Principal Investigator

The Office of the Queensland Ombudsman is an independent integrity agency established under the Ombudsman Act 2001.
The Office investigates complaints about the actions and decisions of Queensland Government departments and agencies, local councils and publicly funded universities. The Office also works with agencies to improve the quality of their decision-making and administrative practice by making recommendations, delivering training and providing advice.
The Principal Investigator (PI) contributes to the Office's roles of investigating administrative actions and improving administrative practices in agencies.
PI's may come from a variety of professional backgrounds. Relevant expertise in public administration and/or administrative law and the conduct of investigations is required for this role.
As a PI, you could work in a range of roles within the Office. Depending on the Office's needs, your work could involve operating individually and/or leading others. You will be responsible for:

- Ensuring enquiries and complaints, including public interest disclosures, are managed in accordance with theOmbudsman Act 2001, operational delegations and Office policy and procedure.
- Managing the day-to-day operations of a small team.
- Manage complaint assessments.
- Facilitate identification of effective resolution pathways for individual complaints.
- Provide high level advice to senior managers about complaints and investigations; and make recommendations to address maladministration including serious and systemic issues.
- Proactively communicate and negotiate with stakeholders and manage contentious stakeholder communication.
- Prepare correspondence detailing reasons for decisions and develop reports for different audiences, including public sector agencies and the Parliament.
- Contribute to identifying systemic issues from complaints received, investigations or reviews.
- Provide technical supervision and help build technical capability by coaching and mentoring team members.
- Contribute to a positive and productive team environment.
- Collaborate with the Assistant Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman and internal stakeholders to build a culture of continuous improvement in the Office.

**You may also be required to**:

- Lead complex and sensitive investigations of public sector administrative actions.
- Conduct internal reviews of completed investigations.

Are you the right person for the job?

**The ideal applicant will be someone who**:

- Vision*: Understands how the organisation's role and purpose relates to their own work and the work of the team. Prioritises projects and tasks efficiently, in line with team commitments. Role models professional conduct, positivity, work focus and respect for others. Remains composed under pressure, accepts decision-making responsibility and understands when to escalate issues.
- Results*: Communicates effectively, taking account of the needs of different stakeholders, builds rapport and establishes good working relationships. Achieves results through careful planning and organisation. Coaches and mentors team members to enable the achievement of shared outcomes.
- Accountability*: Supports team members in their work within legislative and policy frameworks. Analyses information, identifies risks and evaluates possible solutions to mitigate risks. Models commitment to improving performance through self-reflection, feedback, sharing expertise and learning.
- Technical expertise: Expert knowledge and experience in public administration and/or administrative law; expertise in the investigation of complex and/or sensitive complaints and/or review of administrative decisions.

Please ensure you download all the attachments and follow the instructions listed under the heading 'Interested in applying' on the Role description.