From 1 April 2025 the Public Service Regulations introduce a new approach to review of promotion decisions. To find out more go to mpc.gov.au
Flexible working arrangements may be negotiated with the successful candidate
Learn how a merit list or pool may be used
Learn how a merit list or pool may be used
Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy, may be placed in a merit list or pool. If the applicant agrees, the results may be shared with other Australian Public Service (APS) agencies for filling similar roles. Applicants may be offered a future role, without the need to reapply. A merit list or pool may be used for up to 18 months.
This merit list or pool may be used to fill other vacancies anywhere in Australia.
For more information about Merit Lists or Merit Pools please go to APSC's website - The APS Merit Principle
Strategic Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer
Canberra ACT
About the Position
The Australian Research Council (ARC) is seeking a versatile and experienced professional to serve as Strategic Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This dynamic role blends strategic insight with high-level executive and administrative support, providing a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s leadership and operations.
Working closely with the CEO and engaging across the Executive Team—including the Deputy CEO, Branch Managers, and ARC Leadership cohort—the Strategic Advisor will provide informed advice, manage complex stakeholder relationships, foster collaboration and build strong networks within the ARC, across the Australian Public Service (APS), and the higher education sector.
The position requires an individual with a demonstrable ability to work in a position of trust, integrity and consistently apply exemplary levels of judgement, stewardship, confidentiality, and discretion. It also requires the establishment and maintenance of close and professional working relationships.
The successful applicant must be able to understand the ARC’s and its Executive Team’s intent, maintain a strategic focus to identify risks and issues and be proactive in initiating and driving action and outcomes. The position requires a highly motivated and self-driven, organised professional with experience in providing high quality executive support.
Previous public service, federal or state/territory, is essential. The role requires a strong understanding of intergovernmental processes and the ability to represent the ARC’s interests in liaising with central agencies, government departments and Minister’s offices.
The successful candidate will need to have demonstrable skills and experience in establishing strong relationships with senior stakeholders and building wide and effective networks. They must be an adept communicator, comfortable engaging with stakeholders of all levels and able to exercise good judgement when prioritising and managing competing work demands.
The key duties of the position include:
Duties and Tasks
The duties of the Strategic Advisor are:
* Provide high level support and advice to the CEO on issues and interactions with key internal and external stakeholders.
* Prioritise issues for the CEO’s attention and provide briefing notes/reports to facilitate effective action.
* Prepare and review correspondence, presentations and reports that deal with complex or sensitive matters. Coordinate reviews, responses to information requests, and reporting requirements.
* Identify emerging and unforeseen issues requiring the CEO’s intervention and develop appropriate responses, including recognising the need for change and initiating innovative solutions/proposals.
* Provide advice to the CEO on policy and program matters in relation to the Higher Education Sector.
* Build and maintain high levels of engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
* Contribute to the smooth functioning of the Executive Team by working closely with the Agencies executive assistants to ensure good systems and processes are consistently maintained.
* Oversee day-to-day office management and operations, including diary management and other administrative tasks including travel booking and credit card reconciliations.
Required Skills and Knowledge
* Possesses prior experience in administrative roles with Senior Executives.
* Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion, work autonomously, and display the highest standards of integrity.
* Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively under pressure, assess work priorities, and cultivate and maintain productive working relationships, including with Senior Executives, staff across the Agency and with key external stakeholders.
* Excellent communication skills including the ability to influence, and tailor written communication to a diverse range of audiences.
* Professionalism, personal drive, and integrity including demonstrated ability to achieve objectives in challenging circumstances.
* The ability to work under pressure, managing multiple priorities to meet deadlines.
* Ability to quickly gain an understanding of the ARC’s role in the Australian research landscape and the associated strategic direction and priorities of Agency.
Our Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual with strong collaboration and problem-solving skills with a focus on outcomes.
You will have the ability to exercise initiative, show good judgement and be able to prioritise and respond quickly as priorities emerge.
You have excellent interpersonal skills, utilising a friendly and professional manner. You are a motivated individual with a strong work ethic. You will enjoy collaborating and building lasting relationships with stakeholders, and your ability to understand the needs of the business and provide solutions efficiently is crucial to your success.
You have high standards, commitment to integrity and always comply with APS Values and government processes and procedures.
Diversity and Inclusion
We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds including but not limited to; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people who identify as LGBTIQA+, people with a disability, and people from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.
The ARC expects all staff to understand workplace diversity, workplace participation, a safe working environment and access and equity principles, and to promote these principles in the development and implementation of policies and programs.
For further information about our Agency and what we offer, please refer to the ARC Website.
* Must be an Australia citizen
* Undergo ID Verification Check
* Undergo Criminal History Check
* Possess and maintain a Baseline Commonwealth Security Clearance
Getting to know the Australian Research Council
The ARC is a non-corporate Commonwealth entity established under the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (ARC Act), located within the Australian Government’s Education portfolio, and reporting to the Minister for Education. The ARC is a vital component of Australia’s innovation and research system. It plays an integral role in supporting the research sector to produce excellent and impactful research for Australia’s economic, social, environmental and cultural benefit through the delivery of the NCGP. The NCGP funds excellent pure basic, strategic basic and applied research in all disciplines except medical research.The ARC’s broader remit includes the provision of high-quality research policy advice to the Australian Government, supporting research integrity and promoting ethical research, evaluating the excellence, impact and depth of Australian research and expanding Indigenous Australian knowledge systems. It also facilitates partnerships between researchers and industry,government, community organisations and the international community.
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