Assistant Director, Governance, Assurance and Risk

• Ongoing & Non-ongoing for an initial period of up to 12 months, Flexible working arrangements will be considered

• Woden ACT; Newcastle, NSW; Sydney, NSW; Brisbane, QLD; Cairns, QLD; Melbourne, VIC; Adelaide, SA; Perth, WA; Darwin, NT; Alice Springs, NT (however other NIAA office locations may be considered)

• Location: Woden ACT; Newcastle, NSW; Sydney, NSW; Brisbane, QLD; Cairns, QLD; Melbourne, VIC; Adelaide, SA; Perth, WA; Darwin, NT; Alice Springs, NT (however other NIAA office locations may be considered)

• Application Closing Date: 01-Dec-2025

Classification

Executive Level 1 ($126,342 - $143,993)

Employment Type

Ongoing & Non-ongoing (for an initial period of up to 12 months)

This role is being advertised as both ongoing and non-ongoing, with the employment type to be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate and the NIAA delegate.

Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for an initial period of up to 12 months, with possibility of extension up to a maximum period of two years.

A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment however this must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement.

Flexible Work

Flexible working arrangements will be considered

The Opportunity

As an Assistant Director in the Governance, Assurance and Risk Branch, you will lead critical projects and deliver key accountability mechanisms for the agency. Your responsibilities will include:

• delivering the NIAA Corporate Plan, Annual Report, Annual Performance Statement and enterprise Performance Measures
• leading the development and implementation of agency-wide projects focused on improving performance reporting and governance models
• supporting audit and compliance activities, including liaison with the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)
• managing risk in accordance with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act (PGPA Act)
• providing strategic advice and high-quality briefs to the NIAA Executive and governance committees
• building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• leading initiatives to educate staff and stakeholders on performance and compliance requirements
• overseeing complex research and analysis to resolve sensitive matters.

The role provides expertise across a broad range of activities including corporate governance and administration, project management, community and partner engagement and culture.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a leader with strong capabilities and experience in governance and performance management. You will bring:

• advanced writing and communication skills
• strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• proven leadership and team-building ability
• strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• project management expertise in complex environments
• an understanding of governance frameworks, performance reporting, and risk management
• experience in performance reporting, audit, compliance and/or governance roles within government or similar complex settings
• familiarity with the PGPA Act and public sector accountability mechanisms.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications or certifications in law, accounting, audit, policy, governance, or equivalent work experience are highly desirable.

Identified Position

This position is Identified which signifies that the role has strong involvement in matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This position is required to liaise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and service providers. You will require cultural competency, including:

• understanding of the matters impacting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• demonstrated capability and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this position you must be an Australian Citizen.

The successful candidate will be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check.

Security Clearance Required

Baseline Vetting (Protected)

Contact Officer

Rachel Allen on or

Please Note – This is an unclassified web-based recruitment system so your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your one-page pitch and resume.