First Assistant Secretary, Cabinet Division

Merit List/Pools and How They Will Be UsedApplicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool. If the applicant agrees, the results may be shared with other Australian Public Service (APS) agencies for filling similar roles. Applicants may be offered a future role, without the need to reapply. A merit list or pool may be used for up to 18 months.
This merit list/pool may be used to fill other vacancies in Canberra.
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Canberra ACT
PM&C is seeking a talented division head to lead the Cabinet Division. This is a rare opportunity to lead a team at the heart of government and support well-informed decision-making. The position reports to the Deputy Secretary, Governance and Corporate / Chief Operating Officer and regularly engages with the Cabinet Secretary and senior officials across government to ensure the smooth functioning of the Cabinet and Cabinet Committees. The Cabinet Division is responsible for providing continuity and impartial support for operations at the centre of the Australian Government. The Cabinet Division is staffed by around 50 employees.
As First Assistant Secretary (FAS), you will be accountable for the strategic direction and operational management of the Cabinet Division. This includes:
Advising the Cabinet Secretary on Cabinet policies and processes to support effective decision making.Being an official note taker for Cabinet and Cabinet Committees.Anticipating requirements and negotiating outcomes across government to ensure the Cabinet and Committees receive timely, high-quality advice.Overseeing implementation of the redeveloped CabNet+ IT system that underpins Cabinet operations and continuing to drive improvements to digital access and processes.Briefing the Prime Minister on Cabinet appointments.Providing instructions, on a whole of government basis, on Freedom of Information, exemptions and Public Interest Immunity claims for cabinet and cabinet related grounds.Supporting the Governor-General in Federal Executive Council, as Secretary to the Executive Council.Providing leadership to the division and fostering a vibrant, inclusive culture.Recruiting, developing and motivating a diverse, talented team in a high-pressure environment.Our ideal candidate will perform at the level in accordance with the PM&C SES Band 2 Performance model and demonstrate the APS-wide DRIVE Leadership behaviours.
We are seeking an experienced, influential, and supportive leader to oversee the Cabinet Division. This role provides an opportunity to strengthen and grow your leadership skills, taking on new challenges and a portfolio of work that is critical to supporting the department and our portfolio agencies.
We are looking for someone who can operate at the SES Band 2 level and:
Has proven leadership capability, exhibiting judgement and professionalism, working with teams in a complex and fast-paced environment.Understand and navigate the complexities and risks of the political landscape.Demonstrates knowledge and experience in the conduct of Cabinet processes, the budget process and decision-making by the Australian Government.Proactively develop reputation as a trusted and influential advisor, and build productive relationships and networks across the department, APS and directly with the Prime Minister's Office.As a flexible leader who can get the most out of diverse teams and build a vibrant, inclusive culture.Demonstrates high level policy, analytical and conceptual skills.Has outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to engage with senior stakeholders on complex issues.Exhibits the highest levels of integrity, strong judgement and professionalism.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 vacancies and applying for jobs section of our website prior to applying.
SES leaders who make, or participate in making, decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of PM&C (as the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking, PCBU) are regarded as an Officer for the purposes of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act). To fulfil their duty under the WHS Act, Officers must exercise due diligence to ensure PM&C complies with its work health and safety duties and obligations. It is PM&C's expectation that all SES Leaders act in a way that is consistent with the obligations of an Officer under the WHS Act.
Identified Position This vacancy is Identified, meaning eligible candidates must address in their application their level of cultural competency and their ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and colleagues during the recruitment process. Candidates are strongly encouraged to address this in their initial written application.
This position has limited contact with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and service providers, but is still required to have the capacity and willingness to further develop these skills. You will require capacity to attain cultural competency, including:
Understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.Willingness and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency.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 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.
Security Clearance Required The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 2 (Top Secret) security clearance or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.
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 Getting to Know the Department of the Prime Minister and CabinetThe Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) advances Australia's national interests through high quality support to the Prime Minister and the operations of Cabinet. PM&C supports the Prime Minister as leader of the Government and of Cabinet and as leader of the country. This positions us both to provide visibility of Government priorities and influence outcomes across all Commonwealth portfolios, state jurisdictions, the Australian Public Service (APS) as an institution, and on the international stage. Our role is to provide fresh thinking and creative advice to government as stewards for the APS. We contribute ideas on the many and varied issues facing Australia, taking into consideration the views and opinions of a range of stakeholders across the private, public, not-for-profit and community sectors. The PM&C team provides pragmatic advice and finds solutions to problems so that Government policies can be effectively designed and implemented. We give particular weight to issues that are important to the Prime Minister. Our focus, put in its simplest terms, is to find new ways to improve the lives of all Australians.

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