Senior Policy Officer - Office of Community Cohesion
Job Req ID
Home Affairs - 138079
Location
ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA
Employment Type
Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time / Part-time
Classification
APS Level 6 - $94,563.00 and $107,713.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)
Contact Officer
Sam Mernagh on 02 6196 0454 or sam.mernagh@homeaffairs.gov.au
Office Arrangements
Hybrid; Flexible - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.
Applications close on 19/06/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.
About our opportunity
This process is being used to fill 4 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
DS Executive | Office Of Community Cohesion
The Office of Community Cohesion has been established to strengthen the cohesiveness of Australia's diverse, democratic society by driving a coherent, cross-cutting approach to social cohesion and democratic resilience in Australia. The Office provides a focal point for policy coherence and aligned programs and practice to promote better whole-of-government and whole-of-society collaboration on social cohesion and democratic resilience that is:
- Relevant to the current challenges facing Australian society
- Innovative, evidence-based and informed by global best practice
- Practical, feasible and primed for continuous improvement.
As a Senior Policy Officer within the Office of Community Cohesion, you would develop and drive a renewed strategic policy narrative, targeted policy initiatives and programs, and work with stakeholders across the Department, Commonwealth State/Territory governments and civil society to deliver and promote an evidence-based agenda that strengthens social cohesion and democratic resilience.
Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force
Our ideal candidate
Our ideal candidate is excited and passionate about strengthening social cohesion and democratic resilience in Australia. We are looking for exceptional candidates who have demonstrated experience in a broad range of areas including policy development, research design and management, strategic communications, data analysis, program and project management, or evaluation reviews. Across all positions, stakeholder engagement and collaboration is essential.
We are seeking critical and strategic thinkers, and adept problem solvers who can forge strong and mutually beneficial relationships across the Commonwealth, with States and Territories, and with civil society and communities. Our ideal candidate is a strong communicator, who can provide leadership to a small team, and is committed to building an inclusive workplace and fostering a positive, energetic and supportive work culture.
Duties and responsibilities
- Develop and drive a renewed strategic policy narrative of social cohesion and democratic resilience
- Develop and deliver targeted policy initiatives and programs that leverage Home Affairs, Commonwealth, State/Territory and non-government functions
- Encourage and enable information sharing, innovation and collaboration across jurisdictions, sectors and countries
- Engage and collaborate with key stakeholders to identify opportunities, achieve outcomes and facilitate cooperation
- Prepare Ministerial briefings and submissions on social cohesion and democratic resilience policy matters
- Work with a level of independence, under broad direction, with a concurrent need to resolve issues and deliver quality outcomes
- Ensure in-depth knowledge of and compliance with legislative, financial and administrative frameworks, government decision-making processes and agency guidelines and regulations.
Additional information
Essential:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with an ability to covey technical or complex information
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, research and analytical skills with the ability build strategic partnerships internally and externally across a diverse range of stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills and display careful attention to detail.
Desirable:
- Previous policy development or project management skills
- Previous work in government or non-government sector strengthening social cohesion and democratic resilience.
How to apply
Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 19/06/2025 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEST – 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 – 138079 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:
- Email: recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au
- Phone: 1300 793 883 (within Australia) or +61 2 6196 0444 (outside of Australia)
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
Candidates should be aware that in roles where vaccination against COVID-19 is required by public health orders/directions or other legislation proof of vaccination will be required. If a candidate is not fully vaccinated or is unwilling to be vaccinated within a reasonable time period, they may not be offered that role.