HR/IR jobs

Industry Engagement Officer - APS 5

The Australian Government’s national workplace relations agenda aims to achieve safe, fair and productive workplaces.

Workplace Relations is a dynamic and challenging policy area, which is frequently at the forefront of national policy debates.

The Workplace Relations Policy Group supports the Government’s workplace relations agenda through the development of high quality policy advice and effective engagement with government and industry stakeholders. For example, the Group is responsible for the provision of evidence-based policy advice concerning the development and operation of the Fair Work Act 2009, industrial disputes, minimum wages and modern awards, and Australia’s engagement with the International Labour Organization (ILO). We also work closely with a range of other Government agencies on significant areas of policy such as superannuation and equal remuneration.

The Industries Engagement Team is responsible for engaging with industries on sector-specific industrial relations issues. A primary focus is developing and maintaining relationships with key employers, as well as stakeholders across the portfolio and the broader Australian Public Service, with a view to feeding industry information into policy development and programme management. The team regularly represents the Department in sensitive discussions with employers and other agencies about industrial relations issues. It is highly responsive to requests for information about emerging issues and potential disputes.

The Position
We are seeking a self-motivated person with a passion for stakeholder engagement and an appreciation of Australia’s workplace relations framework. A significant aspect of the position involves direct communication with external stakeholders, including Australian businesses and industry associations. Accordingly, experience in stakeholder engagement (including cold-calling) is highly desirable. Some interstate travel may be required. Responsibilities of the position include:
• contributing to the Team’s building and maintenance of strong and productive relationships with industry stakeholders, other APS agencies and other areas of the Department.
• with more senior staff, representing the Department at meetings and in discussions with stakeholders about workplace relations matters.
• providing sound technical advice on workplace relations topic areas, particularly in relation to enterprise bargaining and industrial action.
• analysing industry conditions and forecasts, academic literature and policy submissions to inform engagement with stakeholders.
• making decisions, with direction from more senior staff, on sensitive issues while exercising sound judgement about when to escalate issues.
• assisting in the preparation of written briefs and updates for the Minister and the Executive of the Department.
• contributing to the implementation of team objectives for short term tasks and strategic planning for longer-term initiatives.


Eligibility
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.

The ability to obtain and/or maintain a baseline clearance is required.

Notes
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 see: http://www.apsc.gov.au/priorities/disability/recruitability.