First Assistant Secretary, Policy and Program

SES Band 2
- Canberra, ACT | Adelaide, SA | Brisbane, QLD | Sydney, NSW | Perth, WA | Hobart, TAS | Darwin, NT | Melbourne, VIC

**About the Department of Education**
We contribute to Australia's economic prosperity and social wellbeing by creating opportunities and driving better outcomes through access to quality education and learning.

**The Opportunity**
We are seeking established, inspiring, and highly motivated individuals from the public, private, education and/or community sectors to join the Department of Education (the department), at the Senior Executive Service (SES) Band 2 level.

As a First Assistant Secretary in the department, you will be a key member of the department’s senior leadership team, supporting the Executive in the provision of advice to Government, and playing a key role in setting the strategic direction for the organisation. You will help build our organisation capability by providing intellectual leadership and through your development of others.

This selection process will also be used to establish a merit pool that may be used to fill roles, in this department and other Commonwealth Government agencies, as they become available, within 18 months from date of advertising.

**The Role**
Reports to: Usually Deputy Secretary

As a First Assistant Secretary in the Department of Education, you will be a key member of the senior leadership team and support the Executive in the provision of advice to Australian Government and provide leadership, management, and strategic direction for the department. You will manage the development and implementation of major government and department initiatives, participate in departmental or whole of government forums and actively contribute to the corporate leadership of the department and to the building of high performing teams.

To be a strong contender, you will need to have an outstanding track record in leading and delivering high quality advice in a complex and sensitive environment, excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, be adept at building relationships in a large complex and fast paced environment and take an innovative approach to difficult issues. You will lean into policy challenges and seek the most effective outcome, bringing new ideas, evidence, fresh thinking and a resilient approach in the face of challenges. You will also be an effective leader who collaborates with colleagues and builds a strong, effective and inclusive workplace culture.

More broadly, SES employees in the department are expected to advise and support the Government of the day on the full range of portfolio issues and do this through the development of considered policies and the delivery of effective programs. SES employees must also ensure that the department is meeting its legislative and governance obligations, is working collaboratively to deliver outcomes, and responds flexibly to current and emerging issues. SES employees have a broader role in providing leadership across the APS in the delivery of whole-of-government policies and services, managing in a changing and devolved environment.

The successful applicant will have:

- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, negotiation and influencing skills, including the ability to represent and negotiate on behalf of the department.
- High level management and leadership skills (including intellectual leadership) and superior people-management skills, including supporting staff learning and capability development.
- A proven ability to achieve organisational outcomes, build organisational capability and manage risk to ensure government objectives are achieved.
- Demonstrated high level analytical skills including the capacity to provide evidence-based policy and/or program advice to support decision making.
- An exceptional record in leading and delivering high quality advice in a complex and sensitive environment, including adopting innovative approaches to difficult issues as appropriate.

As part of the senior leadership in the department, you will be a role model to other employees who will look to you for mentorship, guidance, and advice either formally or informally. You will actively contribute to establishing the most effective culture, leadership and values, consistent with the APS values and the need for the APS to exhibit the highest levels of integrity. This is an opportunity for you to make your mark in an organisation that values your voice, your culture, your experience, and your perspective to drive better outcomes for all Australians.

**Location**

**How to Apply**

If you require further information, please contact:
Ms Meg Brighton, Deputy Secretary, Schools Group

Phone: (02) 6121 6941

**Eligibility**
Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department, you must be an Australian Citizen or, in limited circumstances, in the process of obtaining it.

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