Assistant Secretary, National Skills System

About the Department

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is focused on helping people build secure, well-paid work and supporting the skills needed for the future. It works to improve workplace rights and create fair, productive relationships between employers and employees. The department also oversees training and skills development so people can enter the workforce or retrain for emerging opportunities.

This role contributes directly to shaping Australia’s employment and skills landscape through policy, program delivery, and support for job seekers, workers, and the broader economy.

Role Overview

As Assistant Secretary of the National Skills System Branch, you will guide Jobs and Skills Australia’s analysis and advice on how effectively Australia’s skills system is meeting current, emerging, and future workforce needs. Your work will be grounded in evidence and stakeholder engagement.

You will be responsible for leading the skills stream under the agreed Jobs and Skills Australia work plan. The role focuses on the role of skills in productivity and inclusive participation, monitoring the national skills system, and advising on how well it is performing. A major part of the work involves assessing how effectively the VET system is meeting labour market needs and student outcomes, using linked data such as the VET National Data Asset and other tertiary and pathway datasets to connect education and training with employment outcomes.

The portfolio also includes projects that help connect the tertiary education system, maintain the National Skills Taxonomy, and support research and surveys on adult foundation skills, including participation in the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies, with results expected in 2030.

You will report to the Executive Director and work closely with the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners.

You will also collaborate across the department, with the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, other Commonwealth agencies, State and Territory Governments, industry stakeholders, and research partners such as NCVER.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for analysis and advice on Australia’s skills system and its ability to meet current and future workforce needs.
• Lead delivery of the skills stream within the Jobs and Skills Australia work plan.
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and advice on the effectiveness of the national skills system.
• Assess the VET system’s contribution to skills demand and student outcomes using linked data sources.
• Support work on tertiary system alignment, the National Skills Taxonomy, and adult foundation skills research.
• Work with senior internal and external stakeholders across government, industry, and research organisations.
• Translate evidence and analysis into practical advice for decision-makers.

Requirements

• Strong and up-to-date knowledge of the Australian VET system, including funding, regulation, qualifications reform, apprenticeship pathways, and its interface with higher education.
• Ability to use analysis and research, including linked datasets, to produce clear and influential advice.
• Broad understanding of the Australian skills, tertiary education, and labour market environment.
• Demonstrated capability to use multiple analytical approaches to manage complex risks, competing demands, and high workloads.
• Well-developed communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with sound political awareness.
• Ability to build supportive team environments, develop capability, and set clear expectations.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to balance priorities effectively.
• Capability aligned to SES Band 1 Work Level Standards.
• Exemplary integrity and professionalism.
• Sound technical legal judgement.
• Strong leadership and people management ability.
• Effective risk management capability.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across the APS.
• Commitment to innovation, excellence, and continuous learning.
• Understanding of core APS frameworks.
• Ability to build and leverage relationships across the APS.
• Hold a valid Negative Vetting 1 security clearance.
• Applicants must submit a two-page summary of skills, knowledge, experience, and suitability, a CV, and contact details for two referees.

Eligibility

This is an identified position at SES Band 1 level. The appointee must be eligible to obtain and maintain a valid Negative Vetting 1 clearance.

Application Instructions

Applicants are asked to provide a response of up to two pages, limited to 1,000 words, explaining their relevant skills, knowledge, experience, and reasons for being considered. Examples of relevant work should be included where possible. A curriculum vitae and details for two referees must also be uploaded in the department’s online recruitment system.

Additional Information

This position is SES Band 1 and is available in Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, or Darwin.

The job information pack provides further role details.