Policy Officer, Closing the Gap - Identified Position

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations; Canberra; On-site; AUD 105,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) in Canberra invites applications for an APS6 role. You will lead projects supporting Closing the Gap commitments, undertake analysis, and provide evidence-based policy advice to support decision-making.

You will work across teams with First Nations stakeholders, monitor progress, identify risks, and contribute to reform and governance materials. The role focuses on culturally responsive approaches and practical outcomes to strengthen

Responsibilities

• Managing projects and work activities that support implementation of DEWR's Closing the Gap commitments and Priority Reforms
• Undertaking research, analysis and consultation to inform policy, program and organisational reform initiatives affecting First Nations peoples
• Providing clear, accurate and evidence-based advice to support decision-making and business improvement activities
• Supporting business areas to identify opportunities to strengthen culturally responsive and partnership-based approaches
• Building and maintaining productive relationships with internal stakeholders
• Preparing high-quality briefings, correspondence, reports and governance materials for senior leaders
• Contributing to monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities, including tracking progress against departmental commitments
• Identifying risks, issues and opportunities and supporting the development of practical solutions
• Coordinating activities across teams and stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered within agreed timeframes
• Sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive, inclusive and culturally safe workplace.

Job description

About The Department Of Employment And Workplace Relations

We are committed to empowering futures, ensuring rights and enriching lives. We support people to have safe, secure and well-paid work with the skills for a sustainable future as we ourselves strive to be a model employer.

We provide the framework for fair and productive relationships between employers and employees. We also oversee skills development and training initiatives to support those entering the workforce or re‑training to take advantage of emerging employment opportunities.

With us, your work directly contributes to shaping the employment landscape. Whether you are engaging in policy development, program implementation, or direct support services, your efforts will have a tangible impact on job seekers, employees and the economy by giving them a framework to build a future anchored and realised through employment.

It is our ambition to do things differently, to create the ‘department of great jobs’– where our people reflect our purpose.

The Role

Reporting to an Assistant Director, you will contribute to DEWR's Closing the Gap efforts and support the implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The role involves working collaboratively across the department to support Priority Reform activities, promote culturally responsive approaches, and strengthen engagement with First Nations stakeholders.

You will lead and manage projects, undertake analysis and provide quality advice to support departmental decision‑making. You will contribute to monitoring, reporting and continuous improvement activities and help build awareness and understanding of Closing the Gap commitments across DEWR.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the APS6 level may include:

• Managing projects and work activities that support implementation of DEWR's Closing the Gap commitments and Priority Reforms
• Undertaking research, analysis and consultation to inform policy, program and organisational reform initiatives affecting First Nations peoples
• Providing clear, accurate and evidence-based advice to support decision-making and business improvement activities
• Supporting business areas to identify opportunities to strengthen culturally responsive and partnership-based approaches
• Building and maintaining productive relationships with internal stakeholders
• Preparing high-quality briefings, correspondence, reports and governance materials for senior leaders
• Contributing to monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities, including tracking progress against departmental commitments
• Identifying risks, issues and opportunities and supporting the development of practical solutions
• Coordinating activities across teams and stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered within agreed timeframes
• Sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive, inclusive and culturally safe workplace.

Eligibility

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.

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.

Don’t meet all the role requirements?

At DEWR we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and seek to recruit staff with a wide range of backgrounds, skill levels, disciplines and working styles. If this role resonates with you and you are excited about making an impact, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway.

Citizenship

to be eligible for employment with the Department, you must be an Australian Citizen or, in limited circumstances, in the process of obtaining it.

Security Clearance

our successful candidate is required to hold, or have the ability to obtain, and maintain a Baseline security clearance.

• Adelaide, SA; Alice Springs, NT; Bendigo, VIC; Brisbane, QLD; Canberra, ACT; Darwin, NT; Hobart, TAS; Mackay, QLD; Melbourne, VIC; Newcastle, NSW; Orange, NSW; Perth, WA; Rockhampton, QLD; Sydney, NSW; Townsville, QLD
• $105,295 - $115,786

• APS Level 6
• Adelaide, SA; Alice Springs, NT; Bendigo, VIC; Brisbane, QLD; Canberra, ACT; Darwin, NT; Hobart, TAS; Mackay, QLD; Melbourne, VIC; Newcastle, NSW; Orange, NSW; Perth, WA; Rockhampton, QLD; Sydney, NSW; Townsville, QLD
• $105,295 - $115,786