Director, Public Health Network

About the role:

The Director, Public Health Network and Policy, several teams responsible for working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders in the delivery of funded statewide public health protection activities.

The incumbent will be responsible for managing the relationship and providing central leadership across the public health protection network, including governance and stewardship of the Local Public Health Units (LPHUs), and providing statewide leadership for environmental and climate health and regulatory policy frameworks to deliver network-supported activities aligned with public health legislation, policies and guidelines.

This role will provide authoritative advice and lead and oversee statewide public health protection activities in the development of statewide standards, procedures, guidelines and policies, providing advice on public health workforce, developing strategic partnerships to inform the department's activities and maintaining connection with interjurisdictional counterparts.

About us:

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.

About you:

Can you demonstrate the following?

• Lead the development and implementation of system-wide accountabilities, governance frameworks, and performance monitoring mechanisms to support the department's stewardship and governance responsibilities for public health protection functions, funded programs, and commissioned services.
• Lead the strategic design and delivery of statewide public health policy and programs, including those relating to Local Public Health Units, Environmental and Climate Health, and Regulatory Policy, ensuring integration across departmental and system partners to improve population health outcomes.
• Apply strategic leadership capability, operational skills, management experience and specialist expertise to deliver statewide public health protection programs and oversee complex funded service arrangements.
• Oversee multiple, integrated change initiatives with outcomes that have a significant impact on communities, stakeholders and services to drive system-wide change.
• Ensure the achievement of the wider government agenda and develop plans to mitigate any emerging issues including state, national or international environments. Coordinate any responses to major departmental impacts as well as managing change within teams.

Qualfications / Specialist Expertise

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification is highly desirable and a post tertiary qualification in a relevant field (health, public health, business management or public administration or a related discipline) would be advantageous.

Specialist Expertise

• Senior experience in public health at state or national level.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to partner with public health medicine professionals and technical experts to develop trusted and timely advice within a public sector context.
• Knowledge and understanding of current key public health issues, public health response, delivery and management of public health programs.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply:

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the `Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.

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