From 1 April 2025 the Pubic Service Regulations introduce a new approach to review of promotion decisions. To find out more go to mpc.gov.auWe support a range of flexible work arrangements in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement. Learn how a merit list or pool may be used Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool. If the applicant agrees, the results may be shared with other Australian Public Service (APS) agencies for filling similar roles. Applicants may be offered a future role, without the need to reapply. A merit list or pool may be used for up to 18 months.This merit list or pool may be used to fill other vacancies anywhere in Australia. The Department of Veterans' Affairs is seeking applications from talented and highly motivated individuals to fill the role of Chief Health Officer (Medical Officer 6), in the Chief Health Officer Division. As the department's Chief Health Officer, you will be a key member of the senior leadership team. You will support the Executive in the provision of advice to the Australian Government and contribute to the leadership, management and strategic direction setting of the department. You will manage, develop and implement major government and departmental initiatives; participate in both departmental and whole-of-government forums; and contribute to corporate leadership and capability development, including building high performing teams.Our ideal candidate will provide advice and support to Ministers and the department across the full range of health issues confronting the Australian Veteran community.You will also be responsible for leading the professional development of the department's medical officers, maintaining high-quality relationships between the department, the medical profession, medical colleges, universities and other key stakeholders. To succeed in this high-profile and demanding role, you will need to be an acknowledged leader in your chosen medical specialty with substantial clinical experience. You will have a comprehensive understanding of Australia's health care system, including Commonwealth and state/territory interactions, and a good appreciation of future national health care challenges. Your demonstrated capacity to engage senior stakeholders and to broker decisions through collaboration and consensus will be complemented by political sensitivity and high-level policy advisory and leadership skills. This is an exciting opportunity to take a lead role in helping deliver better health and wellbeing outcomes for all Australian veterans.The position is based in Canberra ACT, but some flexibility and alternative arrangements could be negotiated for the right candidate. The key duties of the position include: As Chief Health Officer you will be a key advisor to Ministers, the Secretary and the department, and industry across the full range of health issues confronting the Australian veteran community. You will have strong clinical credibility, a well-established reputation and professional networks, and a deep commitment to addressing systemic healthcare challenges. This leadership role demands a professional who can combine their clinical expertise and experience with innovative strategies to improve health outcomes.As the principal medical representative for the department, you will need to be a strategic thinker, and an effective communicator who can build trust and inspire in a highly visible and scrutinised environment.You will interact with external stakeholders, engaging with complex issues. Key stakeholders will include the medical profession, medical colleges, health system regulators, academic and research institutions, politicians and policymakers at various levels, and other key bodies.As the Chief Health Officer you will also be one of the key spokespersons within the department, so must be a strong communicator and comfortable delivering messages to diverse audiences.MANDATORY REQUIREMENTSRegistration as a Specialist Medical Practitioner under the National Health Practitioner Law. In addition, the successful candidate is recognised as an acknowledged leader in the medical profession.Hold and maintain full and unconditional registration as a medical practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.Hold a Fellowship with at least one of the recognised medical colleges.At least 15 years' experience in the Australian health system, preferably with public, policy and organisational health experience.Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS).All applicants external to DVA offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a pre-engagement screening check, even if they have a security clearance. The screening check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain NV1 (AGSVA) security clearance. Notes Non-ongoing vacancies may be offered for a period of up to 23 months with the possibility of extension. Should a position become ongoing, the merit pool established through this selection process may be used to fill the vacancy on an ongoing basis.The merit pool may be used to fill similar positions in the event positions become vacant. Following the amendments to the Commissioner's Directions 2022 for the removal of similar location, agencies now need to define how the merit pool will be used in the future. This merit pool may be used to fill other vacancies anywhere in Australia.RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: Getting to know the Department of Veterans' Affairs The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) exists to fulfil the nation's duty to support our serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members and their families. We do this through programs of care, compensation, commemoration, income and Defence support services. Our aim is to enhance self-sufficiency, quality of life, financial wellbeing and community recognition for those we support. DVA is both a policy and service delivery agency. We have strong relationships with Australian ex-service organisations, Federal and State Government agencies and the veteran community. DVA's vision is to honour veterans, and empower them and their families to continue life after service, within a society that understands and values their military service and their ongoing contribution to the community.