* Location: Canberra, ACT
* Contact Officer: Executive Intelligence Group - Tricia Searson or Karina Duffey on or
This role leads on how the department works with the Minister, stakeholders and the public. It brings together ministerial liaison, engagement and communication, so advice, messaging and relationships are well coordinated and focused on outcomes.
You’ll work closely with the Minister’s Office and senior leaders across the portfolio, helping the department operate confidently in a complex, high profile environment. The role plays a central part in managing sensitive issues, setting clear communication strategies, and building strong external partnerships.
As a member of the senior leadership team, you’ll also contribute to department wide priorities, reform and culture, while leading and developing high performing teams.
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE
You are a senior leader with strong experience working with ministers and navigating complex political and public environments. You bring sound judgment, political awareness and the confidence to lead on sensitive and fast moving issues.
You have a proven track record in ministerial liaison, stakeholder engagement or communication leadership, and can bring these together into a clear, strategic approach. You write clearly, explain complex issues simply, and provide practical advice under pressure.
You lead with integrity, build trust quickly and create an inclusive, high performance culture that delivers results.
DUTIES
As a First Assistant Secretary you will be required to
* lead and contribute to departmental strategic reform and operational business transformation, ensuring high-quality service delivery within allocated resources.
* provide authoritative advice to the, Secretary, Deputy Secretaries, and Minister, shaping policy and supporting informed decision-making.
* drive organisational objectives and provide leadership across the department, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
* determine and be accountable for objectives, priorities, and the effective allocation of resources and tasks.
* lead and champion significant internal change programs, promoting innovation and adaptability.
* build and maintain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with the ex-service community and other key stakeholders, and champion the department’s work and policy direction.
* coontribute to governance processes and effectively manage assigned lines of business and departmental operations to achieve optimal results.
ELIGIBILITY
* Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS).
* All applicants external to DVA offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a pre-engagement screening check, even if they have a security clearance. The screening check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.
* The successful candidate will be required obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 2 (AGSVA) security clearance.
HOW TO APPLY
Executive Intelligence Group accepts applications via our website.
When you apply, your details will be saved in your personal, confidential