Assistant Secretary, National Skills System

Overview

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations works to support secure, fairly paid and safe employment, while helping build the skills needed for the future. It develops the policy and frameworks that shape productive workplace relationships and backs education, training and re-skilling pathways that help people enter the workforce or move into emerging opportunities.

This position is an SES Band 1 identified role within the National Skills System Branch. The role can be based in Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart or Darwin.

Role summary

As Assistant Secretary, National Skills System Branch, you will direct Jobs and Skills Australia’s analysis and advice on how effectively Australia’s skills system is responding to current, emerging and future workforce needs. Your leadership will be grounded in evidence and informed by active engagement with stakeholders.

You will oversee delivery of the skills stream in the agreed JSA Workplan from within your branch. The work involves examining the importance of skills to productivity and inclusive participation, monitoring and advising on the performance of the national skills system, and assessing how well the VET system is meeting labour market needs and student outcomes. This includes drawing on linked datasets such as the VET National Data Asset and connected tertiary and pathway data to understand the relationship between education, training and employment outcomes.

The branch also contributes to wider projects such as better alignment across tertiary education, maintenance of the National Skills Taxonomy, and adult foundation skills research, including participation in the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), with results expected in 2030.

You will report to the Executive Director and work closely with the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners. Collaboration will also extend across the Department, the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, other Commonwealth agencies, State and Territory governments, industry stakeholders and research partners including NCVER.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis and advice on the performance of Australia’s skills system, using evidence and stakeholder input to inform government decision-making.
• Oversee delivery of the skills stream within the JSA Workplan.
• Assess how the VET system is meeting skills demand and delivering outcomes for students and the economy.
• Use linked data sources, including the VET National Data Asset and tertiary/pathway datasets, to connect training and education with labour market outcomes.
• Contribute to broader work on tertiary system alignment, the National Skills Taxonomy, and adult foundation skills research, including PIAAC-related work.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships across the Department, Commonwealth agencies, state and territory governments, industry and research partners.
• Provide strategic leadership to teams, set clear expectations, develop capability and manage competing priorities.

Requirements

• Strong and current knowledge of the Australian VET system, including funding and regulation, the National Skills Agreement, qualifications and training-product reform, apprenticeships, and the interface between VET and higher education.
• Ability to turn system knowledge and analysis into advice that improves the skills system’s response to economic needs.
• Sound understanding of the broader Australian skills and tertiary education environment and labour market.
• Capacity to apply multiple analytical approaches to complex, high-volume work and risk-laden issues.
• Highly developed communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills, with sound political judgement in stakeholder management.
• Ability to create a high-performing environment that motivates people, develops talent and builds capability.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to balance competing priorities.
• Capability consistent with SES Band 1 Work Level Standards.
• Exemplary integrity and professionalism.
• Strong technical legal judgement.
• Leadership and people management skills that support a positive workplace culture.
• Strong risk management capability and a proactive approach to emerging issues.
• Ability to build trusted relationships and provide persuasive advice to senior stakeholders.
• Commitment to excellence, innovation and continuous learning.
• Strong understanding of core APS frameworks.
• Ability to build and leverage relationships across the APS.
• A valid Negative Vetting 1 security clearance is required.
• Applicants must provide a CV, the names and contact details of two referees, and a two-page summary of no more than 1,000 words addressing skills, knowledge, experience and suitability.

Eligibility

Only candidates who can obtain and hold a valid Negative Vetting 1 clearance may undertake this role.

Application requirements

Applicants should submit a short written summary of up to two pages and no more than 1,000 words, using relevant examples to demonstrate their fit for the position and addressing any role-specific requirements. A curriculum vitae and contact details for two referees are also required through the department’s recruitment system.

Additional information

The APS work level standards recognise the diversity of roles across the Australian Public Service and distinguish the level of work expected at each classification. Please refer to the Job Information Pack for further details about the vacancy.