Job Opportunities in Australia

SES B2, First Assistant Secretary, Media Policy Division


Our Department Values

Our values set the direction for what it means to work in our department. They inform the standard and expectations of behaviours, skills and capabilities and the attributes we currently have, will continually work to achieve and develop, and that we use to acknowledge and attract, retain and recruit into our department.

The department supports workplace diversity and values the contribution of people from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, and LGBTQIA+ people. The department is committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting women’s progression into senior leadership.

The opportunity we have available

The Department is seeking applications to fill the current vacancy of First Assistant Secretary (FAS), Media Policy Division, from exceptional candidates who will join our Senior Executive cohort.

The Communication and Media Group is responsible for broadband, telecommunications, media and digital platform industry policy, infrastructure investment and consumer policy, radio-communications policy, online safety as well as oversight of the government’s shareholding interests in Australia Post and the National Broadband Network.

The FAS of Media Policy Division will be responsible for providing high quality policy advice to the Minister for Communications on matters, including:

• enabling all Australians to connect to media safely
• harnessing the economic and social benefits of media services
• promoting Australian news, culture, community identity and media diversity to support and inform democracy and civil engagement
• sustaining an efficient, vibrant and resilient Australian media industry.

The scope of work program under the Media Policy Division also involves engaging with a range of stakeholders across Government and the media and digital platform sectors.

As First Assistant Secretary, you can also expect to:

• Along with colleagues, build and maintain a whole-of-department strategic policy delivery capability to provide advice on emerging and priority issues, including those relating to First Nations outcomes
• Build and maintain effective and productive networks across portfolio agencies, government, academia, and the private sector
• Ensure there are effective quality assurance protocols and business planning arrangements to support the delivery of timely and high-quality outputs
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies that strengthen the department’s inclusive culture
• Represent the department at a wide range of government, industry, and public forums, including presenting keynote addresses and Ministerial briefings.

Who are we looking for?

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates that show initiative, take accountability for results, and demonstrate the ability to provide strategic and operational leadership. Strong candidates will be able to demonstrate a track record of building enduring working relationships at all levels (both inside and outside the Department, including with Ministers and their offices), and of marshalling resources to deliver results in complex operating environments. An understanding of media and media reform policy issues would be beneficial as would experience working with complex regulatory design.

Specifically, we are seeking candidates who can:

• Actively lead – discuss and articulate a positive vision and sense of purpose for the future and empower people to succeed and have a positive impact.
• Achieve results – deliver on complex projects, programs, and services with resilience and a positive approach to issues resolution.
• Communicate with influence – take forward the Government’s policy agenda with intelligence, influence, professionalism, authenticity, and credibility. Listen, understand and adapt to different audiences.
• Act with integrity and be respectful – make informed decisions, integrating moral and ethical considerations, and establish realistic goals. Value different perspectives, contributions and backgrounds.
• Manage for high performance – self and others.
• Drive innovation – turn innovative thinking into action and make time to engage others in ideas and problem solving. Consider mistakes as an opportunity to learn.
• Be collaborative – demonstrated collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills that build relationships based on understanding, respect, and trust.
• Demonstrate cultural competency – demonstrated understanding of the issues affecting First Nations Peoples and the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively, with the capability and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency.

What else can we offer?

• Exposure to high profile and exciting projects
• Networking opportunities across the department and wider APS
• Capability development opportunities focused on your individual career goals
• Mentoring and access to the department’s Professional Coaching Scheme
• Flexible working arrangements where appropriate, including part time hours, home based work and job sharing
• Support for women’s progression into senior leadership

Eligibility requirements

Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• Citizenship: candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application
• Health Assessment: the preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department's preferred medical provider.
• Security Clearance: the successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Negative Vetting Level 2. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.

How to apply

Applications for this opportunity close at 11.59pm AEST, Tuesday, 1 October 2024.

In applying for this position, you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather, you should provide a statement of no more than 2 pages outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, and how these align with the advertised role. You should also provide a CV, no more than 4 pages. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the ‘Who are we looking for’ section.

Your application should be received through the department’s online recruitment system. Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.

If you experience any issues with the system please contact the SES Unit via email at SESUnit@infrastructure.gov.au to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.

Please advise the contact officer if you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The department is committed to the accessibility of our systems. If you identify as someone with disability and you require accessibility assistance or more information, please email Diversityand Inclusion@infrastructure.gov.au.

Work with us. Apply now!