EL1 - Assistant Director

Contact Officer:

Rithy Lim on or

Closing Date:

11.59pm AEDT, Wednesday 29 October 2025

The department supports workplace diversity and values the contribution of people from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, and LGBTQIA+ people. The department is committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting women's progression into senior leadership.

The opportunity we have available

We have a range of exciting opportunities at the Executive Level 1 - Assistant Director level across a number of branches in the Surface Transport Emissions and Policy Division.

Surface Transport Emissions and Policy Division contributes to the wellbeing of all Australians by developing and implementing national reforms in surface transport policy and regulation (maritime, shipping, rail and road transport reforms) to achieve efficient, productive, safe, and sustainable outcomes, which are environmentally friendly and enhance Australia's international competitiveness. The Division is responsible for Australian Government engagement with the states, territories, local government, industry and internationally in relation to shipping policy and maritime regulation, road and rail policy and regulation.

The Land Transport Policy Branch leads a broad range of work including implementation of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, ongoing reforms in the areas of heavy vehicle policy, rail policy and safety. The branch is also working on developing road user charging arrangements for electric vehicles. The branch also develops policy responses to emerging freight and supply chain issues to ensure Australia's supply chains are efficient and resilient. All sections work closely with external stakeholders, including states and territories, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and Office of National Rail Safety Regulation, industry and community representatives.

The Maritime and Shipping Branch leads on Australian shipping and ports policy and manages the associated legislative frameworks. It also advises Government on maritime safety, productivity and related issues where these impact on domestic or international shipping and ports. The Branch is responsible for coastal shipping, maritime supply chain resilience and environmental incident preparedness in the maritime context. The Branch is the administrator for international liner shipping, shipping tax incentives, coastal trading, and the Tasmanian shipping programs. It supports the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) in delivering its obligations under the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990 and works closely with industry stakeholders and other Commonwealth agencies.

The Strategic Fleet Branch supports the implementation of the Government's key election commitment to establish a strategic fleet of up to 12 Australian flagged and crewed vessels that are to be privately owned and operate on a commercial basis, but could be requisitioned by the Government in times of national crisis such as natural disaster or conflict. The Branch provides policy advice on implementation of the recommendations provided by the Government's Strategic Fleet Taskforce relating to establishing and supporting an Australian strategic maritime fleet, including procurement of vessels, legislation changes and workforce growth required to support the fleet.

The Transport Partnerships and Emerging Technology Branch leads delivery of a complex set of reforms to prepare for the arrival of connected and automated vehicles and other transport innovations, manages engagement in a range of key international forums, provides the secretariat support to the Infrastructure and Transport Minister Meetings (ITMM) and related forums and provides oversight and support to several transport bodies.

In the division, there are opportunities to utilise your skills to make a real difference to the daily lives of all Australians, by developing and implementing reforms in surface transport policy and regulation that affect the movement of people and goods across Australia. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Exposure within the division to a broad range of public service job roles to suit your skills and interests including policy, regulation, programs and legislation.
• The opportunity to develop and utilise a range of core public service skills.
• A respectful, inclusive and friendly working environment.
• Diverse career pathways through learning and development opportunities and a positive performance culture.
• Having a direct hand in supporting Australia's social and economic wellbeing.
• Engagement with international bodies to protect Australia's national interests.

We work hard in our division to ensure we have a positive and supportive workplace culture, where everyone can contribute and thrive.

Our division is not just a dynamic workplace, it is also a leading workplace for flexible working arrangements. Our managers work with staff to structure a work-week that works for both the employee and their team. It has an inclusive and enjoyable workplace culture, with regular social get-togethers, trivia, and senior executives who 'walk the talk', as just a few examples of what makes our division shine as a place to work.

What will you do?

There are multiple policy roles available across the Surface Transport Emissions and Policy Division (Executive Level 1). You will contribute to developing policy advice to the Australian Government through short-medium term projects determined by the department's Executive Leadership Team.

These roles are varied and dynamic, but typical duties include:

• research and analysis on priority issues (including general research or economic and data analysis, depending on your skills and experience)
• development of persuasive communications materials, including written reports and data visualisation
• project strategy, planning and coordination
• stakeholder engagement, including close collaboration with colleagues across the public service to ensure our advice has maximum value-add
• formal advice to the Executive and Government, such as Cabinet submissions and proposals for new policies and programs.

Who are we looking for ?

We are seeking proactive and skilled individuals who can demonstrate capabilities at the Executive Level 1 Work level standards. This means you can manage very complex of sensitive work with broad direction, provide specialist advice, and consistently deliver high-quality outputs that contribute to our team and organisational goals.

Our ideal candidates are solutions focused, proactive, flexible and agile.

• Sound analytical skills and policy judgement, allowing them to consider information from a range of sources, synthesise information accurately, identify and analyse problems, adapt approaches and propose solutions.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication, adapted to suit a range of audiences.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• A collaborative approach to working within the team, which takes into account a range of views and values different perspectives.
• While not essential, previous experience working in complex areas of policy, legal policy and/or intergovernmental reforms; instructing Parliamentary Counsel on the development of legislation; or working within a regulator/regulatory environment will be highly regarded.

RecruitAbility minimum requirements

Minimum requirements for this role include:

• Sound analytical and policy judgement skills, with the ability to identify problems and propose solutions.
• Effective people management and leadership skills.
• Ability to engage and influence stakeholders in a professional and effective manner.

RecruitAbility is a scheme which aims to attract and develop applicants with disability and also facilitate cultural changes in selection panels and agency recruitment.

Job applicants with disability who met the requirements are advanced to the next stage of the selection process:

• Opt into the scheme
• Declare they have a disability, and
• Meet the minimum requirements of a vacancy advertised in the scheme

More information can be found at RecruitAbility scheme: A guide for applicants | Australian Public Service Commission.

We are dedicated to fostering personal and professional development, empowering individuals to set goals, acquire new skills, and cultivate unique qualities that define who they are. We believe that this not only leads to a more fulfilling and happier life but also enhances the overall quality of our work. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Access to our study Assistance Program that provides paid leave and financial support for you to undertake courses of study that contribute to the improvements of your professional skills and knowledge relevant to our work and broader Australian Public Service.
• Through our investment in learning and development opportunities, and a positive performance culture, we provide diverse career pathways for our people to enable their mobility and adapt in a rapidly changing world.
• Improve your leadership skills, through the department's Professional Coaching Scheme and tailored leadership opportunities for staff members.
• Flexible working opportunities, including part time hours, home based work and job sharing.
• We offer generous leave entitlements of 20 days personal circumstances leave per year, with one month's accrual of leave credited on commencement and 150 hours of paid annual leave (based on a full-time employee), plus a range of other miscellaneous leave options to support you.
• Join our department and embark on a journey of growth, fulfillment, and well-being. Experience personal and professional development, prioritise your health, and be part of a vibrant and positive culture that empowers individuals and drives exceptional performance.

Eligibility requirements

Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• Citizenship: Candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
• Health Assessment: The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department's preferred medical provider.
• Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline Vetting Level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website
• Police check: The successful candidate must satisfactory complete an Australian Federal Police criminal history check.
• Integrity and Performance check: The successful candidate must satisfy the requirements in an Integrity and Performance check which is completed by your most recent employer.

Timeline and assessment

A selection panel will be established to assess your suitability against the advertise role.

If a merit pool is established it will be valid for 18 months from date it first appeared in the APS Gazette.

Applications open: 15 October 2025

Applications close: 29 October 2025

Application shortlisting: 5 November 2025

Further assessments: 10 November 2025

Selection report finalised: 24 November 2025

Offers and announcements: 27 November 2025

The above is indicative only, please reach out to the contact person if you have any questions on the recruitment process or timeframes.

Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job and the Work level standards. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants. If your application is shortlisted, you may be asked to undertake further assessment, this may include work sample testing, interviews, and reference checks.

How to apply

Applications for this opportunity close at 11.59pm AEDT, Wednesday 29 October 2025

In applying for this position, you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather, you should provide in a PDF document a statement of no more than two pages outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, and how these align with the advertised role.

You should also provide a tailored CV in PDF, no more than three pages. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the 'Who are we looking for' section.

Your application should be received through the department's online recruitment system. Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.

If you experience any issues with the system please contact the recruitment team on or via email at to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.

Please advise the contact officer if you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The department is committed to the accessibility of our systems. If you identify as someone with disability and you require accessibility assistance or more information, please email

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