Adviser, Human Services Branch

The Opportunity
The Human Services Branch, within the Social Policy Division supports the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and the PM&C Executive with high quality, well-founded advice. The Branch covers a range of complex and important social policy matters, including disability, income support, service delivery, family and children's policy, employment and Veterans' Affairs. As an adviser in the Human Services Branch, you will have the opportunity to work in a highly skilled and experienced team environment that values initiative, respect and collaboration. The work is interesting and challenging, often fast-paced, and requires a high degree of autonomy.
You will work on a variety of issues and be responsible for:

• providing accurate, concise and timely advice to the Prime Minister and Senior Executive;
• liaising with stakeholders to ensure a whole-of-government approach to implementation of major policies and programs;
• preparing high quality advice to support the Government's consideration of related policy, legislation, budgetary and topical issues;
• preparing high-quality, targeted briefings to support the deliberation of Cabinet, the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet and the National Cabinet on social policy issues; and
• leading a small number of staff and contributing to divisional and branch activities.

A merit pool may be established and used to fill the same or similar vacancies for 18 months from the date of advertising.
The key duties of the position include
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate will:

• be able to quickly absorb new material and provide considered, succinct policy advice;
• have strong analytical and written communication skills, including the ability to quickly and accurately synthesise material from a diverse range of sources into targeted briefing;
• have the judgement and resilience to manage competing priorities with limited supervision;
• have experience relevant to policy development, complex problem solving and risk management, to deliver outcomes for the Government and the community; and
• display a demonstrated commitment to collaboration and excellent stakeholder and relationship management skills.

Prior experience working in government and/or on social policy issues including social services, disability, Indigenous affairs, veterans' affairs or employment policy is desirable but not essential. We value a broad range of experience from public and private sector and the diverse perspectives varied experience can bring.