Senior Project Officer

Join the Centre for Population Health at the Ministry of Health for an exciting temporary opportunity and help shape the future of health in New South Wales

About us

• Join us right in the middle of an exciting time in tobacco control – implementing the Government's new tobacco reforms to crack down on illegal tobacco and vapes in our community.
• Join a passionate team dedicated to driving tobacco control strategy, improving health outcomes and reducing health inequity.
• Embrace a healthy work-life balance with our flexible/hybrid working hours.

To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook.

About this role

You'll be joining the largest public health system in Australia and contribute to a world-class health system in NSW.

The Centre for Population Health (CPH) aims to promote health and prevent morbidity and mortality caused by modifiable risk factors. The CPH portfolio encompasses blood borne viruses, sexual health, tobacco and obesity. The strategies used to address these issues include state-wide policy and planning, legislation and regulation, program development, resource allocation, performance monitoring, research and evaluation.

The CPH works closely with service provider organisations such as Local Health Districts (LHDs) to manage and support the local delivery of agreed policies, programs and services across the state. Programs and services funded by the CPH are delivered in government, non-government, community and clinical settings. The CPH approach is characterised by a focus on evidence-informed programmatic and system-level interventions that improve health, reduce health inequity, create healthy environments, promote community action, enable personal health-seeking and recognise the social determinants of good health.

The Tobacco and E-cigarette Policy Unit aims to reduce tobacco and e-cigarette use, recognising smoking as the leading cause of preventable death and illness in the NSW community. The Tobacco and E-cigarette Policy Unit leads best practice regulatory policy, preventive policy and program development for tobacco and e-cigarette control.

Our work includes:

• Providing leadership in policy and regulation development
• Developing and delivering public education programs
• Engaging with key stakeholders
• Undertaking research and monitoring of tobacco related issues.

Crown Clerk 9/10, starting salary from $129,464 – $142,665 plus Super and annual leave loading, with a 35-hour work week.

For more information, please read the full Role Description.

What you'll be doing

The Senior Project Officer manages strategic and operational projects to meet organisational objectives. Reporting to the Manager, Tobacco and E-cigarette Policy Unit, the role is responsible for:

• the development, support for the implementation and evaluation of best practice policies, programs, projects, and activities for the Ministry of Health, public health organisations, and related government agencies
• providing project and policy advice to support the achievement of NSW Health's objectives in relation to the prevention of tobacco and vaping related chronic disease across NSW.

About you

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

• Relevant qualifications and/or demonstrated experience in public health and project management.
• Extensive skills and experience in providing high level policy advice and recommendations on complex issues.
• Superior organisational skills and capacity to successfully manage competing priorities and to deliver high quality products within agreed timeframes and budgets.
• Strong oral and written communication and facilitation skills and demonstrated capacity to consult and negotiate effectively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.

Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in a team environment.

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 providing a response to the two target questions below in your application questionnaire.

Target Questions (4000 characters max per question)

• Describe a recent experience where you led a complex project and how you ensured it was successful?
• Provide an example of a stakeholder engagement / communication process you have been involved in. What worked well and what would you do differently next time?

For role related queries or questions contact Rachael Burrell-Sinclaire on and quote REQ

If you do require any adjustments to the recruitment process during the recruitment process, please contact Rebecca Chan on

Closing Date: Thursday 16 October :59pm)

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, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.

Additional information

• This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
• This is a temporary role up to 11 September, 2026.
• For more information on applying visit the Ministry of Health Career portal
• Please note the selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.

Don't miss your chance to embark on this fulfilling journey Apply now

Applications Close: Thursday 16 October :59pm)