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.

What We Offer:

·    We have exciting work with real purpose. We support the aspirations of First Nations Peoples—it’s our driving force. Our work is transformational, you can follow your passion, shape your career and make a difference.

·    We value our employees —they’re the heart of our Agency. Employees are supported and empowered to build their career. We are a diverse, inclusive and passionate workforce with an emphasis on continuous cultural learning and tailored professional development.

·    Our work relies on strong and trusted relationships — we build partnerships by being authentic, sharing information and giving honest feedback. We collaborate with communities across Australia, all levels of government and many other invested stakeholders.

This position constitutes an Affirmative Measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates.

Eligibility:

·    To be eligible for this position you must be an Australian Citizen.

·    The occupant must be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected) level security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level. 

·    The successful candidate will be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check

How to apply:

If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you! Submit an online application through the NIAA Careers Page by Sunday, 3 March 2024 at 11:30pm AEDT.