Committee Secretary

Parliament of Australia; Canberra; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of the House of Representatives in Parliament House, Canberra, is seeking applications for a Committee Secretary to lead a small secretariat and provide research, drafting and procedural support to parliamentary committees.

You will advise the chair and Members on procedure, manage inquiries, lead staff development and coordinate stakeholder engagement, with occasional domestic travel and security clearance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a committee secretariat supporting one or more committees.
• Advise the committee chair and members on matters relating to procedure, administration, inquiry management and the subject areas of the work of one or more committees.
• Coordinate or oversee and contribute as necessary to: the planning, conduct, management and resourcing of committee inquiries; the facilitation of public engagement in the work of committees; and the drafting of the Chair’s report(s).
• Develop the capability of secretariat employees including in relation to leadership and management, research, writing and knowledge of parliamentary practice and procedure.
• Contribute to the leadership and corporate aims of the Committee Office and the department.

Job description

The Department of the House of Representatives is seeking applications from those interested in directly supporting the work of the House of Representatives and members of Parliament at Parliament House in Canberra.

About the department

The Department of the House of Representatives provides services to support the efficient conduct of the House of Representatives, its committees and certain joint committees, and provides a range of services and facilities for Members of Parliament in Parliament House. The department also promotes the work of the House in the community and supports the conduct of the Parliament’s international and regional relations.

About the role

The Committee Secretary will lead a small secretariat team providing research, procedural, drafting and administrative support to one or more parliamentary committees. The Secretary is the key source of advice to the committee chair and members on matters of practice and procedure. Committee Secretary roles may require occasional domestic travel to support the Committee. The position of Secretary is equivalent to a Director level position in Australian Public Service agencies. You will work directly with Members of Parliament and be responsible for liaising with a range of senior executive stakeholders.

The department is committed to leadership at all levels and there is an expectation that all staffare able to demonstrate leadership in their professional experience.

Security clearance/vetting: Designated committees will require appropriate security clearances.

The Committee Secretary will:

• Lead and manage a committee secretariat supporting one or more committees.
• Advise the committee chair and members on matters relating to procedure, administration, inquiry management and the subject areas of the work of one or more committees.
• Coordinate or oversee and contribute as necessary to:
  • the planning, conduct, management and resourcing of committee inquiries;
  • the facilitation of public engagement in the work of committees; and
  • the drafting of the Chair’s report(s).
• Develop the capability of secretariat employees including in relation to leadership and management, research, writing and knowledge of parliamentary practice and procedure.
• Contribute to the leadership and corporate aims of the Committee Office and the department.

NOTE: The Parliamentary Service employee assigned these duties may be required to rotate to other areas of the department.

Position eligibility requirements

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be an Australian citizen; and
• Undertake a National Police check.

Position notes

Applications must include a statement of claims of no more than 3 pages addressing the selection criteria and contact details for two referees.