The key duties of the position include The Role The Assistant Director Strategic Issues Management will work with a high level of independence to proactively identify emerging enterprise-wide issues, assess their implications and shape advice and governance approaches to support timely and effective decision-making by the Senior Leadership Group and ministers. They will use their-depth knowledge of governance functions to develop and implement policies and procedures. This includes engaging in complex problem solving and performing sensitive project work that impacts strategic, political or operational outcomes for Defence. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to: Planning and managing the development, implementation and continuous improvement of business governance activities in alignment with Defence priorities and strategic direction. Develop high-quality, actionable advice that enhances the enterprise decision-making. Providing clear and strategically informed advice on complex issues, recommending course of action, and incorporate robust risk management practices. Collaborate effectively to build and sustain strong working relationships, motivate and provide constructive feedback to the team, and across stakeholder groups. About our Team The Strategic Priorities Branch supports the Deputy Secretary Governance to improve the quality, responsiveness and relevance of departmental advice to Defence portfolio ministers and their offices. We aim to help Defence deliver better, faster and more efficiently, and improve coordination across all Groups and Services. The Strategic Issues Management section in the Strategic Priorities Branch is an in-house 'think tank' to address governance issues and key demands arising from the senior leadership group, our portfolio ministers and other key stakeholders. Our goal is to strengthen decision-making across the organisation. Current projects in the Strategic Issues Management section includes: Uplifting the Defence operating model to evolve with the National Defence Strategy cycle and support Defence through competition, crisis and conflict. Testing additional security processes to protect sensitive Defence information, deter unauthorised disclosures and raise awareness of Defence personnel security obligations. Our Ideal Candidate Our ideal candidate is an experienced strategic thinker and communicator with a deep interest in and understanding of our current strategic and policy environment; with the following: High-level analytical and communication skills, including the ability to synthesise complex information and write clearly, succinctly and persuasively for a ministerial and the Senior Leadership Group. Proven ability to lead peers, manage upwards and be accountable for the delivery of high-quality outcomes. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop positive, collaborative working relationships across stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to anticipate and respond to stakeholder needs, making logical connections of emerging issues enterprise-wide. Confidence and judgement to respectfully challenge the status quo to innovate and improve outcomes. Initiative, resilience, flexibility and demonstrated capacity to solve problems under pressure, balancing competing priorities and managing ambiguity. A merit list will be created to fill future vacancies. For more information please reach out to the contact officer.
