Director, Secretariat – Australian Universities Accord

The Australian Government has committed to deliver an Australian Universities Accord (the Accord) to agree an enduring vision for the higher education sector in Australia. 
 
The Accord Final Report was released on 25 February 2024 and provides 47 recommendations to Government. In the 2024-25 Budget the Australian Government announced a range of measures in response to recommendations from the Final Report: Accord 2024-25 Budget Measures - Department of Education, Australian Government.    
 
The Australian Universities Accord Division in the Department of Education focuses on supporting the Government in its consideration and implementation of the Accord - the biggest and broadest review of the higher education sector in 15 years, that sets out a blueprint for higher education reform for the next decade and beyond.  
Various EL2 Director Roles are being recruited for in the Australian Universities Accord Division. 

Reporting to the Assistant Secretary, Australian Tertiary Education Commission Reform, the Director, ATEC Frameworks and Establishment, is responsible for leading a high performing team to develop critical framework to be implemented as part of the Government’s response to the Accord.

Reporting to the Assistant Secretary, Strategic Program Office, the Director, Program Management Office (PMO) is responsible for leading the provision of effective program management governance, support and advice relating to the Australian Universities Accord. The role provides leadership, integration and management of program management office processes and functions to establish and maintain consistent and efficient program delivery, including regular delivery reporting to Senior Executives and the Minister for Education.  

Responsibilities of the Executive Level 2 Director may include: 

• lead the team in the delivery of strategic advice on program management and deliver clear and succinct verbal & written briefing to Senior Executives and the Minister for Education
• lead the development, implementation and maintenance of best practice and fit-for-purpose program management, governance and reporting systems, tools and frameworks within the Accord Division.
• providing operational leadership by providing direction to team members, including setting the strategic direction of work priorities, monitoring workflows and resources, developing, coaching, and mentoring staff and managing performance
• assess and evaluate program performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
• oversee and collaborate on projects with interdependencies to ensure that information relating to project and program deliverables, risks and issues are effectively communicated between stakeholders and that key performance indicators are monitored and evaluated  
• build and sustain productive and influential relationships with a network of key internal colleagues and external stakeholders to facilitate cooperation and ensure policy objectives and program outcomes are achieved
• contribute to broader management of the Branch and Accord Division through active participation and representation at relevant meetings and engagement with corporate management tasks such as strategic planning, risk management, reporting, corporate and budgetary responsibilities.  

Citizenship: Please note, under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the APS unless the Agency delegate has agreed, in writing.

Security Clearance: This is a designated security assessed position. The successful candidate will have the ability to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance. 
 

This selection process may be used to establish a merit pool. The pool might be accessed to fill ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies for similar roles in the Department over the next 18 months.

The Department of Education contributes to Australia's economic prosperity and social wellbeing by creating opportunities and driving better outcomes through access to quality education and learning. A strong early childhood education system built around early learning and child care gives children the best start in life—supporting them to build social and behavioural skills to help prepare them to transition to school. For parents and carers, affordable child care enables them to participate in the workforce, pursue further education or other opportunities to contribute to their community — bolstering the social wellbeing and economic prosperity of the nation. As children continue their journey through school, access to quality education creates the foundation for a bright future – it opens a world of possibilities and equips children and young people with the skills, knowledge, and career advice to prepare them for further work or study to fulfil their dreams. An affordable, and accessible higher education sector allows Australians and international students to pursue their passion in life or reskill for the jobs of the future. A strong higher education and research sector in step with national priority areas provides people with an opportunity to choose a career path that addresses skill shortages or the challenges of the future including, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, health, and education. Through education and learning, we change lives, create opportunities, and support Australia's economic success and social wellbeing.