First Nations Strategy, Policy and Research Officer

The QNMU is seeking applications from across all health sectors to join us in a First Nations Strategy, Policy and Research Officer role.

This is a 3 month Parental leave cover opportunity running from 5th January 2026 to 10th April 2026.

About the QNMU

The Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union (QNMU) is the primary industrial and professional organisation for nurses and midwives working in public, private, and aged care sectors in Queensland.  The QNMU seeks to promote and defend the industrial, professional, social, political and democratic interests of over 79,000 members. We have over 200 employees including organisers, professionals and administrative personnel, and manage a multi-million-dollar operating budget.

Why is the role exciting?

The variety, passion and real ability to make a change

The team aspiration is to provide expert strategic advice and direction regarding research, policy and professional priorities. In particular, this team provides subject matter expertise and leadership regarding midwifery and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters.

The role of First Nations Strategy, Policy and Research Officer exists to provide leadership and direction to support and promote the interests of First Nation peoples and members through the strategic identification, development and undertaking of research and policy development.

This position is a high-level strategic position which is responsible for leading the collaborative development of protocols, systems, processes and frameworks with QNMU members and staff that can be shared to promote cultural safety and combat racial discrimination and institutional racism within the healthcare industry.

Our values are integral to us and drive of all the work we (and you) will do.

Some of our values include:

• Fairness: We are committed to a fair society.
• Collectivism:We are stronger when we work together.
• Equality: We believe all people should be treated equally and have the same rights under the law.
• Opportunity: We seek to improve the quality of life of all Australians.

Who we're looking for:

• Identified First Nations registered nurse or dual registrant registered nurse and midwife.
• Current registration with Aphra as a registered nurse or dual registrant registered nurse and midwife.
• Advanced qualifications in nursing or if dual registrant nursing and midwifery (desirable).
• Prior experience working with First Nations people and communities.
• Prior experience within nursing or midwifery in a policy role with emphasis on political and policy making and/or an outcome focused research and evaluation role with demonstrated experience in a range of research methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and publicly articulate a strategic approach to issues affecting First Nations peoples..
• Demonstrated ability to be self-directed, establish priorities, meet deadlines, use initiative and be proactive and strategic in raising and dealing with issues.
• Advanced written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Well-developed analytical skills
• Project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and take a collaborative approach to work.
• A current and valid driver's licence.
• An ability to travel away from home for up to five nights at a time

What are the benefits?

• Starting base salary of $164,921.85 per annum (Pro rata)
• Flexible work & hybrid working
• Option for compressed hours 9 day fortnight
• Not for profit employer with Salary Sacrificing options

An inclusive culture that celebrates all

Our workplace is strongly committed to celebrating all individuals for who they are. We recognise that each of us offers unique strengths; sometimes it just takes a little bit of flexibility and support to allow those strengths to shine… and we are here for it We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds, identities and abilities to apply - this is a safe, inclusive and supportive space, and we welcome all with open arms

If there are any supports or adjustments, we can make during the recruitment process that will allow you to put your best self forward and demonstrate your capability to full potential, please let us know. We will be happy to accommodate in any way we can.

How to Apply

To apply, click on "Apply for this job" and submit your resume and cover letter. Applications close COB, Wednesday, 15 October 2025. For any recruitment queries, please contact Chris Jones at

By applying for this role, you acknowledge that if the QNMU holds information about you, it may be considered as part of the recruitment process.

Further information

For further information about the QNMU, head to our website

"The QNMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island descent, people with a disability and people from non-English speaking backgrounds to be part of an organisation that promotes a diverse and safe workplace environment".  Selection for all vacancies is made based on merit".

The Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union of Employees (QNMU) collects personal information from you for the purpose of your job application during the course of the recruitment and selection process. We usually collect personal information from prospective employees through the application form, from referees or through a recruitment agency. We may disclose your personal information to your referees and other persons you nominate or mention in your application. Where you do not provide us with your personal information, we may not be able to consider your application or engage you as an employee of the QNMU. For information on how you may access or correct your personal information or how you can make a complaint about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles, please refer to the QNMU Privacy Policy at.