Senior Code of Conduct and PID Investigator

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources; Canberra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Security clearance support

Job summary

The Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources in Canberra is seeking a Senior Code of Conduct and PID Investigator. You will lead investigations into breaches of the APS Code of Conduct and coordinate Public Interest Disclosures within the department.

The role requires handling sensitive information with discretion and partnering with Legal and People teams. Strong experience in government investigations, stakeholder engagement, and clear administrative correspondence is

Qualifications

• Experience managing investigations into suspected breaches of codes of conduct.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Undertake preliminary enquiries and investigations into suspected breaches of the APS Code of Conduct.
• Coordinate and support Public Interest Disclosures (PID) processes.
• Prepare materials for executives responsible for PID processes and related matters.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders on PID and Code of Conduct matters.

Skills

Investigations

Code of Conduct

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Certificate IV in Government Investigations

Job description

Senior Code of Conduct and PID Investigator

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources – Canberra ACT

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the Department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the team

The Integrity Operations section sits within the Chief Counsel & Integrity Division’s Integrity Branch. Our vision is enabling the department to achieve its objectives lawfully and with integrity. The Integrity branch plays a critical role in building and maintaining the departments pro-integrity culture.

The section is responsible for the provision of integrity advice; code of conduct coordination; Public Interest Disclosure (PID) coordination; integrity complaints triage and assessment; and Fraud and Corruption response.

The Public Interest Disclosures and Code of Conduct Team leads the departments investigations into allegations of breaches of the APS Code of Conduct, and disclosures made under the Commonwealth Public Interest Disclosures Scheme.

Our ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate has experiencing in managing allegations of suspected breaches of the APS Code of Conduct and experience in managing investigations under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013.

Our ideal candidate will also demonstrate strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, together with highly developed written and verbal communication skills, as well as:

• Demonstrated experience conducting APS Code of Conduct investigations and/or similar government misconduct investigations and the ability to apply that knowledge to APS Code of Conduct and PID Investigations
• Demonstrated experience in producing investigations to deliver clear, impartial, objective and ethical investigative outcomes
• Demonstrated ability in drafting administrative decision-making correspondence, including administrative investigative briefs or similar
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality
• Ability to apply critical analysis and reasoning skills
• Strong organisation skills with attention to detail.

The key duties of the position include:

The key functions of the Senior Investigations Officer are to support the Assistant Manager, Public Interest Disclosure and Code of Conduct, to undertake preliminary enquiries and investigations into suspected breaches of the APS Code of Conduct, and to support the coordination and investigation of PIDs.

The Senior Investigations Officer is responsible for:

• Conducting preliminary enquiries and investigations into suspected breaches of the APS Code of Conduct.
• Supporting the coordination of disclosures under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 within the department.
• Coordinating with internal stakeholders in Legal and People Branch on PID and APS Code of Conduct matters.
• Assisting with the drafting of materials to support executives responsible for PID processes.
• Assisting with the procurement of external investigative services for PID and APS Code of Conduct matters.
• Maintaining secure holdings of sensitive and personal information and preparing relevant correspondence for breach decision-makers and sanction delegates.
• Assisting with collating data and undertaking trend analysis for reporting purposes.
• Assisting with other related tasks and duties as directed by the Assistant Manager, PID and Code of Conduct, and contributing to wider departmental activities.

As an Integrity Branch APS 6, and in accordance with the APS Work Level Standards and Integrated Leadership System, you will:

• Undertake complex work under limited direction, with reasonable autonomy and accountability.
• Use initiative and judgement to interpret policy and apply procedures.
• Provide detailed technical, professional or policy advice on complex issues.
• Assist with strategic planning, program management and policy development, where required.
• Lead small projects or work streams, where required.
• Handle public contact on difficult or sensitive matters.
• Liaise with a range of stakeholders in a representational capacity.
• Manage multiple tasks and deadlines by prioritising work effectively within established guidelines.
• Undertake management responsibilities where required, including setting priorities and managing workflows.

Eligibility

The successful applicant is required to have a Certificate IV in Government Investigations (or ability to obtain within 12 months).

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.

Positions require a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Notes

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.

The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is Canberra based, although flexible work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Getting to know the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)

The department’s Enterprise Agreement and policies provide for a flexible working environment to assist staff balance the work and home life. Staff and managers work together to balance the operating needs of the department with the needs of the individual. Options may include full time/part time working arrangements, working from home or other arrangements.Our employees say they recommend our department as a good place to work. Our workplace is one that encourages and supports all employees to have a sense of belonging and a culture that allows them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.Our reconciliation vision supports a workforce with opportunities and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The vision allows them to feel empowered and helps to ensure that the department and broader community can benefit from the knowledge and experience of Australia’s First Peoples.We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, nationalities and backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, mature age, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people of the LGBTIQA+ community and people with disability.The department wants to give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their full potential during a recruitment process. We encourage candidates who require any adjustments or support as part of the recruitment process to reach out and discuss them with the job’s contact officer. Candidates are also welcome to contact our Inclusion team at *********@industry.gov.au for a confidential discussion if you identify from any of these diverse backgrounds and would like to discuss how we can support you.