The
Office of the Secretary
is a small team which works closely with the Secretary on high profile issues across the department, as well as the department's Executive to oversee the broader strategic direction of the organisation. The Office of the Secretary is a dynamic, fast-paced and demanding environment that manages multiple, often sensitive issues, with competing and tight timelines. The Office of the Secretary plays an important role in providing high level support to the Secretary and operates with limited supervision.
As Chief of Staff (Office of the Secretary) you will be a trusted strategic advisor to the Secretary on a wide range of matters and will help shape the agenda of the department, whilst leading the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Secretary and providing a critical conduit across the department and the APS.
The role is complex and involves a broad range of responsibilities, including ensuring a productive and proactive relationship with the Minister, Assistant Minister and their Offices.
This is an excellent opportunity for you to contribute to enterprise-wide priorities that will give you exposure to work across the department, government and with external stakeholders.
The key duties of the position include:
serving as a strategic advisor to the Secretary, drawing connections between areas to identify risks or opportunities the Secretary may need to be aware of
managing cross-coordination support, appointments and reporting on department and whole of portfolio information to the Minister's Office and departmental executive
actively engaging with the Executive team to provide high level strategic briefings, advice and support to the Secretary, often on complex and sensitive issues
leading the daily operations of the Office of the Secretary to drive execution of action items and top priorities for the Secretary
coordinating the activities of the Secretaries Board and the Secretary of PM&C as head of the APS where required
serving as an adviser to the department's Executive Board and Finance and Performance Committee, providing direction to the setting of short- and longer-term strategic planning for the department
building and maintaining strong relationships with a range of external stakeholders across government, in other public sector jurisdictions and key non-government contacts
collaborating with the Chief of Staff Network across the federal government
leading the department's internal Executive Officer network to enhance cross-collaboration, information sharing and promoting a positive workplace culture.
What we are looking for
The Chief of Staff (Office of the Secretary) is focused on achieving quality policy and operational outcomes, assisting the Secretary in advancing the role of DAFF, driving a strong organisational culture, and shaping the priorities of the Government and APS.
Our ideal candidate will demonstrate:
experience in supporting Senior Executives and/or Ministers and demonstrated ability to work under pressure, managing multiple priorities to meet tight deadlines
an ability to think strategically, anticipate problems, be agile and work collaboratively to avert problems across a range of policy and operational matters
excellent leadership and relationship skills with mature judgment, emotional intelligence and a reputation for delivering high quality and innovative outcomes
flexibility, efficiency and exceptional organisational skills
a strong understanding of government processes and the Government's priorities, ability to draw together a whole-of-government and nation-wide perspective on issues of significance to the Secretary and the department
a proven ability to form and maintain strong relationships with senior leaders across the department and the broader APS, as well as with a diverse range of external stakeholders
demonstrated public service professionalism and probity.
Eligibility
Location
Please note this position is located in Canberra, ACT.
Security clearance
This position requires a Negative Vetting Level 2 security clearance. The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at the appropriate level for this position.