First Assistant Secretary, Cabinet Division

Location: Canberra, ACT

Application Closing Date: 24-Nov-2024 **by 11:30pm AEDT**

**Classification**

SES Band 2

**Employment Type**

Ongoing

**Flexible Work**

At PM&C we recognise the broad benefits of offering flexibility in how, when and where work is performed. We consider flexibility first from a starting position of ‘how can we make this work?’ and consider individual circumstances and operational requirements in making genuine attempts to establish mutually beneficial arrangements. Please reach out to the contact officer if you would like to explore what flexibility might look like for you, such as part-time work, variable start and finish times or working from home.

**The Opportunity**

PM&C is seeking a talented division head to lead the Cabinet Division. This is a rare opportunity to lead a team at the heart of government and support well-informed decision-making.

The position reports to the Deputy Secretary, Governance and Corporate / Chief Operating Officer and regularly engages with the Cabinet Secretary and senior officials across government to ensure the smooth functioning of the Cabinet and Cabinet Committees. The Cabinet Division is responsible for providing continuity and impartial support for operations at the centre of the Australian Government. The Cabinet Division is staffed by around 50 employees.

As First Assistant Secretary (FAS), you will be accountable for the strategic direction and operational management of the Cabinet Division.

This includes:

- Advising the Cabinet Secretary on Cabinet policies and processes to support effective decision making.
- Being an official note taker for Cabinet and Cabinet Committees.
- Anticipating requirements and negotiating outcomes across government to ensure the Cabinet and Committees receive timely, high-quality advice.
- Overseeing implementation of the redeveloped CabNet+ IT system that underpins Cabinet operations and continuing to drive improvements to digital access and processes.
- Briefing the Prime Minister on Cabinet appointments.
- Providing instructions, on a whole of government basis, on Freedom of Information, exemptions and Public Interest Immunity claims for cabinet and cabinet related grounds. This includes in forums such as parliamentary inquiries, judicial and tribunal processes.
- Supporting the Governor-General in Federal Executive Council, as Secretary to the Executive Council. Working with Deputy Secretary, Governance and Corporate / Chief Operating Officer to set the strategic direction and work practices of Cabinet Division.
- Providing leadership to the division and fostering a vibrant, inclusive culture.
- Recruiting, developing and motivating a diverse, talented team in a high-pressure environment.

SES leaders who make, or participate in making, decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of PM&C (as the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking, PCBU) are regarded as an Officer for the purposes of the _Work Health and Safety Act 2011_. To fulfil their duty under the WHS Act, Officers must exercise due diligence to ensure PM&C complies with its work health and safety duties and obligations. It is PM&C’s expectation that all SES Leaders act in a way that is consistent with the obligations of an Officer under the WHS Act.

We are seeking an experienced, influential, and supportive leader to oversee the Cabinet Division. This role provides an opportunity to strengthen and grow your leadership skills, taking on new challenges and a portfolio of work that is critical to supporting the department and our portfolio agencies.

We are looking for someone who can operate at the SES Band 2 level and:

- Has proven leadership capability, exhibiting judgement and professionalism, working with teams in a complex and fast-paced environment.
- Understand and navigate the complexities and risks of the political landscape.
- Demonstrates knowledge and experience in the conduct of Cabinet processes, the budget process and decision-making by the Australian Government.
- Proactively develop reputation as a trusted and influential advisor, and build productive relationships and networks across the department, APS and directly with the Prime Minister’s Office.
- As a flexible leader who can get the most out of diverse teams and build a vibrant, inclusive culture.
- Demonstrates high level policy, analytical and conceptual skills.
- Has outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to engage with senior stakeholders on complex issues.
- Exhibits the highest levels of integrity, strong judgement and professionalism.

**Identified Position**

This position has limited contact with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and service providers, but is still required to have the capacity and willingness to further develop these skills. You will require capacity to attain cultural competency, including:

- understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples