[Hiring] Senior Policy Officer @Commonwealth Ombudsman

Role Description

The Policy Team leads the Office’s engagement on Australian Government policy, law reform, Budget and federal parliamentary processes. We help to ensure the Office’s input to these processes is accurate, persuasive and represents a ‘one Office’ view.

The Policy Team’s key functions include:

• Leading whole-of-Office consideration of Australian Government policy matters and legislative reforms
• Managing engagement with Parliamentary Committees, including invitations to provide submissions to inquiries or appear before Committees
• Preparing costings justifications for New Policy Proposals with input from Office line areas
• Coordinating Office comments on Australian Government Cabinet submissions, including managing CabNet.

The successful candidate would be a strategic thinker with an analytical and curious mind who communicates clearly verbally and in writing. Broad experience in government policy, legislative or other relevant processes would be advantageous.

Duties are to be performed under direction of your supervisor and in accordance with the APS Code of Conduct, upholding the APS Values and the office values of independence, impartiality, integrity, accessibility, and professionalism. Responsibilities and duties will be performed in line with APS Work Level standards for the classification and function of each position.

The duties of the role include but are not limited to:

• Conduct research and analysis to inform the development of the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s position/s on government policy and law reform proposals
• Review and analyse draft legislation, including identifying risks and challenges in implementation that require Executive briefing
• Preparing executive and whole of Office briefings, strategies and plans
• Navigating complex challenges and demonstrating excellent judgement
• Contributing to a positive and collaborative team culture committed to continuous improvement and the strategic goals of the Office
• Collaborating across the Office and contributing to whole of Office leadership, strategy and initiatives, including through the provision of specialist advice

This process will also be used to establish a merit pool for future vacancies across the Office arising from the date of advertisement.

Qualifications

• Strong research, analytical and critical thinking skills, supported by sound strategic judgement and the ability to translate complex information into practical, evidence-based advice.
• An ability to critically review draft legislation, and policy proposals from external agencies, to identify risks and opportunities related to the Ombudsman’s functions.
• An ability to engage with stakeholders on complex problems, in a manner that reflects the interests of the Office.
• Strong communications skills, including the ability to write persuasively and clearly articulate solutions to identified problems.
• An ability to work collaboratively, valuing diverse perspectives and building positive working relationships.
• The role also requires an ability to research and apply legislation. Applicants possessing a law degree are desirable (not mandatory).

Requirements

• Be an Australian citizen
• Be willing to undergo a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC)
• Be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance.