Opportunity - Senior Policy Officer / Project Officers
Full job description
Canberra is preferred; other locations considered.
PLEASE NOTE, THIS OPPORTUNITY IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT COMMONWEALTH EMPLOYEES.
Type of temporary opportunity: Secondment (Home Agency pays, redeploys staff to APSC, Not S26)
Duration of opportunity: 12 months
Working arrangement: Full Time
Classification: APS 6
Contact Officer: Luke Redward, (02) 6113 6263
Closing Date: 11:30PM AEST, Sunday, 2+ June 2025
What you will do
In this role within the First Nations Unit, you will play a key part in supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing First Nations employment outcomes across the APS. You’ll be working in either the Policy and Strategy or Recruitment and Talent Development areas of the team depending on your expertise and the needs of the team.
In the Policy and Strategy area, you will use your initiative and judgement to support the development and interpretation of policies that will inform key products and services developed by the First Nations Unit. You will have the opportunity to work on a range of projects, collaborating with diverse stakeholders including First Nations staff and the Community Controlled Sector. Your role will involve reviewing and interpreting complex policies, providing feedback on policy development and assisting with the implementation of strategies to support First Nations employment outcomes.
In the Recruitment and Talent Development area you will assist in the development and delivery of recruitment and talent development programs specifically designed to support First Nations peoples. This may involve contributing to the design of programs, managing recruitment processes and evaluating the effectiveness of various initiatives aimed at increasing First Nations representation and career progression within the APS.
Across both areas, you will engage with internal and external stakeholders, including providers, consultants and First Nations Communities. This may involve liaising directly with First Nations staff, stakeholders and the broader community to ensure the initiatives are relevant, culturally appropriate and impactful whilst aligning with Government commitments. As this is an identified role, you must demonstrate strong cultural competency with a deep understanding of the challenges facing First Nations peoples.
Your role will be integral to fostering a diverse, inclusive and culturally competent workforce across the APS.
Skills and capability we need
We are seeking enthusiastic, knowledgeable and energetic officers to join the First Nations unit to drive policy change through program development and evidenced based research. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Policy and/or Project experience: you will have practical knowledge or experience in developing and delivering plans, programs or projects aligned with strategic objectives. Experience in policy development and/or project management particularly in diversity and inclusion or First Nations initiatives. You should possesses highly developed analytical and research skills with the ability to provide strategic and innovative policy advice on complex issues.
Cultural competency: as this is an identified position, you will need a strong understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Proven ability to engage and communicate sensitively and effectively with First Nations communities and stakeholders is essential. You will be expected to apply culturally appropriate approaches to your work, ensuring policies and programs are aligned with the needs and aspirations of First Nations peoples.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: You will have highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders both internal and external. You should be comfortable engaging with diverse groups including First Nations people, consultants and service providers. Your written and verbal communication skills should be highly developed with experience e in drafting complex briefings, reports and papers for senior management.
Analytical and Strategic Thinking: You should be adept at analysing complex issues, interpreting policy and making recommendations that contribute to strategic objectives. A demonstrated ability to think critically and strategically with the attention to detail is key to supporting the development and delivery of the team’s initiatives.
Desirable Skills: while not mandatory, experience with data analysis and/or IT systems would be beneficial in supporting the team’s objectives. Strategy development or evaluation experience. The ability to quickly adapt to new tools or technologies is also valued.
What you will gain from the experience
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work on a number of unique First Nations specific policy, programs and projects. This includes:
Experience working across government on APS-wide initiatives
Working directly with the Community Controlled Sector
Exposure to drafting briefs and papers for Senior Executive staff and Minsters Offices
Opportunities to draft research papers and government policies which impact First Nations peoples
Skills in human centred design and user research in diverse populations,
Cross agency stakeholder engagement
Project management, and;
Networking opportunities with Senior Executive staff across the APS
About our team
The First Nations Unit was established May 2023 and operates within the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) to prioritise boosting First Nations employment outcomes and uplift of cultural capability across the APS.
The First Nations Unit supports the wider APS to drive priority objectives for First Nations people and aligns with the Government’s election commitment to boost First Nations employment across the APS to 5% by 2030.
Identified Positions
Vacancies for these positions are open to everyone. These positions are Identified which signifies that the role has strong involvement in matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
These positions liaise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and service providers. You will require cultural competency, including:
understanding of the matters impacting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
demonstrated capability and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff are encouraged to apply.
Additional Information
Please note, this opportunity is only open to current APS employees.
To commence the application process, you will need to select the begin button below. You will need to submit a ‘pitch’ of no more than 300 words, upload a current CV and supply the contact details for two referees.
The Australian Public Service Commission is committed to building an inclusive and culturally diverse workforce. We welcome applications from across our community including, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, mature aged employees and carers.
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Canberra is preferred; other locations considered.
PLEASE NOTE, THIS OPPORTUNITY IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT COMMONWEALTH EMPLOYEES.
Type of temporary opportunity: Secondment (Home Agency pays, redeploys staff to APSC, Not S26)
Duration of opportunity: 12 months
Working arrangement: Full Time
Classification: APS 6
Contact Officer: Luke Redward, (02) 6113 6263
Closing Date: 11:30PM AEST, Sunday, 2+ June 2025
What you will do
In this role within the First Nations Unit, you will play a key part in supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing First Nations employment outcomes across the APS. You’ll be working in either the Policy and Strategy or Recruitment and Talent Development areas of the team depending on your expertise and the needs of the team.
In the Policy and Strategy area, you will use your initiative and judgement to support the development and interpretation of policies that will inform key products and services developed by the First Nations Unit. You will have the opportunity to work on a range of projects, collaborating with diverse stakeholders including First Nations staff and the Community Controlled Sector. Your role will involve reviewing and interpreting complex policies, providing feedback on policy development and assisting with the implementation of strategies to support First Nations employment outcomes.
In the Recruitment and Talent Development area you will assist in the development and delivery of recruitment and talent development programs specifically designed to support First Nations peoples. This may involve contributing to the design of programs, managing recruitment processes and evaluating the effectiveness of various initiatives aimed at increasing First Nations representation and career progression within the APS.
Across both areas, you will engage with internal and external stakeholders, including providers, consultants and First Nations Communities. This may involve liaising directly with First Nations staff, stakeholders and the broader community to ensure the initiatives are relevant, culturally appropriate and impactful whilst aligning with Government commitments. As this is an identified role, you must demonstrate strong cultural competency with a deep understanding of the challenges facing First Nations peoples.
Your role will be integral to fostering a diverse, inclusive and culturally competent workforce across the APS.
Skills and capability we need
We are seeking enthusiastic, knowledgeable and energetic officers to join the First Nations unit to drive policy change through program development and evidenced based research. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Policy and/or Project experience: you will have practical knowledge or experience in developing and delivering plans, programs or projects aligned with strategic objectives. Experience in policy development and/or project management particularly in diversity and inclusion or First Nations initiatives. You should possesses highly developed analytical and research skills with the ability to provide strategic and innovative policy advice on complex issues.
Cultural competency: as this is an identified position, you will need a strong understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Proven ability to engage and communicate sensitively and effectively with First Nations communities and stakeholders is essential. You will be expected to apply culturally appropriate approaches to your work, ensuring policies and programs are aligned with the needs and aspirations of First Nations peoples.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: You will have highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders both internal and external. You should be comfortable engaging with diverse groups including First Nations people, consultants and service providers. Your written and verbal communication skills should be highly developed with experience e in drafting complex briefings, reports and papers for senior management.
Analytical and Strategic Thinking: You should be adept at analysing complex issues, interpreting policy and making recommendations that contribute to strategic objectives. A demonstrated ability to think critically and strategically with the attention to detail is key to supporting the development and delivery of the team’s initiatives.
Desirable Skills: while not mandatory, experience with data analysis and/or IT systems would be beneficial in supporting the team’s objectives. Strategy development or evaluation experience. The ability to quickly adapt to new tools or technologies is also valued.
What you will gain from the experience
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work on a number of unique First Nations specific policy, programs and projects. This includes:
Experience working across government on APS-wide initiatives
Working directly with the Community Controlled Sector
Exposure to drafting briefs and papers for Senior Executive staff and Minsters Offices
Opportunities to draft research papers and government policies which impact First Nations peoples
Skills in human centred design and user research in diverse populations,
Cross agency stakeholder engagement
Project management, and;
Networking opportunities with Senior Executive staff across the APS
About our team
The First Nations Unit was established May 2023 and operates within the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) to prioritise boosting First Nations employment outcomes and uplift of cultural capability across the APS.
The First Nations Unit supports the wider APS to drive priority objectives for First Nations people and aligns with the Government’s election commitment to boost First Nations employment across the APS to 5% by 2030.
Identified Positions
Vacancies for these positions are open to everyone. These positions are Identified which signifies that the role has strong involvement in matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
These positions liaise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and service providers. You will require cultural competency, including:
understanding of the matters impacting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
demonstrated capability and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff are encouraged to apply.
Additional Information
Please note, this opportunity is only open to current APS employees.
To commence the application process, you will need to select the begin button below. You will need to submit a ‘pitch’ of no more than 300 words, upload a current CV and supply the contact details for two referees.
The Australian Public Service Commission is committed to building an inclusive and culturally diverse workforce. We welcome applications from across our community including, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, mature aged employees and carers.
Re