Principal Advisor

Job description

Agency Department of Chief Minister and Work unit Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment

Cabinet – Public Sector Appeals and Grievance Reviews

Job title Principal Advisor Designation Senior Administrative Officer 1

Job type Full time Duration Ongoing

Salary $128,551 - $143,611 Location Darwin

Position number 33154 RTF Closing 14/09/2025

Contact officer Courtney Mabey, Senior Director on or

About the agency

Apply online

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR

TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.

Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans

The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates

people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment

process or job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the

merit process, go to the OCPE website.

Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures

plans, go to the OCPE website.

Primary objective

This role is responsible for promoting integrity and ethical practice across the Northern Territory Public Sector by conducting

impartial grievance reviews, chairing the Public Sector Appeals Board, delivering sector-wide adult training on recruitment

practices and appropriate workplace conduct, contributing to policy development, and providing practical, resolution-

focused advice to agencies and employees that supports fair and ethical treatment in employment.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Manage and resolve employee grievances using a strategic, analytical, and flexible approach, including the use of

alternative dispute resolution practices, to achieve fair and effective outcomes.

2. Chair the Public Sector Appeals Board for promotion appeals, while also acting as Secretary to the Board for disciplinary

and inability appeals.

3. Evaluate agency actions and decisions, and prepare complex reports, recommendations, and high-level correspondence

for the Commissioner for Public Employment.

4. Deliver sector-wide adult training and education programs focused on merit-based recruitment, appropriate workplace

behaviours, ethical decision-making, and the NTPS Code of Conduct.

5. Provide high-quality advice to NTPS employees and agencies on human resource matters, with a focus on promoting

integrity, ethical practice, and accountability in public sector decision-making.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. Extensive experience, knowledge and skill in the effective handling and resolution of complex complaints within a

statutory framework including use of alternative dispute resolution methods, such as negotiation and leading facilitated

conversations, and a sound understanding of natural justice.

1. Experience in leading or supporting high-level decision-making processes, including the ability to impartially chair or

provide secretariat support to formal boards within a statutory framework.

1. Proven experience in strategic thinking and legislation application, contributing to the development and implementation

of policies, projects, initiatives, or frameworks that promote integrity, ethical practice, good governance and sound

decision making.

1. Proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders and identify strategies to effectively

deal with complex matters, and to be flexible and innovative in achieving optimum outcomes.

1. Capability to deliver engaging, high-level adult training and develop modern, relevant educational materials.
2. Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and professionally.

Desirable

1. Tertiary qualification in a relevant field and knowledge of Human Resources practices and procedures.