HR/IR jobs

Senior Policy Officer - APS 6

About you

We are seeking an intelligent, personable and proactive Senior Policy Officer to join the Workplace Relations Group at the Australian Public Service Commission. The Workplace Relations Group work collaboratively and collegiately within a dynamic policy area, which will suit those who can think laterally, communicate persuasively, and exercise sound judgement.

Applicants will need to demonstrate that they:

• have an interest in or understanding of workplace relations or human resource management in Australia, including the role of the Fair Work Act 2009;
• are curious and open to learning, able to rapidly understand new information, and share this understanding with others;
• can analyse qualitative and quantitative information to make rational judgements, and present their findings clearly and convincingly;
• can build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships, relating well to all stakeholders;
• can communicate effectively through different mediums and to a variety of audiences;
• can work flexibly, adapting and responding to changing priorities.

Applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas will be highly regarded:

• workplace relations;
• human resources;
• law;
• the Australian Defence Force;
• policy development.

About the role

Within the Workplace Relations Group, Senior Policy Officers operate under limited direction as subject matter experts within one of three teams: Workplace Relations Policy, Conditions Policy, and Remuneration Policy.

A current vacancy exists in the Remuneration Policy Team, where one of the primary responsibilities is assisting in representing the Commonwealth before the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal.

Beyond the current vacancy, this recruitment round will also be used to fill similar roles in the Workplace Relations Policy and Conditions Policy teams, where Senior Policy Officers are responsible for providing robust and clear advice about the operation of the Public Sector Workplace Relations Policy 2020 and related workplace relations matters.

By working in a prominent business area of a central government agency, Senior Policy Officers will develop skills in negotiation, influencing, advocacy, policy development, and briefing. You will develop networks across the Commonwealth public sector and be positioned to meaningfully influence a critical policy area.

Key position responsibilities

Work specific to the current vacancy in the Remuneration Policy Team will involve:

• working on submissions which will be presented to the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal on behalf of the Commonwealth; and
• assisting in developing and advocating the Commonwealth’s position in setting, reviewing, and adjusting the remuneration arrangements of the ADF.

In addition to the specific responsibilities above, the work of Senior Policy Officers will involve:

• managing a number of Commonwealth agencies to assist them in implementing new workplace arrangements, including enterprise bargaining and determinations;
• assessing agency proposals and draft instruments for compliance with Government Policy;
• conducting research and presenting findings on workplace relations issues such as conditions of employment, bargaining, disputes, or remuneration;
• contributing to briefs for the Commission’s Executive and the Minister, including Question Time Briefs, Senate Estimates packs and Ministerial Correspondence;
• reviewing the effectiveness of legislation, policy guidance, and other advice; and
• communicating directly and regularly with internal and external stakeholders at APS, EL and SES levels through telephone and email, in meetings, and by giving presentations.

How to apply

To apply, you will need to complete an online application through the Commission’s e-recruit system (link above). This includes submitting:
• a two page pitch, outlining your claim against the criteria;
• current CV, with a maximum of three pages; and
• your personal details including the details of at least two referees, one of which must be your current or most recent manager.