* Ongoing & Non-ongoing for a period of up to 24 months
* APS Level 6 ($98,314 - $110,483) plus 15.4% superannuation
* Canberra, ACT
* Location: Canberra, ACT
* Application Closing Date: Wednesday 17 September at 11:30pm AEST.
Classification
APS Level 6 ($98,314 - $110,483)
Employment Type
Ongoing & Non-ongoing (for a period of up to 24 months)
This role is being advertised as both ongoing and non-ongoing, with the employment type to be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate and the PM&C delegate.
Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for a maximum period of two (2) years. If the initial contract is for less than 2 years, it may be extended or renewed once, up to the 2 year limit.
A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment, however this must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement.
Flexible Work
At PM&C we recognise the broad benefits of offering flexibility in how, when and where work is performed. We consider flexibility first from a starting position of 'how can we make this work?' and consider individual circumstances and operational requirements in making genuine attempts to establish mutually beneficial arrangements. Please reach out to the contact officer if you would like to explore what flexibility might look like for you, such as part time work, variable start and finish times or working from home.
About The Defence And Veterans' Service Commission
The Defence and Veterans' Service Commission (DVSC) will provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to government on reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.
The Interim DVSC currently resides within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) but will commence as a separate entity on 29 September 2025. It is expected that staff will be employed under the Public Service (Terms and Conditions of Employment) (Defence and Veterans' Service Commission) Determination 2025.
The DVSC will be established as a new Non-corporate Commonwealth Entity (NCE) to oversee reform across the whole Defence ecosystem. Establishment of the DVSC is in response to recommendation 122 of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
As a new Commonwealth Entity, the DVSC is looking to recruit high performing and dedicated staff from a range of capabilities, who demonstrate integrity, independence and compassion. Key functions of the DVSC include improving supports for serving and ex-serving ADF members, collaborating with coroners to understand issues contributing to defence and veteran deaths by suicide, promoting the understanding of suicide risks for defence members and veterans and factors that can improve the wellbeing of defence members and veterans, including through engaging with people with lived experiences and promoting that lived experience and monitor, and inquire and report on the Commonwealth's implementation of the Government's response to the recommendations of the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission.
Working at the DVSC
Applicants are encouraged to consider their personal circumstances when applying for this role. The DVSC's areas of focus include monitoring, inquiring and reporting on the prevention of suicide, suicidality and the promotion of wellbeing amongst serving and ex-serving ADF members. We encourage applicants to familiarise themselves with the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Final Report. The DVSC has a proactive wellbeing program in place, if you have any concerns speak to the contact officer before submitting your application.
People and Wellbeing team
The People and Wellbeing team is responsible for delivering strategic and operational Human Resources (HR) functions, security and facilities services. Priorities for this team over the next 12-18 months are the set up of the DVSC HR functions including relevant systems, policies and procedures. The team will embed the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, and the proactive Wellbeing Program for staff, and ensure that WHS requirements are consistently satisfied. The team will provide ongoing recruitment support and facilitation of staff on and offboarding. Some services will be delivered via a shared service arrangement, as such liaison with HR, property and security shared service providers will be necessary to ensure high quality and timely services are received.
About The Role
We are seeking a passionate and experienced HR professional to lead and coordinate initiatives that promote and support staff wellbeing at the DVSC. The role will operate under direction of the Director, People and Wellbeing, to design and deploy programs that enhance psychological safety of the DVSC workplace, as well as delivering other core HR functions.
You Will
* Support managers and the executive through providing high-quality advice on HR policy, employment frameworks and workforce matters
* Ensure compliance with workplace health and safety standards, addressing HR-related risks in accordance with legislative requirements
* Coordinate end-to-end recruitment activities in line with the Public Service Act 1999 and DVSC policy
* Support and guide managers in workforce planning, performance management, learning and development, and employee relations
* Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of staff wellbeing strategies, policies and programs
* Partner with internal and external stakeholders to deliver the proactive Wellbeing Program, reactive Employee Assistance Scheme (EAP) initiatives and training
* Monitor, analyse and report on workplace data, including from surveys, to support informed decision making
* Contribute to HR policy development with a focus on continuous improvement
* Ensure the accuracy and integrity of employee records and HR systems, contributing to trusted and accountable HR operation.
Capabilities of our ideal candidate
The occupant of this role demonstrates integrity, independence and compassion while delivering the work of the Commission and has:
* Experience in the HR function within a Commonwealth entity
* Strong understanding of workplace wellbeing principles, psychosocial risk management and relevant legislation, including the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Fair Work Act 2009
* Proven experience in designing and implementing wellbeing or organisational health programs
* Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build trust
* High developed written and verbal communications skills
* Strong analytical skills to interpret and translate data, to produce clear reports and engaging resources
* Sound judgement and sensitivity when handling complex or confidential matters and providing advice to staff, networks, and senior leaders.
Qualifications / Experience
The following is required:
* Experience in a HR role within the APS environment.
The Following Is Desirable
* Tertiary qualifications/certificates in HR or of similar nature.
Flexible Work
At PM&C we recognise the broad benefits of offering flexibility in how, when and where work is performed. We consider flexibility first from a starting position of 'how can we make this work?' and consider individual circumstances and operational requirements in making genuine attempts to establish mutually beneficial arrangements. Please reach out to the contact officer if you would like to explore what flexibility might look like for you, such as part time work, variable start and finish times or working from home.
Eligibility
* Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the APS unless the Agency Head has agreed otherwise, in writing. At PM&C to be eligible for this position you should be an Australian Citizen by the completion of the recruitment process, except under exceptional circumstances.
* The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.
* The successful candidate will be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check, and will normally be subject to a six-month probation period if new to the APS or has not yet completed their probation period elsewhere in the APS.
* Due to the nature of work the DVSC undertakes, some roles may require staff to obtain and maintain a WWVP registration card, as per the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011.
Security Clearance Required
Baseline Vetting (Protected)
How To Apply
If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you Submit an online application through the Apply link by
11:30pm AEST on Wednesday 17 September.