Senior Researcher
Job Details
Job Title: Senior Researcher
Employment Type: Non-Ongoing (Intermittent/Irregular Casual)
Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 1
Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 28 November 2024
Contact: Michele A Brennan, 6277 2764, michele.brennan@aph.gov.au
The Opportunity
The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting for a Parliamentary Executive Level 1 Senior Researcher within Research Branch.
Parliamentary Library researchers provide high quality information, analysis and advice to Senators and Members of Parliament in support of their parliamentary and representational roles. The work is diverse and challenging and involves providing information or tailored briefings directly to Senators, Members and their staff, often within tight deadlines. The work also involves writing publications, which may include analysis of policy, budget documents and legislation.
The Law and Bills Digest Section works across a range of legal issues of relevance to the Parliament, including responding directly to requests for information from parliamentarians and preparing publications (in particular, Bills Digests).
Who we are looking for
The Law and Bills Digest Section is looking for legal researchers with sound judgement who can work across a range of areas of law and legal issues relevant to Parliament. You will need to be able to succinctly and accurately summarise and explain complex legal issues and legislation in a clear, non-technical manner. Knowledge and expertise in tax, corporations, health or migration law will be highly regarded.
All roles require an ability to write clearly and succinctly, and to quickly find and provide accurate, relevant information and advice to parliamentary clients.
Job Specific Requirements:
- Senior Researchers in the Law & Bills Digest Section are required to have a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) qualification (as a minimum).
- The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected/Restricted) security clearance.
At DPS, we acknowledge the value diversity brings. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds and people with disability.
Duty Statement
Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 1
Branch: Research
Section: Law & Bills Digest
Immediate supervisor: Parliamentary Executive Level 2 (Director)
Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Executive Level 1 classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Providing high quality research, analysis and advice on complex issues (including the identification, retrieval, analysis and synthesis of information from diverse sources) to clients and internal stakeholders on legal matters
2. Write, co-write and/or review Bills Digests as allocated and in accordance with requirements, including adherence to timeframes
3. Preparing research papers and information resources on a range of matters to inform parliamentary clients and other stakeholders, and that maintain the Library’s high standards of scholarship and integrity
4. Providing high quality service delivery or corporate support functions, including managing client expectations
5. Actively developing effective, collaborative and strategic working relationships across the organisation, with other organisations, and with clients and other stakeholders, and if necessary supervising, mentoring, and/or coaching other staff.
Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.
How to apply
Please upload a pitch (750 words maximum) describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role and work of the department.
Your pitch is an opportunity to tell us why you want to work at DPS, why you are interested in the role and what you can offer in the role. Frame your pitch around the role description and relevant ILS Profile. Make sure to use relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
Our purpose and values
We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.
Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace.
Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.
What we can offer
Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:
• access to flexible work arrangements
• ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities
• a competitive remuneration package
• free secure underground parking
• free gym membership and access to recreational facilities
• on-site childcare, banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more.
Salary
An attractive salary, which could be negotiated with the successful candidate, is on offer.
Conditions of Employment
Employment opportunities at Department of Parliamentary Services are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:
• Australian citizenship – to be eligible for employment with DPS, applicants must be an Australian Citizen.
• Security clearance and character clearance – the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
• Health assessment – a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.