Pathways.
• Review and strengthen referral pathways, shared-care arrangements and integration with mainstream cancer services.
• Identify gaps in care and access and work with services to develop practical improvement strategies.

Project Management

• Manage funded project activities, deliverables, timelines, risks and reporting requirements.
• Monitor progress against workplans and KPIs and provide recommendations to support continuous improvement.
• Prepare clear project reports, briefings and presentations.
• Prepare submissions for program funding opportunities with the broader team.

Advocacy, Policy & Stakeholder Engagement

• Connect with community and Member Services to understand their needs and priorities.
• Provide advocacy and support to State and National discussions on policy development, implementation and frameworks for comprehensive cancer care.
• Build strong working relationships with ACCHOs, clinicians, cancer services, Primary Health Networks and government partners.
• Support co‑design processes with community and clinical stakeholders.
• Represent the program in jurisdictional and sector forums.

Clinical Governance & Reporting

• Support services to strengthen clinical governance, promote evidence-based practice, quality standards and culturally safe cancer care.
• Contribute to risk identification, evaluation, knowledge translation activities and policy submissions.
• Support the integration of CQI findings into clinical governance systems.
• Prepare high‑quality report, briefings and presentations as required.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this opportunity.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in a clinical discipline (e.g. Nursing, Allied Health or Public Health with a clinical focus).
• Current AHPRA registration.
• Clinical experience in primary health care, cancer care or chronic disease management.
• Demonstrated experience leading or implementing CQI initiatives, including clinical audit, data interpretation and service improvement.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, cultures, and community‑controlled health sector.
• Ability to manage complex health projects and deliver outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of CQI methodologies, including PDSA cycles, clinical audit and feedback.
• Experience with clinical data systems such as Communicare, MedicalDirector, Best Practice or similar.
• Ability to work collaboratively across clinical, community and government environments.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to liaise, consult and negotiate with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships within the local community.
• Experience with PEN CAT or similar clinical audit and data tools (desirable).