Senior Policy Advisor

Assistant Director

The Health Economics Research Division (HERD) is responsible for ensuring the health evaluation, innovation, and use of data to develop and implement integrated, evidence-based health policies.

A key priority for the division is the implementation of the Medical Research Future Fund 10-year Investment Plan and Biomedical Translation Fund.

The division continues to develop the Department's strategic economic outlook across Australia's health system and providing specialised modelling, reliable forward estimates and costings for all major Commonwealth health and aged care programs.

The division is also responsible for strengthening the department's evidence-based approach and enhancing our ability to understand and analyse data collected of the complex and data rich system we oversee.

The Health and Medical Research Office (HMRO) has policy responsibility for Commonwealth health and medical research initiatives to improve patient care, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the health system, and boost economic growth.

This includes the implementation and operation of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), the Biomedical Translation Fund (BTF) and input into whole-of-government initiatives to stimulate science and innovation and resulting research translation and commercialisation to improve health and drive economic growth.

The branch monitors developments, discoveries and new technologies emerging from health and medical research and collaborates across government portfolios, including with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Department of Industry, Science and Resources, AusIndustry, Department of Education, and stakeholders to promote knowledge exchange and translation and evidence-based policy development.

• Development of and input into policies relevant to the delivery of MRFF and BTF outcomes and the administration of the MRFF and the BTF;
• the provision of advice on matters relating to the _Medical Research Future Fund Act_ and other relevant legislation;
• administration of the MRFF and the BTF;
• supporting the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB) to meet its legislative obligations to develop the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy and Priorities to guide investments from the MRFF, and to provide advice to the Minister for Health and Aged Care;
• coordinating the Department's participation in whole-of-government initiatives in relation to research, science and technology, and the health system;
• facilitating HMRO's engagement with stakeholders (internal and external, and in relation to international inputs) to optimise MRFF outcomes;
• managing budget-related matters relevant to the MRFF and the BTF, including the development and costing of new policy proposals;
• drafting the MRFF report on financial support for medical research and innovation;
• coordination of the MRFF Coronavirus Research Response, and drafting briefings and correspondence related to MRFF's COVID-19 research funding;
• managing strategic communications for the MRFF, including:
  • providing consistent, timely and accurate information about MRFF grant opportunities.

Applicants must be an Australian citizen at the time an offer of employment is made. An applicant's suitability for employment with Health and Aged Care will also be assessed through a variety of pre-employment check processes, such as: satisfactory completion of an Australian Federal Police criminal history check, and where relevant a Working with Children and Vulnerable People Check. Completion of a medical declaration and pre-employment medical (where required). Providing evidence of qualifications.