About you

Are you passionate about shaping public policy and making a difference in the community? We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Public Policy Manager to join our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Stream to lead a body of work associated the PC’s second review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. If you have a strong background in public policy, leadership and excellent communication skills, and a drive to create positive change, we want to hear from you!

About the Role

As a Public Policy Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to influence public policy in line with the Productivity Commission’s goals. You will work closely with government officials, stakeholders, and the community to advocate for policies that benefit the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. Leveraging your leadership experience, you will provide mentorship, guidance, and support to team members while promoting collaboration and productivity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor and analyse policy developments and assess their impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  
• Engage with government officials and stakeholders relating to their commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and other policy issues of importance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 
• Conduct reporting, research and analysis that incorporates perspectives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Prepare and present policy briefs, reports, and presentations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align policy efforts with organisational objectives.
• Deliver strategic leadership in driving and overseeing projects while effectively managing a geographically distributed team. 

Qualifications and expertise:

• Academic qualifications are required with a preference in areas such as public policy and analysis, social sciences, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies or a related field. 
• A preference for additional qualifications or experience in areas such as mixed-methods research, economics, data analysis, law, the humanities or science.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in public policy or a related role.
• Strong understanding of the Australian legislative process and policy cycle as it relates to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait people, organisations and communities, along with representatives of other government agencies, businesses and organisations.
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and perspectives.

A merit pool of suitable candidates mayalso be created for similar ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies in Melbourne or Canberra.

Position eligibility requirements

To be eligible for employment with the Productivity Commission, applicants must:

• be an Australian citizen or hold an Australian Citizenship 
• be willing to undergo a security and character clearance (which may include, but not limited to, completing an identity verification check, police check, and obtaining/maintaining an Australian Government security vetting clearance if required by the role)
• provide evidence of mandatory qualifications (if applicable).

This position is open only to specific members of the Australian population. This practice is known as an Affirmative measure and is a targeted strategy to ensure the diversity of the APS workforce reflects the diversity of the Australian population.  

Affirmative measures – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 

The filling of this position is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under Section 31 of the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions 2022. This vacancy is open only to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, evidence will be requested if your application progresses under an affirmative measures process. 

Further information on providing confirmation of heritage documentation is available in the Position Description.

APS RecruitAbiliy Scheme

RecruitAbility is an affirmative measure that provides progression of applicants with disability to the next stage in a selection process if they have been assessed as meeting the minimum requirements of the job. For further information please refer to the Australian Public Service Commission RecruitAbility Guidance.