Who we are

National Archives of Australia (National Archives) provides leadership in the best practice management of the official record of the Commonwealth and ensures that Australian Government information of enduring significance is secured, preserved and available to government agencies, researchers and the community.

Our vision: National Archives is committed to being a world-leading archive and strives to strengthen Australia's cultural identity and democracy by connecting people with the evidence of Australian Government activities and decisions. National Archives endeavour to meet the future needs of government and expectations of the Australian public in our rapidly changing digital environment. Underpinning the transformative strategies to enable, secure, connect and innovate is a drive for comprehensive digital capability and service delivery. National Archives is committed to:

• innovation
• collaboration
• inclusion

National Archives is also committed to developing the capability and expertise of our staff, we offer a Studies Assistance Program that supports staff to achieve individual goals as well as increasing their capacity to help achieve the National Archives’ strategic objectives. Our Health and Wellbeing program encourages and supports a healthier workplace and healthy lifestyle changes for employees.

About the role

The Government Information Policy and Standards section set and steward whole-of-government information policy and standards, uplifting agency maturity through products, guidance and targeted engagement. We seek to ensure information is managed and governed according to its value, strengthening accountability and public trust. The section is also responsible for developing and maintaining strategic relationships with stakeholders to actively promote information and data management maturity in Australian government agencies.

We are seeking applications for an ongoing Assistant Director in the team. The role’s focus is on policy and standards and would provide a successful applicant with an excellent opportunity to develop and innovate, while working across government.

Why join us?

• Work at the centre of government information policy and standards
• Influence and shape how government operates
• Join a highly capable, supportive and mission-driven team, and
• Contribute to safeguarding the integrity of the public record for future generations.

The roles suit applicants who enjoy:

• using their highly-developed interpersonal skills
• engaging with diverse stakeholders at different levels
• exploring innovative approaches to problem solving, and
• working in a tight-knit team with diverse skill sets to deliver timely results.

Requirement: Tertiary qualifications, and/or demonstrated work experience in areas such as archives, information and data management, government policy, standards development (or related fields) is highly desirable.

Under limited direction, the main duties of the role are to:

• Lead the development, management and delivery of National Archives’ information policies, standards, tools and advice to improve information management maturity information assets in the Australian Government. Manage projects that support delivery of the section’s annual work plan and any new priorities.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with stakeholders to actively promote information management maturity in Australian government agencies and support uptake of National Archives’ recommendations and requirements. Represent the interests of National Archives.
• Research, analyse and monitor the national and international information management environment, including providing high-level technical advice to the National Archives’ Executive. Lead and coordinate section responses to external inquiries and legislative proposals supporting National Archives’ role.
• Supervise staff and manage small project teams to deliver projects and tasks in line with agreed timeframes and contribute to leadership of the section. National Archives has a skilled and diverse workforce. We value our people, performance, integrity and service, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability and people from every cultural and linguistic background.
• Identify and provide specialised advice to solve complex problems and contribute to and participate in National Archives’ strategic transformation and change agenda.
• Apply the APS and National Archives values and contemporary people management principles and practices in equity and diversity, WHS and participative management practices.
• Promote and apply the National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in Strategy 2025–2030: Evolving National Archives and Our Values.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible for the role you must be an Australian citizen. If you are selected, you will be required to successfully undergo a pre-employment check and be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at a Baseline level, with the ability to obtain Negative Vetting Level 1 clearance.

How to apply

You need to apply through our e-recruitment system.

• Your application will need to include:
• the names and contact details of at least two referees, one of whom should be a current supervisor.
• your current resume (2 pages maximum).
• statement (750 words maximum), describing how your skills, knowledge, and experience/qualifications would enable you to perform the duties of the role taking into account the “Performance Expectations” at the relevant classification and National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in Strategy 2025–2030: Evolving National Archives and Our Values.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information see: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability