EL1 Assistant Director Policy

Currently, there are around 5.5 million Australians with a disability. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) implements the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which is one of the biggest social reforms in the country since Medicare. As an Agency, we support more than 717,000 participants with a significant and permanent disability, and the families and carers of those living with disability. For many Australians, this will be the first time they receive the disability support they need. The NDIA is designed to enhance the quality of life and increase economic and social participation for people with disability and will mean a peace of mind for every Australian.

Are you passionate about creating lasting change for Australians living with disability and making a positive impact utilising your complex policy development, strategy and operations expertise? The Policy Branch is seeking experienced and results-oriented EL1 Assistant Director Policy professionals to join the NDIA, as part of the Policy and Practice Leadership Division.

We are seeking proven leaders who can manage and inspire their team, take responsibility for delivering quality outcomes and develop balanced policy and strategic advice. The role requires excellent communication skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing requests, demands and priorities, and stakeholder collaboration including cross Agency networking. You will have a strong ability to analyse and apply data and evidence to develop solutions to complex problems with the capacity to exercise autonomy and initiative in your program of work. As a leader, you will model the APS and NDIA Values and making a positive contribution to the Policy Branch culture.

The Policy and Practice Leadership Division, is responsible for defining the policy and practice settings for the Scheme, including for the current reform agenda and key initiatives.  We are seeking experienced professionals from a range of backgrounds who are able to provide thought leadership, content expertise and rigorous policy analysis in the management of key strategic issues to improve the effectiveness of the NDIS.

As an EL1 Assistant Director Policy, you will play a leading role in the Branch with direct responsibility for resolving issues and risks across wide-ranging activities of substantial depth, involving significant detail. 

The role involves significant independence in tackling complex issues within the Agency's policy functions. It requires sound decision-making to provide high-level policy advice and operational support, while managing sensitive projects that impact the NDIA's strategic objectives for a world-class National Disability Insurance Scheme

Responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

• Developing and interpreting policy in a specialised area that requires detailed understanding, consideration and sensitivity.
• Developing, managing and delivering projects that may have an agency wide impact.
• Developing complex policy documents for review through governance mechanisms and publication.
• Engaging with a range of data, evidence and stakeholders to ensure that policy development is contemporary, relevant and evidence informed.
• Preparing, reviewing and advising on policy reports, briefing papers, speeches, Ministerial correspondence, Cabinet submissions and discussion papers.

Our ideal candidate will have significant experience working in policy roles within disability, social policy and/or social insurance policy, government agencies or in the disability sector. You will have a demonstrated ability to drive strategic change in complex operating environments and the ability to navigate complexity and uncertainty with personal drive, sound judgement and integrity. You will have experience in developing and clearly communicating balanced policy and strategic advice, evaluating ambiguous and incomplete information, factoring in risks and being sensitive to the organisational and governance context.

You will excel in managing multiple competing priorities, and the ability to build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including leading policy development through multidisciplinary groups. Your experience and sound leadership skills will inspire your team members to strive for the best outcomes through your clear and proactive work planning.

In line with the values and mission of the NDIA, you will have a positive contemporary attitude to people with disability, along with understanding and knowledge of disability and its impact on individuals. This role will provide you with opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of people with a disability and contribute to the success of the NDIA for generations to come.

We work as one team. We are accepting, diverse and driven. We take a shared approach to making progress. We welcome and support each other and encourage different ideas, insights and opinions. We empower and enable each other to be our best. We collaborate, connect and work together to create a workplace that makes us proud. And while we're based far and wide across the country, we make sure nobody feels they are out on their own.

• You will work for a socially inclusive and culturally diverse workplace, that is making a meaningful impact to the lives of more than 600,000 Australians.
• Access to higher superannuation and above market leave entitlements
• Competitive remuneration and working conditions that support a positive work life balance
• Access to ongoing professional development and learning

While this role is ideally performed from VIC - Richmond, VIC - Geelong, NSW - Surry Hills, NSW - Chatswood, ACT - Deakin, QLD - Brisbane, QLD - Robina, SA - Adelaide, WA - Midland, remote working arrangements may be considered. We intend to fill this role in an ongoing capacity, however non-ongoing roles up to 12 months with the possibility of extension up to 2 years may be offered.

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a pre-employment National Police History check, Worker Screening check and/or Working with Children Check (where required) and provide evidence of Australian Citizenship.

Applications for this role close 11:30pm Tuesday 9th September 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact Bridey Sanders on during business hours) or email

With the exception of personal details, applications can NOT be edited or updated once submitted for consideration. Please make sure you are completely satisfied with your entire application before submitting.

NDIA is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from People with Disability (PwD), First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, Mature age workers, as well as young workers and supporting an inter-generational workforce and supporting gender equity and families. NDIA will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the inherent requirements of the role. If you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process (including alternate formats of the application form) or have an enquiry about the support provided, please contact DFP on or email

RecruitAbility applies to this position: The RecruitAbility scheme supports people with disability applying for jobs in the Australian Public Service (APS) by giving you a better opportunity to put forward your skills and experience during the selection process.

There are certain roles within the National Disability Insurance Agency that may require mandatory vaccination, subject to government order or directive. Evidence may be required prior to commencement.