EL1 Senior Project Officer, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)

The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team is part of the Medicines Safety and Infection Prevention and Control (MSIPC) directorate. The IPC team supports the Commission’s work on the National Safety and Quality Health Service Preventing and Controlling Infections Standard, the National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Healthcare Standards (the Primary and Community Standards) and coordination of the National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI). This includes development of national policies, guidelines and strategies to respond to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and promote effective use of data for HAI programs, and other patient safety initiatives to prevent and control infections. 

The Senior Project Officer is responsible for the development of resources to support implementation of the NSQHS Standards and the Primary and Community Standards, the implementation of the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare, the NHHI, and contributing to other activities to support the IPC program. This includes undertaking research and analysis of information, project management, policy development, stakeholder management, facilitation of meetings, preparation of project documentation and collaborating with other relevant programs within the Commission. 

Duties of the Senior Project Officer will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Work with the Manager on the planning, detailed documentation and consultation on strategies, policy, and national guidance to support infection prevention and control and reduction of IPC and HAI. This includes the development of resources for healthcare workers, health service organisations and the wider community on IPC and HAI, and providing user support and advice with regards to the NHHI and infection prevention and control.
2. Review, analyse and report on published literature, data, policy papers and other published material to inform policy and program direction.
3. Prepare high-quality written reports, briefs and other documents for a range of audiences on complex healthcare issues.
4. Undertake project management activities including project planning and documentation, implementation, monitoring and reporting on progress; providing recommendations about managing risk, and identifying and resolving problems.
5. Keep current their knowledge of relevant strategic and clinical issues and investigate how these may be addressed by the Commission, as appropriate to the role.
6. Provide secretariat support to the work of relevant committees and expert groups managed by the program to produce high quality Agenda Papers and related materials.
7. Consult with consumers, experts and stakeholders, including the development of consultation approaches and coordination of formal consultation processes to achieve the objectives of the Commission.
8. Collaborate with other teams across the Commission to ensure alignment with other work programs and strategic priorities. 
9. Liaise, and foster productive working relationships within the Commission and with other agencies, clinical organisations, consumer groups, government authorities, industry bodies and contractors.
10. Participate in, and present to, committee meetings, forums and workshops on relevant topics.
11. Other duties as required and directed.

The successful candidate will have:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of IPC, microbiology, epidemiology and public health, in the context of improving patient safety and quality in health care.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in the timely delivery, implementation and evaluation of projects related to IPC and related healthcare areas.
• Demonstrated policy and guideline development, and project management experience relevant to safety and quality in health care, infection prevention and control, or related areas.
• Demonstrated sound decision-making skills, and sustained record in a high level of productivity, initiative and professional judgement.
• Demonstrated high level research and analytical skills and exceptional writing skills, including the ability to write high quality documents for a variety of audiences and in different formats.
• Demonstrated highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, in particular, an excellent ability to consult and negotiate with a wide variety of stakeholders.

To apply for this position, please complete an application form and upload: 

• A CV summarising your relevant experience and qualifications
• A two-page cover letter broadly addressing your suitability against both the position description and selection criteria.

Candidates must be Australian citizens to be eligible to apply.

Please note: All staff are required to provide evidence of a COVID-19 primary vaccination course, which is the first two doses of a Therapeutic Goods Administration approved or recognised COVID-19 vaccine.

Questions about the role can be directed to Kim Stewart (02) 7232 5638.

Closing date for applications is 11.59pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT), 4 December 2024.