Program Manager, Strategic Projects Unit

Program Manager, Strategic Projects Unit

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time 36 Months (Possible extension)

Position Classification: Health Manager Level 3

Remuneration: $127,150 - $144,444, plus Superannuation

Location: 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW, in a hybrid working environment

Hours Per Week: 38

Requisition ID: REQ612050

Closing Date: Sunday 2 November 2025 (11:59PM)

Join our Centre for Health Record Linkage (CHeReL) at Ministry of Health for an exciting temporary employment opportunity and be part of the team enriching health in millions of ways every day.

CHeReL is dedicated to helping researchers, planners and policy makers access linked health data about people in NSW and the ACT. By linking multiple sources of data and hosting a secure high performing data linkage system the Centre enables a better understanding of health and wellbeing and facilitates high quality research and health policy decisions.

About us

We offer robust development and growth support to all our employees, ensuring you have the resources and opportunities to thrive in your career.

Our core values of collaboration, openness, respect, and empowerment are more than just words – they're the guiding principles that shape every aspect of our work.

Embrace a healthy work-life balance with our flexible/hybrid working hours.

About the role

The Program Manager, Strategic Projects Unit (SPU) manages service provision to clients, NSW Health and other government agencies conducting population health and human services research for Strategic Priorities, using record linkage services provided by the Centre for Health Record Linkage (CHeReL).

Role Responsibilities

1. Supporting clients with study design, obtaining relevant data custodians and ethics approvals and the provision of costings.

2. Developing and implementing access procedures to CheReL’s services, managing linkage project schedules and ensuring projects comply with relevant ethical and governance requirements.

3. Co‑ordinating complex policy, legal and technical advice around design of linked data assets and reporting across NSW Health for NSW Health Strategic Priorities and high‑profile cross‑government and national data linkage initiatives.

Health Manager level 3, starting salary from $127,150 - $144,444 plus Super, with a 38‑hour work week.

What you will do

Review ethics applications for strategic priority linkage projects and provide timely feedback to clients to facilitate access to CHeReL services while ensuring compliance with privacy preserving protocols.

Provide timely, high‑level advice and coordination support to clients for complex policies, legal and study design, cost and technical feasibility to ensure efficient use of the CHeReL facility.

Negotiate with clients and CHeReL Data Managers about scheduling of approved projects to manage CHeReL’s government project schedule to enable timeliness of service delivery and reporting to clients.

Prepare written quotations to facilitate cost recovery of services provided to clients; work with the Data Managers to determine and monitor actual costs; arrange for clients to be invoiced at the completion of projects, when relevant.

Support governance process through development and execution of data sharing agreements, Memorandum of Understanding, protocols and related measures to ensure that the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by the CHeReL complies with relevant legislation and ethical approvals, and ensure the confidentiality of personal information.

Work collaboratively and liaise with clients, data custodians and data linkage units in other Australian jurisdictions and in the Commonwealth to facilitate national and cross‑jurisdictional record linkage projects.

About you

We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who can support the work of NSW Health with:

- Relevant tertiary qualifications and demonstrated relevant, equivalent professional experience.

- Demonstrated experience in designing and managing population health research and/or government projects involving data linkage.

- Demonstrated experience in working with privacy laws, governance and ethical processes, related to population health research, preferably involving data linkage.

How to apply

At The Ministry of Health, we want you to make the most of the opportunities you’ll get to grow your skills and your career, surrounded by authentic, smart people and leaders.

Please review the role description and submit your up‑to‑date resume (up to 5 pages) and cover letter (1-2 pages) AND

Demonstrate your ability by attaching a response to the two target questions below.

1. Please describe a time when you managed a complex data‑related project involving multiple stakeholders. What was your role in coordinating the project, who were the stakeholders, what were the ethical and governance requirements and how did you ensure compliance and what was the outcome?

2. Provide an example of when you provided high‑level advice on the design or implementation of a data linkage project for a government or population research project. What were the policy, legal, and technical challenges, and what impact did your input have on the project?

For role related queries or questions contact Vivienna Ong on vivienna.ong@health.nsw.gov.au

and quote REQ612050

If you do require any adjustments to the recruitment process during the recruitment process, please contact Rebecca Chan on rebecca.chan3@health.nsw.gov.au

Need more information?

- Click here for the Position Description

- Find out more about applying for this position

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At the Ministry of Health, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to Obtain more information on how to apply, please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.

To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.

Additional information

This is a temporary role and there may be opportunities for ongoing employment at grade.

Please note the selection process will include a range of merit-based techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.

For more information about working at the NSW Health, please visit our career portal.

NSW Health acknowledges the people of the many traditional countries and language groups of New South Wales. It acknowledges the wisdom of Elders past and present, and pays respect to all Aboriginal communities of today.

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