Director, Social Policy

Job DetailsJob Title: Director, Social PolicyEmployment Type: OngoingClassification: Parliamentary Executive Level 2Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 26 June 2024Contact: Jonathan Curtis, 02 6277 2470, jonathan.c.curtis@aph.gov.auThe OpportunityThe Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting for a Parliamentary Executive Level 2 Director, Social Policy within Research.The Section's work is diverse and interesting, and involves responding directly to Senators, Members and their staff to provide information, analysis or tailored briefings, frequently within tight deadlines.The Parliamentary Librarian is required by the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 to, among other things:'… provide high quality information, analysis and advice to Senators and Members of the House of Representatives in support of their parliamentary and representational roles.'The Act requires the Parliamentary Librarian to perform this function:

• In a timely, impartial and confidential manner; and
• Maintaining the highest standards of scholarship and integrity; and
• On the basis of equality of access for all Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, parliamentary committees and staff acting on behalf of Senators, Members or parliamentary committees; and
• Having regard to the independence of Parliament from the Executive Government of the Commonwealth.

Who we are looking forOur Ideal candidate:We are looking for a person with relevant tertiary qualifications, and knowledge and understanding of Social Policy issues including welfare, migration, education and health. To be effective in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of client service, be able to lead a section of more than 15 researchers, and manage staff to ensure work is prepared to a high standard.Job Specific Requirements:

• The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected/Restricted) security clearance.

At DPS, we acknowledge the value diversity brings. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds and people with disability.Duty StatementClassification: Parliamentary Executive Level 2Branch: ResearchSection: Social PolicyImmediate supervisor: Assistant Secretary (SES1)Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Executive Level 2 classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Managing the Social Policy section, including liaising with clients, and managing staff training and development and work allocation.
• Ensuring that the research products of the section, including Bills Digests and client advice, are provided within agreed timeframes and to a high standard.
• Providing high quality professional, specialist and technical research on complex issues (including the identification, retrieval, analysis and synthesis of information from diverse sources) for the benefit of parliamentary clients and internal stakeholders.
• Providing high quality analysis and advice to clients and internal stakeholders in relation to the subject areas covered by the section.
• Preparing research papers and information resources on a range of matters to inform parliamentary clients and other stakeholders, and that maintain the Library's high standards of scholarship and integrity.
• Contributing to the management of the Parliamentary Library and Research Branch through participation in relevant management groups and undertaking project work and policy development.
• Actively develop effective, collaborative and strategic working relationships across the organisation, with other organisations, and with clients and other stakeholders, and if necessary supervise, mentor and/or coaching other staff.

Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.How to applyPlease upload a pitch (750 words maximum) describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role and work of the department.Your pitch is an opportunity to tell us why you want to work at DPS, why you are interested in the role and what you can offer in the role. Frame your pitch around the role description and relevant . Make sure to use relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.Our purpose and valuesWe proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia's parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace.Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building's architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences - all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.What we can offerJoin our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:

• access to flexible work arrangements
• ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities
• a competitive remuneration package
• free secure underground parking
• free gym membership and access to recreational facilities
• on-site childcare, banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more.

SalaryAn attractive salary, which could be negotiated with the successful candidate, is on offer.Conditions of EmploymentEmployment opportunities at Department of Parliamentary Services are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:

• Australian citizenship - to be eligible for employment with DPS, applicants must be an Australian Citizen.

• Security clearance and character clearance - the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

• Health assessment - a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.