AddressThe key duties of the position include
About Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO)
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is looking for tomorrow's capable and professional leaders. This is your opportunity to make a positive contribution for small businesses and family enterprises engaging in the Australian business environment.
ASBFEO is an independent federal statutory body that partners with the Treasury for back of office services. As with all Australian Government employees, all ASBFEO staff are required to adhere to the values and conduct of the Australian Public Service (APS).
The ASBFEO understands the challenges facing small and family businesses and provides advice and research to improve policies, access to dispute resolution information and services. The ASBFEO is available to provide access to dispute resolution services for those who may be involved in a disagreement, so they can try and find a solution to their problem, without having to resort to costly litigation. The ASBFEO staff are drawn from many professions, including those with small business backgrounds, and they bring diversity in experience and skills.
What we offer:
The ASBFEO offers attractive salaries (in line with the Treasury Enterprise Agreement) and employer superannuation as well as a range of other benefits, including generous leave entitlements, salary packaging and a closedown period over the Christmas holiday.
A varied range of opportunities, experiences and exposure are available. We are also committed to supporting your career development by giving you the tools you need to build the career that you want - whether it is within the public or private sectors.
We promote continued learning through a range of approaches such as in-house training and leadership events, broad exposure to private sector and government leaders, secondment opportunities and external training and education.
The roles:
The ASBFEO has multiple opportunities at the APS 5 level to join our office. The ASBFEO is a flexible, dynamic and diverse workplace with an office in Canberra, and points of presence in Sydney and Melbourne. The ASBFEO 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 LGBTIQ people. The ASBFEO is committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting diversity in our senior leadership.
Opportunities are available in:
- Information and Assistance
- Policy and Advocacy
Information and Assistance:
The Information and Assistance team helps small business and family enterprises to resolve disputes involving other businesses or Commonwealth Government agencies and avoid costly formal legal avenues. Case Managers are responsible for all aspects of a request for assistance, including:
- Under limited guidance actively case manage enquiries and requests for assistance raised with the office;
- Prepare case correspondence with a high level of attention to detail;
- Conduct research and analysis, including the ability to interpret legislation as well prepare briefs on complex matters affecting small businesses;
- Develop and maintain internal and external relationships;
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders on a broad range of small business and family enterprise matters;
- Represent the team at meetings, conferences and seminars;
- Contribute to the strategic direction of the Office.
Policy and Advocacy:
There are a number of different activities the Ombudsman may conduct in fulfilling the role of small business advocate. Broadly these include: conduct inquiries and research; work with other arms of government; contribute to other inquiries; and promote good business practice.
An analyst is responsible for the following:
- providing high level research, analysis and advice in relation to policies and legislation affecting small businesses and family enterprises
- experience in building strong and constructive relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
- developing objectives for short-term tasks and support the development and delivery of strategic priorities
- experience in drafting high quality reports, briefs, submissions and other correspondence on matters impacting small businesses for the Ombudsman, ministers, executives and other stakeholders
- demonstrate and/or develop an understanding of the challenges facing small and family businesses
About you:
We're seeking passionate people who are flexible, responsive and will work collaboratively to deliver the ideas and advice that will help the Australian small and family business sector meet the challenges of the coming years. You are a team player who can manage competing priorities and work collaboratively within and across teams.
Skills and capabilities required:
- attention to detail;
- team-orientated, strong customer service focus and have energy and determination to succeed;
- ability to interpret and apply legislation and exercise sound judgment in decision making;
- ability to support productive working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders;
- ability to deal with difficult clients, showing empathy and understanding, escalating where necessary;
- ability to work flexibly and responsively on multiple tasks concurrently;
- energy, positivity and agility coupled with personal drive and integrity.
Desirable qualifications and experience
Experience in one or more of the following will be particularly well-regarded:
- demonstrated research and analytical skills
- contribution to the design or implementation of government policy, including through working in or engaging with industry bodies
- demonstrated experience writing for a range of audiences in a professional context
- Service delivery/ case management experience
- understanding of governance, operations and procurement
- relevant business/work experience in the provision of assistance to small businesses and stakeholders
- tertiary qualification(s) in a relevant field including but not limited to economics, law, commerce, finance and public policy.
- relevant experience working with, in, or running a small and/or family business in lieu of tertiary qualifications will also be considered.
- Your knowledge and interest in small business, government policy, and knowledge of government is highly regarded.
