About the role The Branch Manager, Participant Outcomes, Evidence & Evaluation is an SES Band 1 position, reporting to the General Manager Policy and Practice Leadership. The Branch Manager has 5 direct reports, and responsibility for a Branch of approximately 30 staff located across multiple locations. This leadership position will inform the strategic planning of the NDIA's priorities and strategic direction and has responsibility for the NDIA's Participant Outcomes Framework and the Agency's program of research and evaluation to improve participant experience and outcomes. The Branch Manager will foster a learning culture within the Agency and ensure that policy and practice is informed by a contemporary evidence base. That evidence may include: published and refereed literature and any consensus of expert opinion; lived experience of the participant or their supporters; or through data and insights collected by the Agency through the operation of the NDIS. This role is accountable for the: Monitoring participant outcomes in the context of the NDIS Participant Outcomes Framework and using participant outcomes data and insights to inform operational policy and practice. Lead the NDIS research function to inform the strategic priorities, opportunities and reform activities of the Agency. Lead the evaluation function for the Agency including overseeing the delivery of implementation and outcomes evaluations, building evaluation capability across the organisation, and preparation of high-quality evaluation reports. Foster and maintain strategic relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, including strategic partnerships and engagement with the disability research community. The priorities of the Branch are: establishing a more systematised approach to how information on participant outcomes is collected, collated, and analysed developing a dedicated evaluation capability across the NDIA and evaluating key NDIS reforms driving the NDIA's research agenda and building and leveraging Strategic Partnerships with external research bodies to align with the NDIS reform goals, and to facilitate innovation and Scheme outcomes. For more information regarding the capabilities required of SES APS leaders, please consider the relevant Leadership Profile in line with the APS Integrated Leadership System (linked). The key responsibilities of the role are based on current priorities and may change over time. This role can be performed from Melbourne, Sydney or Canberra, and remote working arrangements may be considered. The key duties of the position include About you This role is ideal for a strategic leader with deep understanding of evaluation, research, and outcomes measurement to inform policy and practice. This includes the ability to produce high-quality, publishable reports. What we're looking for in our ideal candidates: Experience leading a research and evaluation team , ideally within a large service provider, consultancy, government agency or related setting. Senior strategic and/or operational leadership experience , with energy and expertise to shape strategic work programs, set clear priorities, and lead a very diverse team to consistently deliver high-quality operational outcomes Senior strategic and/or operational leadership experience , with energy and expertise to establish a compelling vision for the branch and enhance team engagement and collaboration, foster a culture of continuous improvement and provide informed and accurate leadership and guidance to improve operational policy and practice, systems and processes A proven track-record of working collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders , including within government, the research community and data custodians, to develop, design and evaluate the efficacy of significant reforms, programs and systems ability to navigate complexity and exhibit integrity, drive and resilience , You bring sharp judgement and excel in dynamic, fast paced and high-pressure environments. A natural connector and collaborator who thrives on working across teams, identifying shared goals and working in a highly matrixed organisation undertaking significant reform. Curiosity and preparedness to learn , fostering a learning culture to ensure that policy and practice is informed by the evidence base and evaluation of participant experience and outcomes. For more information regarding the capabilities required of SES APS leaders, please consider the relevant Leadership Profile in line with the APS Integrated Leadership System (linked).
