The Opportunity

We are seeking highly motivated and experienced applicants to fill a number of Assistant Director positions, who are passionate about developing and driving policy change to join our Social Policy Group.

Are you interested in making a meaningful difference in your career? These roles contribute to work at the heart of the Government’s social policy agenda and will give you the opportunity to work in partnership with First Nations peoples to deliver better outcomes that improve lives.

Social Policy Group provides policy advice and runs programs across a broad range of areas including: education, universities, youth and early years, health, social and emotional wellbeing, families, women’s empowerment, safety, housing and infrastructure.

As an Assistant Director you will have the opportunity to influence others, lead policy design and implementation, and engage in genuine partnership with a variety of stakeholders.

Across the various roles, you will undertake a variety of work including but not limited to:

• developing, interpreting, evaluating and implementing complex policy for review and publication
• preparing and reviewing draft reports, briefing papers, speeches, Ministerial Correspondence for senior staff and the Senior Executive
• providing advice on more complex areas of policy
• overseeing, maintaining and analysing policy initiatives to drive policy change
• liaising with internal and external stakeholders, using networks across the APS to develop policy and provide advice to senior management
• representing your work area and participating in committees and forums in relation to policy development
• engaging with Cabinet and other processes.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidates will have:

• a demonstrated record of working in a culturally sensitive manner, with a commitment to furthering their own and the team’s cultural intelligence
• refined data, analytical and research skills, including the ability to provide quality advice based on evidence
• refined written and verbal communication skills and the ability to deliver briefings and papers on complex issues
• excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders
• ability to identify emerging opportunities or issues and respond quickly to competing priorities
• ability to provide high level strategic policy advice on complex issues
• highly developed analytical and research skills, including the ability to be strategic, innovative and form sound judgements on complex issues
• ability to manage a small team to deliver policies to support First Nations peoples and communities.