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Assistant Director, SES Unit

Job Req ID

Home Affairs - 140832

 

Location

ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA 

 

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

 

Classification

Executive Level 1 - $115,443.00 and $134,865.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

 

Contact Officer

Danni Robinson on 0468 557 150 or danni.robinson@homeaffairs.gov.au  

 

Office Arrangements

Flexible - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.
 

Applications close on 18/01/2026 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

This process is being used to fill 1 immediate position/s. 

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA.
 

About our team

 

Chief Operating Officer | People | Payroll & Conditions | SES Unit

 

The SES Unit is responsible for managing the Senior Executive Service (SES) cohort and providing expert advice on HR matters unique to this group. Our work includes developing and implementing SES-specific guides, delivering high-quality Secretariat support to key committees, and providing end-to-end services for SES and their executive support staff-covering recruitment, onboarding, and performance management processes.

 

Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force

 

Our ideal candidate

 

Who are we looking for?

 

We're looking for experienced and motivated professionals to play a key role in shaping strategy, providing support, and ensuring governance for the Department and the Australian Border Force senior leadership cohort.

This is your chance to work at the centre of decision-making, in in a role where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. Join a fast-paced, agile team dedicated to delivering results and driving outcomes in a dynamic, evolving environment.

 

About You:

 

  • You excel at managing competing priorities and adapt quickly to change.
  • You thrive in a fast-paced, high-demand environment where both attention to detail and strategic thinking are essential.
  • You work collaboratively, build trusted relationships, and consistently deliver results under pressure.
  • You approach complex issues with a well-considered, measured mindset and sound judgement.
  • You can be trusted to handle sensitive information with absolute discretion and maintain confidentiality.

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

What will you do?

 

As an EL1 Assistant Director in the SES Unit, you will lead and manage the team's day-to-day priorities while delivering complex, high-quality HR services and advice in a fast-paced environment. You will champion best-practice HR approaches aligned with legislative frameworks, government decisions, and the Department's strategic objectives.

 

This role requires strong decision-making and sound judgment to provide policy advice, respond to complex requests, and support the team effectively. You will build and maintain key stakeholder relationships to understand expectations, address concerns, and achieve outcomes. Leveraging your people management expertise, you will lead a high-performing, cohesive team and drive ongoing capability uplift.

 

Specific responsibilities will vary but may include:

 

  • Lead and set strategic direction for the team in a dynamic, high-pressure environment, ensuring clarity of priorities and accountability for team outputs and work allocation.
  • Partnering with key stakeholders to effectively manage SES career and HR lifecycle matters, including resolution of highly complex HR issues, escalating where required
  • Provide expert, confidential advice and support on SES HR matters, including remuneration and entitlements, employment conditions, and performance management, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and frameworks. 
  • Manage and deliver end-to-end SES recruitment processes, from developing recruitment strategies through to onboarding, ensuring a seamless and compliant experience aligned with organisational objectives.
  • Drive innovation and continuous improvement by developing and implementing HR initiatives, strategies, and methodologies that align with governance frameworks, legislative requirements, government decisions, and the organisation's strategic direction.
  • Ensure the accurate creation, classification, storage, and retrieval of records in compliance with organisational policies, legislative requirements, and information governance standards. Maintain data integrity and security while supporting efficient access to records for operational and audit purposes.
  • Contribute to high-quality secretariat support, including development of meeting papers and management of action items.

 

Additional information

 

Knowledge and experience:

 

While previous experience in a similar role is desirable, success in this position relies on your ability to thrive in an agile and dynamic environment. We seek quick learners who are collaborative, adaptable, and capable of delivering results in a fast-paced, evolving context.

 

Role location:

 

While this role is currently based in Canberra, the Department has offices located in major capital cities and alternate locations may be considered.

 

How to apply

 

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 18/01/2026 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEDT  – Late applications will not be accepted.

 

As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit a one-page applicant response document in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

 

  • How your skills, knowledge, and experience will be relevant to this role
  • Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us
  • Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role

 

 

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 140832 in the document footer.

 

​​​​​​​Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification.

 

Eligibility

 

To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen.

 

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance, and:
 

  • ABF Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
  • Home Affairs Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Onboarding Check.
     

In certain circumstances, an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) may be required in addition to, or in lieu of, an Onboarding Check, which will be determined by the delegate as necessary.  

 

Diversity and inclusion

 

The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply.

 

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

 

Technical assistance

 

For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance:

 

 

Please include any applicable screen captures, a response will be provided during business hours.

 

Notes

 

The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position. The Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Value Proposition (EVP) highlights the top reasons our employees enjoy working in the APS.

 

The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement.

 

Information about employment and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department’s website at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/careers

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