Graduate Program - Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (Feb 2028)

FEU; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship program

Relocation package

Flexible working arrangements

Generous leave entitlements

Career progression to permanent role

Job summary

Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) invites Humanities, Arts or Social Sciences graduates to apply for a 12‑month Graduate Program in Canberra. You’ll rotate across policy areas and receive mentoring, gaining broad public service experience.

The program starts February 2028 with an APS3 salary of AUD 79,707 plus 15.4% super, relocation assistance, and the possibility of advancement to APS4 as you progress toward a permanent placement.

Qualifications

• Recent graduate from Humanities, Arts or Social Sciences.
• Australian citizen.
• Willingness to relocate to Canberra.
• Completed degree within the last eight years or in final year of study.

Responsibilities

• Provide frank and impartial policy advice on Commonwealth issues.
• Support the implementation of the federal relations architecture.
• Liaise with state/territory departments and other agencies.
• Contribute to cross-cutting policy priorities across domestic and social policy areas.
• Assist with cabinet submissions and major funding agreements.

Education

Graduate in Humanities, Arts or Social Sciences

Job description

If you have recently graduated in Humanities, Arts or Social Sciences from university then we want you to apply for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) Graduate Program. PM&C will give you the opportunity to work across an exciting and broad range of areas that aren’t available anywhere else – it’s a mini public service rolled into one! If you’re keen to explore a broad range of opportunities, then there’s no better place to start your career.

What we provide

• Twelve month, multiple award-winning graduate program
• Excellent support including mentors and buddies
• A starting APS3 salary of $79,707 + 15.4% superannuation and potential advancement after 6 months to the APS4 salary
• Three rotations across inspiring and diverse work areas
• Work-life balance including flexible working-from-home arrangements and generous leave entitlements
• Career progression to a permanent placement and the possibility of future promotion
• Generous relocation package to support your move to Canberra
• A work culture that respects opinions and fosters inclusion and diversity

What you’ll do

If you majored in various areas of interest across arts, humanities, and social sciences then this is the career for you. We have a broad range of cross-cutting priorities spanning domestic policy, social policy, women’s, crisis management, health, aged care, and the environment.You will have the opportunity to provide frank and impartial advice on Commonwealth policy proposals, intergovernmental agreements, and major funding agreements, support the implementation of the federal relations architecture, and liaise directly with state and territory First Ministers’ Departments. Some examples of these priorities you could be involved in include:

• Driving reform in whole-of-Australian Government crisis management arrangements to position the Government to coordinate responses to increasing and emerging hazard threats
• Working closely with other departments to provide gender analysis and policy advice on topics including paid parental leave, early childhood education and care, income support, housing, and employment and workplace relations
• Implementation of Australia’s climate change and energy transition policies, including the Powering Australia Plan
• Providing advice to the Prime Minister to deliver the Government’s agenda for a sustainable, resilient Australia by promoting a coordinated policy approach to resilience, and to disaster risk reduction across the built, natural, social, and economic domains
• Commission of the Status of Women in the United Nations

Work with key stakeholders to provide cabinet submissions covering:

• Population health – chronic disease, preventative health, alcohol and drugs
• Primary care – Medicare, pharmaceuticals
• Health workforce – shortages, education and training
• Sport – Brisbane 2032 Olympics, community sport

Who we’re looking for?

PM&C graduates come from a variety of academic disciplines with diverse experiences and backgrounds. You will relish working in a fast-paced and challenging environment and enjoy adapting to changing circumstances and priorities as the Prime Minister delivers them.

To succeed in our program, you need to be curious, motivated, and driven to make a difference to the future of our country. You will work both independently and as part of a team, enjoy problem-solving, collaborating, and offer innovative and creative thinking, approaches, and insights.

Who can apply?

To be eligible to apply, you must have completed your university degree within the last eight years or be in your final year of study.

The program starts in February 2028 and you must be willing to relocate to Canberra. You also must be an Australian citizen and willing to undergo police, character, and health checks as required.