Principal Policy Officer

The Team System Management and Reform (SMR) is the central policy, strategy, and planning group for the Department of Health (DoH). Strategic Purchasing and Funding (SPF) is a unit within SMR that manages and undertakes a lead role in the purchasing of services within the public and private sectors that drive high quality, value for money outcomes for Tasmanians, and monitoring the delivery of those services by providers to ensure key outcomes are achieved.

The Role:

• Lead strategic funding, commissioning and procurement initiatives that improve outcomes in mental health, suicide prevention, and alcohol and other drug services across Tasmania.
• Provide high-level policy advice, lead complex projects, undertake high-level research and analysis, and collaborate with government, community sector and peak body stakeholders to drive reform and improve service delivery.
• Play a key role in shaping commissioning frameworks, procurement activities, grants management and strategic programs that support better health outcomes for Tasmanians.

Required experience:

• Demonstrated experience in strategic policy analysis and project management, with the ability to deliver outcomes in a complex environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of procurement, commissioning, funding or grants management processes, and an understanding of the mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and suicide prevention sectors.
• Demonstrated stakeholder engagement, communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to build productive partnerships and influence outcomes across a range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement, provide strategic advice and manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Details of appointment:

• Fixed term, full time, day worker position, working 76 hours per fortnight, commencing as soon as possible until 30 June 2028. Notwithstanding hours to be negotiated with the successful applicant.
• Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time, and casual vacancies.

Salary:

• $132,460 to $139,392 per annum + our Employer 12% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount. Salary range is in accordance with Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement 2025.

Benefits:

• Professional development.
• A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
• Fitness Passport - You, and your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.

Eligibility:

• Relevant qualification from a recognised institution or equivalent experience.
• Some intrastate/interstate travel may be required.

Contact:

• Name: Kelley-Maree French
• Position: Manager - Funding and Commissioning
• Phone number: 0428 168 474
• Email address: kelley-maree.french@health.tas.gov.au

About the Department of Health:

Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence are the key values to work in Department of Health. We strongly encourage applicants from key communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living with disabilities.