Assistant Commissioner, Oversight And Engagement, Defence And Veterans' Service Commission

Assistant Commissioner, Oversight and Engagement, Defence and Veterans' Service Commission Join to apply for the Assistant Commissioner, Oversight and Engagement role at Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Application Closing Date: Monday 24-Nov- at 11:30pm AEDT Location: Canberra, ACT Classification: SES Band 1 Employment Type: Ongoing & Non-ongoing (for a period up to 24 months). The employment type will be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate. A non‑ongoing offer may be for a maximum period of two (2) years and may be extended or renewed once, up to the 2‑year limit. Conversion to an ongoing offer must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement. About the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission The Defence and Veterans' Service Commission (DVSC) provides independent oversight and evidence‑based advice to government on reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex‑serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members. The DVSC was established as a new non‑corporate Commonwealth Entity (NCE) on 29 September in response to the key recommendation of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Key Functions of the DVSC Include Monitoring, inquiring and reporting on issues relevant to suicide and suicidality for serving and ex‑serving ADF members Monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the Government's response to the recommendations of the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission Improving supports for serving and ex‑serving ADF members Working with coroners to understand issues contributing to Defence and veteran deaths by suicide Promoting an understanding of suicide risks and wellbeing for Defence members and veterans, including engaging with people with lived experience Conducting hearings, summoning people to give evidence under oath or affirmation, issuing search warrants and notices to produce information Working at the DVSC As a new agency, the DVSC is recruiting staff and capabilities and will continue to do so over the coming year. This role offers an opportunity to influence and shape strategy in support of the Commissioner's independent oversight across the Defence and veteran ecosystem. The current organisational structure includes two SES Band 1 Officers who will report to the Deputy Commissioner: Assistant Commissioner, Inquiries and Legal Assistant Commissioner, Oversight and Engagement About The Role As Assistant Commissioner, Oversight and Engagement you will work closely with the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner to provide independent oversight and evidence‑based advice on reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex‑serving ADF members. You will be part of a small senior executive responsible for the strategic leadership of DVSC and will have day‑to‑day management of two functional areas: Oversight and Evaluation, and Communications and Engagement. Key Responsibilities Provide strategic advice and leadership of oversight, evaluation, communications, and engagement functions of the DVSC Support the Commissioner in exercising functions related to overseeing implementation of the Royal Commission's recommendations and promoting understanding of suicide risks for Defence members and veterans Manage a branch to: establish, coordinate and maintain advisory councils, such as a lived experience advisory council; manage media engagement with the Commission and the Commissioner; oversee the implementation of the Royal Commission's recommendations and deliver public reports on effectiveness; strategically plan and coordinate the Commissioner's engagement with stakeholders Manage the Commission's website and social media Lead the Oversight and Engagement branch through a dynamic period of establishment and ongoing development Our Ideal Candidate Outstanding leader capable of guiding the branch through a dynamic period of establishment and growth Upholds DVSC's independence, impartiality, and professionalism at all times Strong understanding of oversight, outcomes monitoring, and evaluation of public policy and program implementation Knowledge of Australian media landscape and APS communications protocols Provides independent, accurate, and evidence‑based advice to the Commissioner Demonstrates critical thinking and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders Collaborative leadership style that engenders trust and respect across the agency and with stakeholders, fostering a positive workplace culture Qualifications / Experience Required: Relevant professional experience leading an oversight or evaluation function Relevant professional experience leading a communications, media, and engagement function Desirable: Tertiary qualifications and / or demonstrated experience in one or more capability areas relevant to the role (e.g., policy and program implementation, monitoring and evaluation, law, performance auditing, benefits realisation, program logic, communication and reporting) Flexible Work At PM&C we recognise the broad benefits of offering flexibility in how, when, and where work is performed. Please reach out to the contact officer if you would like to explore flexibility options, such as part‑time work, variable start and finish times, or working from home. Eligibility Citizenship: Australian citizens are required; waivers only in exceptional circumstances. Employment Suitability: Successful applicants must undergo a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and may be subject to a six‑month probation period if new to the APS. Security Clearance: Preferred candidate must obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance. Working with Vulnerable People: Some roles require a WWVP registration card as per the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act. How to Apply If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you Submit an online application through the Apply link by 11 : 30pm AEDT on Monday, 24-Nov- Prior to applying, request selection documentation from, quoting in the subject line Ref. No. Selection tools used include a range of methods to ensure merit and the right fit for the role. As part of your application, you will need to provide : Your current résumé (max four pages) Contact details of two referees, one of whom should be your current supervisor A statement of claims (max 1,000 words) describing how your skills, knowledge and experience are relevant to this role For further assistance, refer to the behaviours outlined in the Secretaries Charter of Leadership Behaviours – DRIVE. Contact Officer Amanda O'Rourke, Executive Search – Note: This is an unclassified web‑based recruitment system; applications should not contain classified or sensitive information. Seniority level: ExecutiveEmployment type: Part‑timeJob function: Other – Government Administration #J-18808-Ljbffr