First Assistant Secretary, Ministerial Support Division

• Ongoing
• SES Band 2 plus 15.4% superannuation
• Barton, ACT

• Location: Barton, ACT
• Application Closing Date: Wednesday 10 July 2024 by 11:30pm AEST

ClassificationSES Band 2Employment TypeOngoingFlexible WorkAt PM&C we recognise the broad benefits of offering flexibility in how, when and where work is performed. We consider flexibility first from a starting position of ‘how can we make this work?’ and consider individual circumstances and operational requirements in making genuine attempts to establish mutually beneficial arrangements. Please reach out to the contact officer if you would like to explore what flexibility might look like for you, such as part time work, variable start and finish times or working from home.Who we areThe role of First Assistant Secretary (FAS), Ministerial Support Division (MSD) is a dynamic and rewarding opportunity to join our senior leadership team.The role oversees and is accountable for the work of three branches; Ministerial and Parliamentary Support; Protocol and International Visits; and Communications (internal and external).Teams work flexibly to adjust priorities depending on the requirements and priorities of the Prime Minister and their Office, as well as the Secretary of PM&C and range of key stakeholders in PM&C and across the Australian Public Service (APS).The role reports to the Deputy Secretary, Corporate and Government Group/ Chief Operating Officer.What you will doYou will lead the work of the Ministerial Support Division to:

• Oversee internal communications across the Department, including development of communication strategies and projects; media releases and speechwriting.
• Oversee the Department’s Parliamentary responsibilities including ministerial correspondence, responses for Parliamentary and Senate Estimates QON’s and Question Time Briefs.
• Support the Prime Minister’s Office and their official establishments including VIP operations, supporting former Governor-Generals, on and off-boarding Ministerial staff.
• Facilitate, co-ordinate and support a range of (incoming and outgoing) visits and events including the Prime Minister’s program, ceremonial welcomes, Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meetings and related hospitality events.

All APS employees are required to comply with the APS Code of Conduct, including to at all times behave in a way that upholds the APS Values and Employment Principles, and the integrity and good reputation of their agency and the APS. This ensures public trust in the impartiality and reputation of the APS. Employees must also disclose any real or perceived conflicts of interest.SES leaders in particular are required to demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, uphold and promote the APS Values and Employment Principles by personal example and other appropriate means. To learn more refer to the .SES leaders who make, or participate in making, decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of PM&C (as the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking, PCBU) are regarded as an Officer for the purposes of the Work Health Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act). To fulfil their duty under the WHS Act, Officers must exercise due diligence to ensure PM&C complies with its work health and safety duties and obligations. It is PM&C’s expectation that all SES Leaders act in a way that is consistent with the obligations of an Officer under the WHS Act.What you will bringOur ideal candidate will perform at the SES Band 2 level in accordance with the PM&C and demonstrate the .You will role model inclusive leadership behaviours and foster a safe and respectful workplace in which individuals and teams feel safe and can thrive.More specifically, you will have the skills and expertise at a senior leadership level to:

• Use a client service model to deliver a range of logistical and strategic outcomes and events for PM&C and Government, including the most senior Government officials and Prime Minister.
• Understand and navigate the complexities and risks of the political landscape.
• Proactively develop reputation as a trusted and influential advisor, and build productive relationships and networks across the department, APS and directly with the Prime Minister’s Office.
• Anticipate and respond to the changing needs of the Government of the day and PM&C.
• Make effective and defensible decisions under pressure, which may come under media or parliamentary scrutiny.

In line with our dedication to an inclusive and safe workplace culture we are seeking candidates who are respectful of people’s unique differences, backgrounds and cultures (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture) particularly when communicating and working together.To demonstrate your fit for this role and put your best self forward, you are encouraged to tailor your resume and pitch to the role and qualities described above. It is strongly recommended that you review the “what you need to know – applying for jobs at PM&C” document attached to the job ad prior to applying.Eligibility

• Under section 22(8) of the

, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the APS unless the Agency Head has agreed otherwise, in writing. At PM&C to be eligible for this position you should be an Australian Citizen at the closing date of application, unless exceptional circumstances apply. * The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.

• The successful candidate will be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check, and will normally be subject to a six-month probation period if new to the APS or has not yet completed their probation period elsewhere in the APS.

Identified PositionThis vacancy is Identified, meaning eligible candidates are also expected to address in their application their level of cultural competency and their ability to relate to Aboriginal and/or 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 issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples,
• demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and
• demonstrated capability and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency.

Security Clearance RequiredNegative Vetting Level 2 (Top Secret)How to applySubmit an online application through the by 11:30pm AEST on Wednesday 10 July 2024.As part of your application you will need to provide:

• Your resume (maximum three pages)
• A ‘500 word pitch’ telling us how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications make you the best person for the job and to perform at the relevant classification level.

You are encouraged to refer to the Candidate Pack and the relevant classification level of the to assist you in drafting your 500 word pitch.You may also refer to the APSC resource for further guidance and assistance on applying for jobs in the Australian Public Service.Contact OfficerMartin Hehir, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer on (02) 6271 5013 or martin.hehir@pmc.gov.auPlease 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.