Description

Canberra based office with limited ad hoc flexible arrangements by agreement

A Total Remuneration Package (TRP) reflecting the importance of the position will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

An opportunity exists for an experienced Medical Officer to fill the position of Chief Medical Officer in Canberra. As a Medical Officer 5 leading the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Health Services Branch, you will be responsible for driving and delivering health, policy and corporate outcomes across the department.

You will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the medical and psychological services the department provides to staff in Australia and staff and dependants posted overseas. You will also foster partnerships with key stakeholders inside the department and across a range of other government and non-government organisations. As a member of the senior leadership team, you will develop and build high performing teams committed to DFAT’s objectives.

This role is responsible for coordinating and making arrangements to ensure that the department’s staff and dependants are able to access appropriate health care in a wide range of situations. This requires an ability to negotiate successfully across different organisations in different cultural settings.

Requirements

Mandatory: 

•        Unconditional AHPRA registration as specialist general practitioner for at least 5 years.

Desirable: 

•        Specialist registration in occupational medicine, public health medicine or medical administration.
•        Experience in tropical and travel medicine, aeromedical evacuation and emergency medicine.

Enquiries:

Name: Dr Leonard Brennan

Email: [email protected]  

Phone number: 02 6261 3740

How to Apply

Submit your application via the department’s website at DFAT Careers before the closing date. 

Applications close at 11.30pm AEST on Sunday 26 July 2026

Your application should include:

•        Your personal details
•        A pitch of no more than 500 words
•        CV
•        Contact details of two professional referees, including your current supervisor

Your application will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate the required skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications to proficiently perform the role. Relevant examples and accomplishments will strengthen your application. Your pitch is your opportunity to tell us why you are the right candidate for the role.

Eligibility

Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS) unless the Agency Head has agreed otherwise, in writing. This role has been identified as a child-related role. It may be a crime for a person convicted of certain offences to apply for child-related employment. Prior to appointment the successful applicant must obtain a Working with Children Check indicating the applicant is suitable to work with children.