Key Responsibilities & Operational Scope

The core responsibilities and primary duties for this position within Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) include:

• Strategic policy capability will be particularly important. We are interested in leaders who can identify the underlying policy or strategic question, bring evidence and different perspectives together, understand the broader system and whole-of-government context, and develop practical, credible solutions to complex problems.
• Shape direction, not simply respond to it. Understand the environment around your work, identify emerging issues and opportunities and develop a clear strategic direction that connects DEWR's priorities with broader government objectives.
• Bring strategic policy thinking to complex problems. Look beyond the presenting issue to understand underlying causes, connections and consequences. Draw together evidence, stakeholder perspectives, implementation experience and whole-of-government considerations to develop robust policy, strategy and advice.
• Frame choices and solutions. Turn complexity into clear and credible options. Surface trade-offs, risks and consequences, challenge assumptions where necessary, and provide frank, evidence-informed and impartial advice to senior executives, Ministers and government.
• Connect strategy with delivery. Ensure good ideas can work in practice. Bring policy, programs, services, regulation, people, resources, technology and data together as relevant, and maintain a clear line of sight between strategic intent and outcomes for Australians.
• Advance outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities. Build genuine partnerships with First Nations stakeholders, incorporate First Nations perspectives into policy, program and service design, and contribute to the department's commitment to Closing the Gap through culturally informed and evidence-based approaches.
• Lead beyond organisational boundaries. Build coalitions across DEWR, the APS and external organisations and communities. Navigate different perspectives and competing interests and use influence – not hierarchy alone – to create shared ownership of outcomes.
• Lead through uncertainty and change. Recognise when existing approaches need to change, make deliberate choices about priorities and resources, and create clarity and momentum when information is incomplete or the path forward is contested.
• Build capability for the future. Develop people and future leaders, strengthen professional and organisational capability, embrace opportunities presented by data and technology, and create inclusive environments where different perspectives improve decisions.
• Please note, under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the APS unless the Agency delegate has agreed, in writing.

Mandatory Eligibility & Security Clearance

Applicants must satisfy the following statutory and organizational requirements:

• Citizenship: Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, candidates must generally be Australian citizens to be eligible for engagement.
• Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) security clearance (Baseline, Negative Vetting 1, or Negative Vetting 2 as required by the agency).
• Probationary Period: Employment may be subject to a probationary period, character checks, and pre-engagement screening.
• Qualifications and education
• Highly regarded candidates will bring a demonstrated track record of executive leadership, strategic judgement and delivery in complex environments. Relevant tertiary qualifications, professional accreditations, executive leadership development or specialist expertise may be advantageous depending on the role and function.
• 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: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability. This initiative/program is only applicable where the successful applicant will be employed under the Public Service Act 1999. Similar conditions may apply when employed under other Acts. For clarification please contact the advertising agency.

Working Arrangements & Public Sector Benefits

Work Model: Flexible. Details: Flexible working arrangements will be considered in accordance with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations SES 24(1) Determination.

Australian Public Service positions provide comprehensive Commonwealth benefits including a standard 15.4% employer superannuation contribution, attractive leave provisions, and structured career progression pathways across the Australian Public Service.