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 with 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 This role will support the monitoring and evaluation of, and reporting on the implementation of the Government's response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide to improve the prevention of suicide and suicidality across the Defence and veteran ecosystem. The Senior Oversight and Evaluation Officer will work as part of a small team and will report to the Assistant Director, Oversight and Evaluation. They will undertake a range of research, information-gathering and reporting functions to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and quality of the DVSC's oversight of system reforms to the Defence veteran ecosystem. The role includes: Identifying, reviewing and validating program data, and analysing and reporting on the implementation of Royal Commission recommendations Developing and maintaining tools, templates and guidance materials to support oversight practices across the team Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying gaps and proposing solutions to strengthen oversight and evaluation practices Building and maintaining effective working relationships with external and internal stakeholders to support information gathering, analysis and reporting arrangements Assisting in the development of high quality reports and publications, including DVSC reports to be tabled in the Australian Parliament. The key duties of the position include Our ideal candidate We are seeking a motivated and professional Senior Oversight and Evaluation Officer with: Demonstrated critical thinking skills, with the ability to source, analyse and report on information from a range of sources Sound understanding of monitoring and evaluation methodologies and their practical application, or effective policy and program implementation, or the ability to quickly acquire it Ability to undertake research and interpret and apply legislation, policies and procedures in complex matters, with excellent attention to detail Well-developed written communication skills, with the ability to communicate with influence, prepare high-quality reports, correspondence, and briefing materials Commitment to uphold the APS Code of Conduct, APS Values, and to always ensure the independence and impartiality of the DVSC Demonstrated professional skills in engaging stakeholders, including having an understanding of trauma informed engagement Ability to work independently and as part of a team, while effectively contributing to team objectives. Qualifications / Experience The following is required: Relevant professional experience and/or tertiary qualifications in one or more relevant capability areas. The following are highly regarded: Experience working in an oversight, policy or regulatory agency, undertaking an evaluation or oversight role Transferrable experience or skills in policy and program implementation, monitoring and evaluation, law, performance auditing, benefits realisation, program logic, communication and reporting, etc.
