The Opportunity:
Are you ready to shape the future of risk management in a dynamic and purpose-driven organisation? As the Assistant Director, you’ll play a critical leadership role in embedding a proactive and positive risk culture across the Agency.
In this pivotal position, you’ll drive the implementation and continuous improvement of our risk management framework, ensuring it supports strategic decision-making and strengthens organisational resilience. You’ll provide expert insights that influence planning at the highest levels, while fostering strong relationships with stakeholders across the Agency.
This role calls for a confident, strategic thinker who thrives on complexity and operates with a high degree of independence. Key responsibilities may include:
• ensure NIAA’s risk artefacts are up to date and aligned with Commonwealth policies and frameworks, and relevant industry standards
• lead on updates, endorsements and education efforts regarding NIAA’s risk artefacts, including our Risk Management Policy and Framework
• supervise and coach a small team, fostering a high-performing culture and promoting diversity and inclusion
• lead the development and implementation of an Agency-wide risk uplift, including developing a Risk Strategy and Roadmap (2025–2028)
• provide expert advice on risk matters that influence strategic direction and decision-making
• support the senior leadership in identifying and managing enterprise risks
• lead risk-related reporting to governance committees
• develop and maintain emerging risks systems for proactive reporting and insights, including risk watchlists
• drive impact and efficiency across the Agency, including through developing and maintaining IT solutions for risk
• oversee system administration, continuous improvement, and SME support across the risk function
• develop and maintain strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders, proactively engaging to promote cooperation and shared outcomes.
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal EL 1 candidate will demonstrate the following skills and attributes:
• experience in risk management within a government or complex organisational context
• strong understanding of relevant legislation, policy frameworks, and governance structures
• proven ability to lead strategic initiatives and manage complex projects
• excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• display advanced writing and communication capabilities
• demonstrate critical thinking and analysis skills
• proactive and able to quickly respond to different priorities
• ability to lead and support stakeholders to achieve results with a focus on contributing to the Agency priorities
• capability to work independently and be accountable for delivery of timeframes and priorities
Relevant risk qualification(s) and/or equivalent experience will be highly regarded.
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.
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 11:30pm AEDT.
