Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Ongoing & Non-ongoing (for an initial period of up to 12 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&Cdelegate.
Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for an initial period of up to 12 months, with possibility of extension up to a maximum period of two years.
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.
Who we are We are the Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA). BETA's mission is to improve the lives of Australians by generating and applying evidence from the behavioural and social sciences to find solutions to complex policy problems. We seek to understand how people make decisions, develop innovative ideas to support policy solutions, and test what works best in the real world.
Our team have a variety of backgrounds, including policy, psychology, economics, data science and social research. We are united in our passion for understanding human behaviour to drive evidence-based decision-making and deliver public benefit. We listen, collaborate, brainstorm and celebrate together as a team. We welcome different ideas and new approaches.
BETA supports the Australian Government's policymaking from start to finish. We undertake primary research to understand a problem, help develop policy solutions and rigorously test policy interventions.
You will get the chance to apply and expand your research skills across diverse policy areas, including finance, climate change, gender equality, health, education, cyber security and more.
We work flexibly with full-time and part-time staff working in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Broome and Canberra. More information about BETA is available on our website: https://behaviouraleconomics.pmc.gov.au/
ResponsibilitiesWe are seeking to fill multiple current and anticipated vacancies at the APS 4 and/or APS 5 classifications. A merit pool may be established and used to fill the same or similar vacancies for 18 months from the date of advertising.
These are research assistant and project support roles, typically reporting to a project manager. You will make key contributions to behavioural science projects that often translate into real changes to programs and policies for Australians. You will also support broader BETA activities, such as building behavioural science capability across the Australian Public Service.
Duties at each level could include:
APS 4
Sharing your ideas and perspectives on research design and behavioural interventions in team discussions and brainstorming sessionsSupporting various data collection methods (e.g. quantitative surveys and experiments, or qualitative interviews and focus groups) and helping to analyse the resultsContributing to desktop research and literature reviewsWorking collaboratively within the team to ensure projects are delivered on time and that risks are managed appropriatelySupporting research governance and administrative tasks, such as seeking ethics reviews or coordinating the procurement of research suppliersDrafting written materials such as public reports, presentations or internal briefs.APS 5
Sharing your ideas and perspectives on research design and behavioural interventions in team discussions and brainstorming sessionsSupporting more complex or sensitive data collection and analysis (qualitative and quantitative) and interpreting the resultsConducting desktop research and literature reviewsDrafting research materials such as survey questionnaires, participant information sheets and interview discussion guidesWorking collaboratively within the team to ensure projects are delivered on time and that risks are managed appropriatelySupporting research governance and administrative tasks, such as seeking ethics reviews or evaluating tenders from research suppliersDrafting written materials such as public reports, presentations or internal briefs.RequirementsWe are looking for collaborative problem solvers who can apply their research expertise and knowledge of behavioural science to complex policy problems, and provide clear and concise advice to government.
Academic qualifications in behavioural science, economics, psychology, data science or related disciplines are highly desirable. We value a broad range of experience from the public sector, private sector and academia.
Diversity is essential to our multidisciplinary team. If you don't have experience in all the criteria below but are passionate about what we do, please apply and highlight the relevant skills and background that you do have.
The following are the key skills we are looking for in candidates at each classification level.
APS 4
Communication skills: Interacting with internal and external stakeholders in a clear and engaging manner, both in writing and verbally.Time management skills: Delivering high-quality work while managing competing priorities.People skills: Working collaboratively within diverse teams (e.g. people from different backgrounds, experiences or neurotypes).Research, analysis or policy skills: Applying research and analysis to policy development, including experience with one or more of the following:
- Economic research (e.g. modelling, providing economic advice)
- Policy development and evaluation (e.g. drafting and evaluating new policy proposals)
- Quantitative research (e.g. surveys, experimental design)
- Qualitative research (e.g. conducting interviews and focus groups)
- Data analysis (e.g. using the R programming language, NVivo or Q)APS 5
All of the APS 4 criteria above (communication skills; time management skills; people skills; and research, analysis or policy skills)Strategic thinking skills: Identifying broader influences that may impact on the team's work objectives.Project management skills: Establishing clear plans, monitoring progress and identifying opportunities for improvement.In line with our dedication to an inclusive and safe workplace culture we are seeking candidates who are respectful of people's unique differences, backgrounds and cultures (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture) particularly when communicating and working together.
To demonstrate your fit for this role and put your best self forward, you are encouraged to tailor your resume and pitch to the role and qualities described above. It is strongly recommended that you review the "what you need to know – applying for jobs at PM&C" document attached to the job ad prior to applying.
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 at the closing date of application, unless exceptional circumstances apply.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.As part of your application you will need to provide:
Your resume (maximum three pages)A '500 word pitch' telling us how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications make you the best person for the job and to perform at the relevant classification level.Your one-page pitch will be assessed against the skills listed under Why youre the ideal candidate' in the candidate information pack.
You are encouraged to refer to the Candidate Pack and the relevant classification level of the PM&C Performance Model to assist you in drafting your 500 word pitch.
You may also refer to the APSC resource Cracking the Code for further guidance and assistance on applying for jobs in the Australian Public Service.
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