Assistant Secretary, Policy and Program

SES Band 1
- Canberra, ACT

**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 inspiring, highly motivated, and experienced individuals from the public, private and/or community sectors to join the Department of Education (the department), at the Senior Executive Service (SES) Band 1 level.

As an Assistant Secretary in the department, you will contribute to the overall strategic direction of the department, including driving policy and program change and service delivery improvement. You will support the Secretary and Executive team in the provision of high quality and timely advice to government and in leadership and strategic direction setting for the department.

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: First Assistant Secretary

As an 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 bring experience in the development and implementation of public policy, high-level program design and implementation, and experience in providing advice to Ministers.

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:

- High level analytical skills including the capacity to provide evidence-based policy and/or program advice to support decision making.
- An outstanding track record in leading and delivering high quality advice in a complex and sensitive environment, including adopting innovative approaches to difficult issues as appropriate.
- 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.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, negotiation and influencing skills, including the ability to represent and negotiate on behalf of the department.

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. 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**

Should you be selected for the merit list by another Commonwealth government agency, additional locations, including major regional centres, may be available for consideration.

**How to Apply**

If you require further information, please contact:

- Company: Amanda O’Rourke Executive Search
- Contact: Amanda O’Rourke
- Phone: 0452 199 031

**Qualifications/Eligibility**
Relevant tertiary qualifications will be favourably regarded.

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 position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 or Negative Vetting Level 2 security clearance, depending on the role.

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