Temporary Senior Pharmaceutical Officer

Senior Pharmaceutical Officer (e-Cigarettes Control)

• Employment type: Temporary fulltime till 30 June 2026 (with possibility of extension)
• 35 hour working week
• Hybrid working environment (will also be required to perform site visits in metro and non-metro areas)
• We are seeking individuals who are passionate about safeguarding public health and upholding the safe supply of medicines and poisons in NSW.
• This is your chance to join our dynamic team and be at the forefront of medicines and poisons regulation.

About this role

The Pharmaceutical Services Unit within the NSW Ministry of Health regulates the supply of scheduled medicines and poisons, including nicotine containing vaping products, such as e-Cigarettes.

The Senior Pharmaceutical Officer (e-Cigarettes Control) is part of the e-Cigarettes Audit Team within the Pharmaceutical Operations team. The role reports to the Principal Pharmaceutical Officer, Inspections and Investigations (e-Cigarettes Control).

The team will conduct compliance activities regarding the supply of e-Cigarettes under the provisions of the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 (NSW). This includes licensed wholesalers, pharmacies and prescribers.

Compliance activities include audits, investigations, taking regulatory action and referral to other relevant regulatory agencies as necessary to ensure the supply of nicotine through the legal prescription pathway is lawful.

Crown Clerk 9/10, salary from$120,859 - $133,183 plus Super and annual leave loading.

What you'll be doing

• Administer the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods legislation (NSW), including preparation of reports to support recommendations for any regulatory compliance actions.
• Perform surveillance and monitoring activities to enable a proactive compliance approach to the supply of e-Cigarettes.
• Contribute to the development, review and evaluation of policies, strategies or processes to address current and emerging regulatory issues with the prescribing, dispensing and supply of e-Cigarettes.
• Provide advice on matters relating to interpretation and implementation of the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods legislation (NSW) and best regulatory practice in the safe and quality use of prescribed of e-Cigarettes.

About you

We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who will use their knowledge of the NSW medicines and poisons regulatory framework to provide specialist advice and develop and support the implementation of new proactive compliance activities.

You will have an opportunity to work in a specialised team in the Pharmaceutical Services Unit under the current Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 (NSW) and Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008 (NSW), alongside the implementation of the new Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2022 (NSW) and Regulation.

• Tertiary qualification(s) in a health-related discipline including knowledge of pharmacology and pharmaceutics and the application of this knowledge in clinical practice.
• Knowledge and understanding of the regulatory role and functions of the NSW Ministry of Health, the private health sector and application of complaints and adverse events investigation methods.
• Demonstrated ability to use effective interpersonal skills to manage challenging situations.
• Demonstrated high level oral and written communication skills, including an understanding of data collection, collation and analysis.
• Desirable: Qualification in investigations such as a Certificate IV in Government Investigations.

How to apply

All applicants must review the Role Description and apply by submitting:

1. An up-to-date resume (up to 5 pages)
2. A cover letter (1-2 pages) explaining your interest and motivation in applying for this role, AND
3. A response to the TWO target questions below:

Target Questions (1-2 pages)

1. Describe your understanding of the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods legislation in NSW and how it is applied to manage risks related to substance diversion, misuse of medicines or other significant patient safety risks.
2. Describe a situation where you were informed of a minor or technical breach to policy or legislation by a stakeholder. What general information or specific advice did you give your stakeholder to allow them to meet the requirement(s) under the policy or legislation again?

Closing Date: 11:59pm, Wednesday 13 March, 2024

Working at The Ministry of Health 

The position is located in St Leonards, in a modern, purpose-built building within an activity-based working environment. Close to public transport, cafés and local amenities.

Benefits

The Ministry of Health offers its employees challenging and rewarding work with opportunities for career progression, learning, development and work-life balance. To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook.

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 

At the Ministry of Health we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.

To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.

Additional information

1. This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months
2. Please note the selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.

Considering the significant risks posed by COVID-19, the Ministry of Health expects all workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and you will be required to show proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status prior to securing this role.

Applications Close: 11:59pm. Wednesday 13 March, 2024