EL1 Assistant Director, Policy

EL1 Assistant Director, Policy (Labour Hire Contract)

Location: Canberra (on-site)
Duration: 6 months + potential 3-month extension
Start: May 2026 (ASAP)
Security Clearance: NV1 required

About the opportunity

A Federal Government regulatory agency is seeking an EL1 Assistant Director, Policy to support the development and implementation of complex regulatory policy frameworks.
This role sits within a Regulatory Frameworks function, working closely with senior leadership to shape policy design, strengthen evaluation approaches, and support the delivery of a high-profile policy program.
This is a hands-on role suited to someone comfortable operating across policy design, stakeholder engagement and program-level policy delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development of policy frameworks, tools and processes to support regulatory outcomes
• Design and implement monitoring and evaluation approaches for policy effectiveness
• Identify and manage policy and program risks, including mitigation strategies
• Provide high-quality, evidence-based policy advice on complex and sensitive issues
• Lead and support stakeholder consultation activities, including cross-agency engagement
• Prepare briefings, submissions and complex written materials for senior stakeholders
• Monitor and report on delivery progress against milestones and priorities
• Contribute to a collaborative, knowledge-sharing team environment

What you’ll bring

• Strong experience in APS policy development, ideally within a regulatory or complex policy environment
• Ability to operate at the EL1 level, including leadership of workstreams and influencing stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience in:
  • policy design and implementation
  • stakeholder engagement and consultation
  • developing evidence-based advice
• Sound judgement, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and competing priorities
• Strong written skills, particularly in briefings and ministerial-style documentation
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively

Desirable

• Experience in regulatory policy, governance or legislative environments
• Tertiary qualifications in policy, law or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)

Engagement details

• Labour hire contract aligned to APS EL1 equivalent
• Market-aligned hourly rates (depending on experience)
• Standard Working Arrangement
  • 37.5 hours per week
  • Full-time on-site (flexibility may be negotiated case-by-case)

How to apply

Please submit:

• Your CV, and
• A short pitch (1-2 pages) outlining:
  • your relevant policy experience
  • examples of complex policy work you’ve led or contributed to
  • your approach to stakeholder engagement and delivering outcomes

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