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 The Corporate and Governance team is responsible for delivering enabling services that support the operation of the Commission and facilitates the Commission's compliance with legislation, policies and guidelines as a non-corporate Commonwealth entity. The section is responsible for managing the efficient and effective operations of the DVSC, across finance, procurement, security, property, ICT, information management and governance. The section ensures DVSC's compliance with regulatory requirements and obligations and manages operational risk to protect the Commission's assets and reputation. The team develops the Commission's strategic framework, delivers on strategic objectives and strategic projects relating to enabling functions and contributes to the delivery of whole of agency priorities. The section supports efficient resource management and corporate accountability through functions such as financial management, performance reporting, parliamentary services, procurement and property management. We are seeking a skilled and experienced Assistant Director, Corporate and Governance to join the DVSC. You will operate under broad direction to coordinate enabling functions, governance frameworks, compliance processes, and assurance activities that support effective decision-making and uphold the DVSC's integrity and accountability. You will: Coordinate corporate reporting obligations, including Corporate and Annual Reports, Senate Estimates briefing, and internal governance documentation Contribute to development, implementation and continuous improvement of the DVSC's enabling functions, operating model, policies and processes Coordinate and support the Commission's enabling services including finance, procurement, security, facilities, ICT, information management, parliamentary and governance Work with the Finance Officer to support sound financial management and enable high quality approaches to internal budgeting, cash management, external budget processes and reporting internally and externally Support compliance with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (PGPA) Act 2013, the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) and other government policies and legislation Build and maintain productive working relationships across the Commission to support effective operations Work with the secretariat function to support the Audit and Risk Committee, including through advising on agendas, and scheduling. The key duties of the position include Our ideal candidate The occupant of this role demonstrates integrity, independence and compassion while delivering the work of the Commission and has: Experience developing corporate strategy and reporting documents including Corporate and Annual Reports, Senate Estimates briefing, and internal governance documentation Strong understanding of governance principles, frameworks and best-practice in the APS Experience in the provision and management of enabling services across finance, procurement, security, property, ICT and information management, parliamentary and governance Experience in financial management and reporting, including a strong understanding of internal and external budget processes Proven experience in risk management, compliance monitoring and corporate reporting, including in relation to the PGPA, Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) and the PSPF Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience in drafting informative and useful documents for colleagues and executives A flexible and adaptable approach, and is comfortable in working in a dynamic environment. Qualifications / Experience The following is required: Demonstrated experience in a leadership role within one or more enabling service domains Demonstrated experience in managing the production of the Corporate Plan and Annual Report within a Commonwealth government setting Demonstrated understanding of the PGPA Act 2013, PSPF and CPRs and associated compliance requirements Experience in financial and resource management, including management reporting Demonstrated ability to work under limited guidance, identify problems or issues and resolve them. The following is highly regarded: Experience in managing parliamentary and ministerial processes Chartered public accountant, project management, ICT, certificate IV in procurement, or other relevant qualification.
