HumanAbility is a not-for-profit, industry owned and led organisation contracted by the federal government. It was established as a Jobs and Skills Council for the health, human services, sport & recreation, and early childhood industries to fulfil the requirements of the Jobs & Skills Councils – Strengthening Australia's National Vocational Education and Training System program.HumanAbility's objective is to advance education by supporting skills and workforce development for the specified industries. It is a values-based organisation with a defined mission and vision, understanding the ultimate beneficiary of the work we do is our communities.We have an opportunity for a Director - Policy and Research to join us on a full-time basis in an ongoing capacity subject to funding (currently funded until mid-2026). This position will report into the Executive Director - Research and Workforce Programs and will be responsible for managing the policy, research, and workforce planning function for the industries within HumanAbility's scope:Early childhood education and careHealthHuman (community) servicesAged care and disability supportSports and recreationThis position leads HumanAbility's strategic policy, research, and data analytic capability enabling HumanAbility to achieve its strategic goals and deliver its core functions - industry stewardship, training product development and implementation, promotion, and monitoring.A key deliverable for the Policy and Research team is the annual Workforce Plan, which establishes the context for HumanAbility, guides our strategic planning, and articulates the priority workforce development initiatives that will be progressed by HumanAbility in partnership with our stakeholders.The position works closely with the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments, Jobs and Skills Australia, and industry stakeholders to:Ensure a tripartite, coherent, and evidence-based approach to understanding workforce challenges.Design and deliver HumanAbility's research program and innovative workforce development projects and initiatives that address workforce challenges and opportunities.Align reform initiatives and develop collaborative partnerships.The position requires high-level policy and research skills, with experience and knowledge of the national Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector and VET policy, the labour market, and industry sector workforce planning and skills development.Key AccountabilitiesIdentification of workforce challenges at the national, state, regional, rural, and remote levels.Research and data collection undertaken to support workforce planning.Development of a conceptual approach and strategies to support the diagnosis of workforce challenges and opportunities.Development of an annual Workforce Plan in accordance with guidance provided by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.Manage a small team with policy, data analytics, and research capabilities.Qualifications and ExperienceAt least 5 years' experience in senior policy and research roles (quantitative and qualitative).Demonstrated experience in end-to-end research project design and management.Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.Strategic leadership skills including demonstrated ability to lead small, dynamic teams in a complex operating environment.Proven high-level stakeholder management skills and ability to build productive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.High-level policy, conceptual and analytical skills, and ability to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.Knowledge or understanding of the VET sector and/or labour market economics.An understanding of the education and training system and/or industry sectors within HumanAbility's scope.We primarily work remotely. This is a hybrid position that can be located anywhere in Australia, and will involve occasional travel for meetings, workshops, and industry events. A competitive compensation package is offered, based on qualifications and experience.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
