About the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission The Defence and Veterans' Service Commission (DVSC) will provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to government on reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members. The Interim DVSC currently resides within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) but will commence as a separate entity on 29 September 2025. It is expected that staff will be employed under the Public Service (Terms and Conditions of Employment) (Defence and Veterans' Service Commission) Determination 2025. The DVSC will be established as a new Non-corporate Commonwealth Entity (NCE) to oversee reform across the whole Defence ecosystem. Establishment of the DVSC is in response to recommendation 122 of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. As a new Commonwealth Entity, the DVSC is looking to recruit high performing and dedicated staff from a range of capabilities, who demonstrate integrity, independence and compassion. Key functions of the DVSC include improving supports for serving and ex-serving ADF members, collaborating with coroners to understand issues contributing to defence and veteran deaths by suicide, promoting the understanding of suicide risks for defence members and veterans and factors that can improve the wellbeing of defence members and veterans, including through engaging with people with lived experiences and promoting that lived experience and monitor, and inquire and report on the Commonwealth's implementation of the Government's response to the recommendations of the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission. Working at the DVSC Applicants are encouraged to consider their personal circumstances when applying for this role. The DVSC's areas of focus include monitoring, inquiring and reporting on the prevention of suicide, suicidality and the promotion of wellbeing amongst serving and ex-serving ADF members. We encourage applicants to familiarise themselves with the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Final Report. The DVSC has a proactive wellbeing program in place, if you have any concerns speak to the contact officer before submitting your application. People and Wellbeing team The People and Wellbeing team is responsible for delivering strategic and operational Human Resources (HR) functions, security and facilities services. Priorities for this team over the next 12-18 months are the set up of the DVSC HR functions including relevant systems, policies and procedures. The team will embed the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, and the proactive Wellbeing Program for staff, and ensure that WHS requirements are consistently satisfied. The team will provide ongoing recruitment support and facilitation of staff on and offboarding. Some services will be delivered via a shared service arrangement, as such liaison with HR, property and security shared service providers will be necessary to ensure high quality and timely services are received. About the Role We are seeking a passionate and experienced HR professional to lead and coordinate initiatives that promote and support staff wellbeing at the DVSC. The role will operate under direction of the Director, People and Wellbeing, to design and deploy programs that enhance psychological safety of the DVSC workplace, as well as delivering other core HR functions. You will: Support managers and the executive through providing high-quality advice on HR policy, employment frameworks and workforce matters Ensure compliance with workplace health and safety standards, addressing HR-related risks in accordance with legislative requirements Coordinate end-to-end recruitment activities in line with the Public Service Act 1999 and DVSC policy Support and guide managers in workforce planning, performance management, learning and development, and employee relations Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of staff wellbeing strategies, policies and programs Partner with internal and external stakeholders to deliver the proactive Wellbeing Program, reactive Employee Assistance Scheme (EAP) initiatives and training Monitor, analyse and report on workplace data, including from surveys, to support informed decision making Contribute to HR policy development with a focus on continuous improvement Ensure the accuracy and integrity of employee records and HR systems, contributing to trusted and accountable HR operation The key duties of the position include Capabilities of our ideal candidate The occupant of this role demonstrates integrity, independence and compassion while delivering the work of the Commission and has: Experience in the HR function within a Commonwealth entity Strong understanding of workplace wellbeing principles, psychosocial risk management and relevant legislation, including the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Fair Work Act 2009 Proven experience in designing and implementing wellbeing or organisational health programs Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build trust High developed written and verbal communications skills Strong analytical skills to interpret and translate data, to produce clear reports and engaging resources Sound judgement and sensitivity when handling complex or confidential matters and providing advice to staff, networks, and senior leaders. Qualifications / Experience The following is required: Experience in a HR role within the APS environment. The following is desirable: Tertiary qualifications/certificates in HR or of similar nature.
