Work for us
The Organ and Tissue Authority is a small Commonwealth agency that works in close collaboration with the DonateLife network, states and territories, health clinicians and the community to achieve our purpose – to save and improve the lives of more Australians through organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
We are committed to building a positive culture and harnessing our diverse skills, experience and qualities to achieve our purpose.
Check out our APS employee census results and learn more about us by visiting About us.
Diversity and inclusion
The OTA values the diversity of our employees and understands the importance of reflecting the diversity of the Australian public. We are committed to our inclusive, safe and positive environment that values diversity. Our inclusive workplace culture provides equal opportunities for all staff to contribute, participate and achieve their full potential.
Integrity
All APS employees are required to comply with the APS Code of Conduct, including to at all times behaving in a way that upholds the APS Values and Employment Principles, and the integrity and good reputation of their agency and the APS. All OTA employees are also required to adhere to the OTA Values of commitment, collaboration, excellence, integrity and innovation.
The OTA supports a pro-integrity culture in which there is a positive, conscious effort to embed integrity in everything we do from the conduct of our staff to our systems, processes and practices. This is reflected in our commitment to the OTA and APS values.
Values and behaviours
 | Commitment We are passionate about who we are, our work and our future |
 | Collaboration We work together to achieve shared goals |
 | Excellence We strive for the best quality national outcomes |
 | Integrity We operate with trust, respect, honesty and compassion |
 | Innovation We keep an open mind and have courage to make improvements |
Current vacancies
Chief Executive Officer
The Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is a full-time statutory office holder established under Section 14 of the OTA Act. Under the OTA Act, the OTA CEO is to be appointed on a full-time basis by the Minister through written instrument.
The functions of the CEO are:
- To determine objectives, strategies and policies to be followed by the Authority in the performance of its functions;
- To ensure the proper, efficient and effective performance of the Authority's functions;
- To manage the administration of the Authority;
- Such other functions as are conferred on the CEO by this Act or any other law;
- To do anything incidental or conductive to the performance of any of the above functions.
The CEO must perform their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the OTA Act, in addition to the values and behaviour required of an Australian Public Service employee under the Public Service Act 1999 (Cth) and in accordance with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
It is intended that the next OTA CEO will commence from 1 October 2026 for a term of up to 5 years.
| Classification | Statutory appointment |
| Location | Canberra, ACT |
| Status | Specified term up to 5 years |
| Employment type | Fulltime |
| Security clearance | Negative Vetting 1, or eligible to obtain and maintain. |
| Contact officer | Karina Duffey - Executive Intelligence Group 02 6232 2200 |
| Applications close | 11:30 pm AEST Thursday 14 May 2026 |
| Position description | Chief Executive Officer, Organ and Tissue Authority position description |
How to apply
- Go to the Executive Intelligence Group website and navigate to the vacancies webpage;
- Find the vacancy you are interested in applying for and click ‘More Info’. This will enable you to download the candidate information pack. This will assist you on how approach your application;
- When you are ready to apply, find the vacancy you are interested in applying for and click ‘Apply’;
- Read the information about applying and press ‘Start’;
- This is where you will create your account if you are applying for the first time. If you have used our system previously you can log in with your user name and password;
- From here you will be guided through an online application form;
- At the end of the form you will be prompted upload your CV. You MUST have your name referenced within the document/s you upload. Please note you should have this already saved in a single document it is preferable to keep the file name of the document short and without symbols for example: Surname First Name Ref No Job. Where possible please upload your CV in PDF format, we are also able to accept documents in Word format.
- If you wish to change any of the sections before you submit you can click on the ‘Summary’ table on the right-hand side which will take you to the specific page;
- Submit your application; and
- You will receive an automatic email with a copy of your application.
Eligibility and security requirements
To be eligible for employment, applicants must be Australian citizens.
There are also restrictions on employing people who have accepted a redundancy benefit from an Australian public service (APS) agency or a non-APS Commonwealth employer within the previous 12 months. This includes any payment resulting from shortening a retention period or payment made to an SES employee under section 37 of the Public Service Act 1999.
All OTA staff must undergo a police check or a security clearance.
Successful applicants may be required to provide detailed personal information covering the past 10 years. This may include previous employment, previous addresses, financial information and other details such as overseas travel.
