About the department
The department plays a key role in the Australian Government’s agenda to create jobs and build a stronger, more resilient and competitive economy. Our work builds on Australia’s existing strengths, supports businesses to grow, and drives new opportunities for long-term productivity growth and prosperity. The success of the department helps Australia recover from the economic consequences of COVID‑19 and adapt to its ongoing effects. Through our work, we support the government’s economic recovery plan and help to deliver a better future for all Australians.
About the team
The National Measurement Institute (NMI) is Australian Government’s peak authority on measurement. We play an important role in the Australian economy by leading, maintaining and regulating Australia’s measurement system. We deliver world-class measurement products, advice and client services and administer the regulatory framework for measurement.
We value the different skills, knowledge and perspectives our employees bring. We’re committed to giving everyone an equal opportunity to participate, contribute and progress. The APS values exemplify personal drive and integrity, but in addition we also consider that the following values and behaviours of being, adaptable, innovative, accountable, strategic, inclusive and influential are a cornerstone of our organisation.
The Legal Metrology Branch primary role is to administer Australia’s measurement legislation, ensuring a level playing field, for consumers, businesses and international trade.
The opportunity
The role is dynamic and involves not only mentoring and assisting officers so ‘traditional’ regulatory outcomes can be delivered but also works collaboratively with businesses and organisations to achieve compliance. The Legal Metrology Branch is committed to being a contemporary regulator - the role is expected to innovate and help develop alternative compliance strategies.
The Legal Metrology Branch is also undertaking a full legislative review so this will be an opportunity to contribute towards creating a modern, effective framework. This will include the development of civil remedies and other compliance tools.
Our ideal candidate
Our ideal candidate will:
- Demonstrate experience and enthusiasm for delivering compliance activities, including the completion of quality investigations.
- Compile evidence and draft succinct, objective reports that highlight the critical decision-making points.
- Audit information from a wide variety of sources, apply advanced analytical skills and exercise good judgement to arrive at reasoned and justifiable decisions.
- Think and act strategically, including researching, planning and implementing practices, procedures or programs to improve service delivery.
- Mentor staff and build team capacity through coaching, influencing and encouraging development.
Our department has a commitment to inclusion and diversity, with an ambition of being the best possible place to work. This reflects the importance we place on our people and on creating a workplace culture where each and every one of us is valued and respected for our contribution. Our ideal candidate adds to this culture and our workplace in their own way.
What you will do
Provide a high level of support, monitoring and decision-making relating to investigations and investigative practices undertaken by the Legal Metrology Branch, operating under limited direction. You will:
- Maintain knowledge in professional investigative practice and enforcement within the statutory, regulatory and policy framework.
- Contribute to strategic planning, training and project management where investigation knowledge is necessary.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships to support the facilitation of effective investigation planning meetings.
- Leverage effective internal relationships with Legal Metrology Branch Officers and Assistant Managers to enhance knowledge and investigative practices that will enable the production of quality investigations.
- Conduct quality assurance checks to ensure policy and procedures are being followed and effectively provide feedback and guidance.
- Identify areas for improvement and facilitate ideas and strategies to address them, negotiate with management to deliver training and mentoring activities.
- Draft investigative practice policy documents.
- Investigate breaches of trade measurement legislation of a complex or sensitive nature, and prepare investigation briefs. Working with Assistant Managers, co-ordinate the investigation of nationwide issues.
- Lead in the negotiation and development of co-operative undertakings with regulated entities. Effectively partner with the entity and internal stakeholders to identify the sources needed to obtain verification data and lead audits to test conformity.
- Review investigation briefs applying the rules of evidence, relevant legislation, best practice and internal procedures to arrive at reasoned and justifiable recommendations to present to the executive.
- Assist in the drafting of submissions to the public prosecutor.
- Develop and support relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Eligibility
To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.
Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
Applicants will hold a Certificate IV in Government Investigations or equivalent and possess a current Australian driver’s licence.
Notes
Whilst not mandatory, a Certificate IV in Trade Measurement is desirable. If the successful candidate does not possess this qualification, on the job training will be provided to gain the required knowledge and experience.
The successful applicant will be required to undertake inter and intra-state travel of approximately 6 weeks [24 nights] annually, with overnight absences away from home for periods of up to a week at a time. Some out of hours work may also be required.
The department offers flexible work opportunities for many roles. Regular attendance at one of our offices is expected, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.
The successful applicant will gain exposure to a wide variety of business with potential to contain varying workplace environmental hazards. In accordance with activity risk assessments, policy and/or health recommendations associated with some of our activities, vaccination against hepatitis A and B, tetanus and other viral pathogens may be required.
To support the ongoing health and wellbeing of our employees in monitoring effects of varying workplace environmental hazards, the NMI may require the successful applicant undertake periodic health checks to monitor the risk.
There are up to 2 positions currently available for filling. A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.
How to apply
Please provide a pitch and CV explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role and why you are the best candidate for the position. Your pitch can contain no more than 5000 characters (approximately 750 words) and should align to the ‘Our ideal candidate’ and ‘What you will do’ sections. Please also ensure that you address your personal alignment with NMI’s values and behaviours in the ‘About the team’ section.
Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information.
Please complete your application online and provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format).
Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact recruitment@industry.gov.au or (02) 6276 1235 if you require assistance with your application.
Please refer to our Applying for a position information for additional information on how to apply.
Contact Information
For more information on this vacancy, please contact Neil Yates via email neil.yates@measurement.gov.au or 0457 549 035.
