EL1 Assistant Director, Strategic Policy | National | Jul 2026 – Dec 2026

About the Client

Our client is a Federal Government agency responsible for delivering nationally significant policy and reform initiatives. The organisation works across government, industry and community stakeholders to support evidence-based decision making and improve outcomes for Australians. This role sits within a policy environment focused on reform, implementation and stakeholder engagement.

About the Role

The EL1 Assistant Director, Strategic Policy will lead strategic policy development, reform implementation and stakeholder engagement activities within a complex government environment. The role requires strong analytical capability, sound judgement and the ability to manage relationships across a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. You will contribute to policy design, implementation planning, governance activities and strategic advice to support organisational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead analysis of complex policy issues and provide evidence-based advice.
• Develop policy papers, briefing materials, reports and correspondence.
• Support delivery and implementation of policy and reform initiatives.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to influence policy outcomes.
• Lead consultation and engagement activities across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Identify and manage risks within a complex operating environment.
• Provide leadership and guidance to team members.
• Contribute to branch planning, governance and continuous improvement activities.

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience in strategic policy development and implementation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Experience preparing high-quality briefs, reports and policy documentation.
• Strong analytical, conceptual and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to exercise judgement in complex and sensitive environments.
• Experience leading teams or coordinating policy activities within government or similar environments.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience working within policy, reform, program or regulatory environments is highly regarded.

Eligibility / Other Requirements

• Work Rights: Australian citizens only.
• Pre-employment Checks: Relevant pre-employment checks may apply.
• Security Clearance: No clearance requirement specified. Australian citizenship is required.

Why this role may appeal

This opportunity offers exposure to strategic policy development and implementation within a nationally significant reform environment. It provides the chance to influence policy outcomes, work closely with senior stakeholders and contribute to complex government priorities while operating at the EL1 leadership level.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Current CV
• A pitch or Statement of capability addressing the selection criterias
• Evidence of Australian work rights
• Two professional referees

Applications that do not include all the requested information may not be considered.

For over 30 years Talent has been redefining the contracting experience with industry leading support, exclusive contractor benefits & a world-class digital platform ENGAGE to access it all. Apply today to see how we can elevate your career

EL1 Program Manager | National | Jul 2026 – Dec 2026

About the Client

Our client is a Federal Government agency responsible for delivering nationally significant programs and services that support Australians across a range of policy and operational areas.
The organisation operates in a complex stakeholder environment and is focused on delivering quality outcomes, strong governance and effective program delivery across its national functions.

About the Role

This EL1 Program Manager role is responsible for leading complex program and project activities, providing leadership to team members and contractors, and managing stakeholder relationships across internal and external environments. The position requires strong judgement, program governance capability and the ability to manage risks, priorities and delivery outcomes in a dynamic operating environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex programs and projects with agency-wide impact
• Oversee project outputs, objectives, deliverables and performance measures
• Coordinate contractors, consultants and specialist service providers
• Provide expert advice on program management, governance and delivery
• Manage program risks and implement mitigation strategies
• Lead strategic planning and longer-term program initiatives
• Build and maintain productive stakeholder relationships
• Contribute to branch leadership and foster a high-performing team culture

Skills and Experience

• Experience leading complex government programs, projects or reform initiatives
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and delivery deadlines
• High-level written communication skills, including briefing and reporting
• Sound governance, risk management and decision-making capability
• Experience leading teams within a public sector or similarly complex environment

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent professional experience
• Program, project management or public sector delivery experience highly regarded

Eligibility / Other Requirements

• Work Rights: Australian citizens only
• Pre-employment Checks: Employment Suitability Check and Police Check may apply
• Security Clearance: To be confirmed
• Location: National opportunities available

Why this role may appeal

This opportunity offers the chance to lead high-profile programs with broad organisational impact while working with senior stakeholders across government. It will suit experienced program managers who enjoy balancing strategic planning, governance, delivery and stakeholder engagement in a complex environment.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Current CV
• Pitch/Summary of addressing the role requirements
• Confirmation of Australian citizenship/work rights
• Contact details for two referees

Applications that do not include all the requested information may not be considered.

For over 30 years Talent has been redefining the contracting experience with industry leading support, exclusive contractor benefits & a world-class digital platform ENGAGE to access it all. Apply today to see how we can elevate your career

Talent International is currently recruiting for an APS6 Support Need Assessors to work for one of our Federal Government clients. These roles are to support people with disability and conduct comprehensive assessments that inform evidence-based decisions regarding support needs.

ROLE DETAILS:
Eligibility: Australian citizenship required (Federal Government)
Location: West Australia (metro/regional) and Australia wide
Start date: Monday 13 July 2026 (mandatory start date)
Contract: Initial term until 31 December 2026 – high likelihood for extensions
Hours: Full-time, Mon-Fri, 7.5hr days
Rate: $61.86 per hour + Super
Checks: Police Check required
Close: Thursday 11 June, 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE:
You’ll conduct support needs assessments by gathering information from participants and their representatives, analysing and synthesising evidence, and preparing clear written assessment reports. You’ll communicate respectfully (including trauma-informed and culturally aware approaches), escalate issues where required, and contribute to service improvements across the team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct support needs assessments and gather information from Participants/representatives
• Analyse and interpret evidence to inform defensible, evidence-based assessment decisions
• Prepare clear, accurate written assessment reports
• Communicate clearly with participants and support networks (virtual and face-to-face), explaining process and outcomes
• Identify and escalate issues based on complexity, risk or policy limitations
• Use digital tools/CRM systems to capture outcomes and manage information securely
• Contribute to learning and team capability (mentoring/support as required)

MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS:
Recognised tertiary qualification in allied health: (evidence required with application)
OT, Physio, Speech Path, Social Work, Dietetics, Exercise Physiology, Rehab Counselling, Counselling/Psychotherapy) or relevant health discipline (RN/EN, Education degree clinician, NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner)

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Experience in the administration of assessments of support need, or other relevant person-centred assessment frameworks (highly regarded)
• Accreditation or experience using the I-CAN Support Needs Assessment Tool is (highly regarded)
• Strong assessment/interviewing skills and ability to gather, analyse and synthesise information into clear recommendations
• Confident evidence interpretation and ability to write clear, objective, defensible assessment findings
• Trauma-informed, inclusive and culturally safe practice; strong communication skills for complex/sensitive conversations
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet operational requirements
• Experience with CRM/case management systems and strong privacy/confidentiality practice

APPLY:
Submit your resume (including evidence of qualification), or for further information please contact Kelly Williams on 0409 005 286

For over 30 years Talent has been redefining the contracting experience with industry leading support, exclusive contractor benefits & a world-class digital platform ENGAGE to access it all. Apply today to see how we can elevate your career