Chief Medical Officer

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.

Mandatory/Desired Qualifications

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

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.

Contact Officer

Name: Dr Leonard Brennan
Email: [email protected]  
Phone number: 02 6261 3740