About the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission The Defence and Veterans' Service Commission (DVSC) provides 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 Australian Government established the DVSC as a new Non-corporate Commonwealth Entity (NCE) on 29 September 2025 in response to the key recommendation of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Key functions of the DVSC include: monitoring, inquiring and reporting on issues relevant to suicide and suicidality for serving and ex-serving ADF members; monitoring, inquiring and reporting on the implementation of the Government's response to the recommendations of the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission, improving supports for serving and ex-serving ADF members, working with coroners to understand issues contributing to Defence and veteran deaths by suicide, and promoting an understanding of suicide risks and wellbeing for Defence members and veterans, including through engaging with people with lived experience. Working at the DVSC As a new agency, the DVSC is now recruiting staff and capabilities and will continue to do so over the coming year. You have an opportunity to join us now where your expertise can help influence and shape our strategy in support of the Commissioner's independent oversight of wide-ranging reforms across the Defence and veteran ecosystem. We are looking to recruit high performing and dedicated staff from a range of capabilities, who demonstrate integrity, independence and compassion. A key focus of the DVSC's work is the prevention of suicide and suicidality. While the DVSC has a proactive wellbeing program, applicants are encouraged to consider their personal circumstances when applying for this role. Applicants can familiarise themselves with the findings and recommendations of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide for further information. The DVSC is an independent agency. We are currently physically located in Canberra, within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet under a shared service arrangement. While we transition our employment framework, the successful candidate may be on-boarded via the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and subsequently transitioned to the DVSC. Employment with the DVSC is offered under the Public Service (Terms and Conditions of Employment) (Defence and Veterans' Service Commission) Determination 2025. About the Role The Assistant Director, Oversight and Evaluation, will work as part of a small team to manage activities relating to the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the implementation and outcomes of the Australian Government's response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The Assistant Director will also assist the DVSC's work in identifying and advising on systemic factors in the administration of policies, programs, systems and practices in relation to the prevention of suicide and suicidality among serving and ex-serving ADF members. Located in the Oversight and Engagement branch of the DVSC, and reporting to the Director of Oversight and Engagement, the Assistant Director will manage the development and implementation of robust oversight frameworks that support the Commissioner's statutory responsibilities, develop evidence-based advice and recommendations to improve the prevention of suicide and suicidality across the Defence and veteran ecosystem, prepare high quality reports and publications, including DVSC reports to be tabled in the Australian Parliament, collaborate within the DVSC to prepare well-researched information, and supervise staff. The key duties of the position include Our ideal candidate We are looking for a skilled and motivated Assistant Director with: High-level judgement, critical thinking and problem-solving ability, who can objectively seek, clarify, analyse and evaluate information from a range of sources. Advanced analytical, policy and/or research skills, with demonstrated experience, or the ability to acquire, skills in monitoring and evaluation methodologies or performance measurement. Ability to understand and support the Commissioner's statutory functions of monitoring, inquiring and reporting on systemic reforms to prevent suicide and suicidality, in accordance with the DVSC's enabling legislation ( Part VIIIE of the Defence Act 1903 ). Well developed stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to engage effectively across government and with non-government stakeholders. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare, and lead the development of, complex briefings and reports for publication. Strong ability to personally uphold the DVSC's independence, impartiality, and professionalism at all times. Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to manage, develop and motivate staff, and to work effectively with other DVSC capability areas. Qualifications / Experience The following is required: Demonstrated experience or tertiary qualifications in one or more capability areas relevant to the role (such as, policy and program implementation, monitoring and evaluation, law, performance auditing, benefits realisation, program logic, communication and reporting, etc.). The following will be highly regarded: Relevant tertiary qualifications Membership with a relevant professional body.
