Professional Standards and Policy Officer

About us

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is the leading advocate for surgical standards, professionalism and surgical education in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The College is a not-for-profit organisation that represents more than 8600 surgeons and 1300 surgical trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates.

RACS also supports healthcare and surgical education in the Asia-Pacific region and is a substantial funder of surgical research. There are nine surgical specialties in Australasia being: Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Urology and Vascular Surgery.

About the role

You will support the development and review of professional standards, guidelines, and policies. The work involves research, analysis, drafting documents, and coordinating input from committees and stakeholders.

Key tasks include:

• Researching and drafting standards, guidelines, policies, and reports.
• Preparing submissions, briefing papers, agendas, and minutes.
• Supporting consultation processes by gathering and collating feedback.
• Monitoring changes in surgical practice, health policy, and professional standards.
• Coordinating projects to meet agreed timelines and reporting needs.

About you

• A qualification in public policy, law, political science, or a related field
• Experience in policy, research, or advisory work (health, education, or membership organisations an advantage)
• Knowledge of standards development and governance processes
• Strong research and writing skills
• Experience preparing clear and accurate documents
• The ability to manage competing deadlines and maintain attention to detail
• Skills in organising committee work and engaging with stakeholders.

This role is full time ongoing and can be based out of one or our RACS Offices in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney or Brisbane. You will enjoy a flexible hybrid working arrangement with 1-2 days per week in the office.

Download Position Description

Benefits

At our organisation, we are proud to have a positive impact on improving health outcomes in the community. Our people are especially important to us, we treat everyone fairly and are mindful of our colleagues and their wellbeing. Working at RACS, you will thrive in our environment where we recognise that we are all one team. Our employees are at their best when they have balance in their lives, so by joining our team you will have:

• flexibility to combine working from home with time spent in the office
• RACS Professional Development Framework (Grow at RACS)
• access to a wellbeing app
• annual wellbeing reimbursement
• additional, gifted leave at the end of the year
• access to online learning portal THRIVE with a catalogue of 89,000+ courses
• access to an Employee Assistance Program which includes counselling for personal and work-related issues, support for family members, legal support, career development and planning, nutrition & lifestyle advice as well as financial counselling

We genuinely care about our employees' health and wellbeing and encourage our people to bring their whole selves to work.

How to apply?

To apply for this role please submit your application by clicking on the "Apply Now' button to submit a cover letter and resume.

Please note we will be reviewing applications as they come in.

Enquiries can be directed to however, applications emailed to this address will not be accepted.

RACS is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in our workforce. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people as the traditional landowners of Australia and Māori as the tangatawhenua (people of the land) of Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to creating employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and Māori and building an environment that is inclusive, culturally safe and appropriate.