The Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) is Australia’s national human rights institution, dedicated to fostering a society where human rights are upheld, protected, and celebrated. We envision an Australia where every individual is valued equally in dignity and rights.

Our mission involves promoting and safeguarding the human rights of all Australians by:

• Advising all levels of government and various public and private organisations.
• Strengthening laws, policies, and practices while providing accessible investigation and conciliation services.
• Engaging inclusively with civil society, communities, and the private sector.
• Raising awareness about human rights and offering educational resources.
• Collaborating with partners to cultivate a culture of respect for human rights across the nation.

We are looking for a passionate and experienced leader to join our Human Rights Scrutiny Team. In this vital role, you will support the work program of the Human Rights Commissioner focusing on issues relating to human rights and technology; emergency management and human rights; immigration detention and asylum seeker and refugee human rights issues; and other issues affecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.

This full-time, ongoing position offers a competitive salary range of $134,235 - $157,759 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation.

We offer flexible hybrid and remote work options to suit your lifestyle.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide high level advice to the President, Commissioners and the Commission in general in relation to human rights and fundamental freedoms
• Manage and lead the Human Rights Scrutiny Team in meeting the strategic goals of the Commission and delivering timely, relevant materials of a high standard, including submissions to parliamentary inquiries.
• Manage and coordinate, as well as contribute to, the conduct of research, policy development and planning activities of the team, including developing documents including discussion papers, speeches and submissions.
• Manage the resources of the team and effectively supervise staff in a fluid environment where resources may be allocated across teams and work on concurrent projects may have overlapping deadlines.
• Collaborate with the Senior Policy Executive, other project teams and cross Commission teams in the development and delivery of key Commission priorities and on areas of overlap with other Policy Managers.
• Develop, maintain and nurture networks and liaise with identified internal and external stakeholders across a range of constituencies, communities, government agencies and organisations.
• Attend consultative and other meetings and represent the Commissioner/ Commission as required; including before parliamentary committees and other public inquiries and participate in the public awareness/ promotional work of the Commission

What We’re Looking For:

• High level knowledge of Australia’s international human rights obligations, domestic system for implementation of human rights and fundamental freedoms (including parliamentary processes) and of contemporary human rights issues in Australia.
• Demonstrated capacity for strategic thinking, political awareness, sound judgement and creative problem solving.
• Demonstrated high proficiency in conducting research, providing complex policy advice and written communication skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated management ability including a capacity for leadership and experience in managing staff, resources and projects, and in responding flexibly to changing work demands.
• Highly developed relationship management skills, with a capacity to ensure that various stakeholder interests are recognised and managed positively and professionally.
• Highly developed communication skills including a demonstrated ability to communicate confidently, persuasively, sensitively and articulately, on matters relevant to the delivery of the Commission’s identified strategic priorities across a range of human rights issues.

Why Join Us?

By becoming a part of our team, you'll play a vital role in influencing public conversations about human rights and making a meaningful impact. If you’re ready to use your skills to support a cause that matters, we want to hear from you!

Apply Now! Help us shape the future of human rights communication in Australia. Join us in making a difference!

Notes

We strongly encourage First Nations people and individuals from other negatively racialised backgrounds to apply.

We value inclusivity and diversity and seek people who support and model the behaviours we promote in our workforce. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations Australians, mature workers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, culturally and marginalised communities, carers, LGBTIQA+ and people with disability.

Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS).

The Commission is committed to providing an accessible, inclusive work environment to enable people with a disability to participate fully in all aspects of employment. Applicants are encouraged to request reasonable adjustment as required to assist your participation in this recruitment process.

The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies in the Commission where the duties are of a similar nature.

How to Apply

Please provide a resume and a statement (maximum of 2 pages) outlining your interest in this position(s), your experience that would lead to impactful outcomes in the role, and the skills and capabilities you bring.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to fulfil the requirements of the role in an impartial and respectful manner as required by the APS Code of Conduct. The successful candidate will uphold the integrity and independence of the Australian Human Rights Commission.

As part of the recruitment and selection process, applicants will be required to consent to and undergo background checks which may include character and social media checks.

For more Information

Information about the role and Commission practices may be sought from Daren Dick, Senior Policy Executive - Human Rights and Strategy via email [email protected] using the subject line: Director - Human Rights Scrutiny Team enquiry via EthicalJobs.