Performance & Behaviour Advisor

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government's economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology.

About the team

The Performance and Behaviour Team sits within People Branch and plays a key role in supporting managers and employees to achieve positive workplace outcomes across the department. We provide practical, strategic and evidence-based advice on a broad range of complex people matters, helping our business areas navigate challenges while maintaining a respectful, safe and high-performing workplace.

The opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to work on challenging and meaningful people matters that have a direct impact on employees, managers and organisational outcomes. As an APS 6 Performance & Behaviour Advisor, you will manage complex cases, provide trusted advice to leaders and help shape practical solutions that balance people, risk and business needs.

What's in it for you?

• Manage complex and interesting people matters with real organisational impact.
• Develop your skills in complex case management and risk assessment.
• Partner with senior leaders across a diverse national organisation.
• Strengthen your ability to influence, negotiate and provide strategic advice.
• Work within a supportive and collaborative team of HR professionals.
• Contribute to initiatives that improve workplace culture and employee experience.
• Gain exposure to legislation, policy interpretation and organisational decision-making.

We are looking for people who can build trusted relationships, exercise sound judgement and confidently manage complex and sensitive matters. You will demonstrate:

• Experience managing or contributing to complex people, or workplace matters.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex information clearly.
• The ability to build productive relationships with managers, employees and stakeholders.
• Sound judgement and the ability to balance risk, policy and operational needs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality outcomes.
• A commitment to integrity, procedural fairness and professional conduct.
• The ability to work collaboratively in a geographically dispersed team environment.

We welcome candidates from a range of professional backgrounds. Experience in HR, employee relations, workplace relations, investigations, case management, organisational development, public administration or related fields will be highly regarded.

The key duties of the position include:

• Manage complex workplace behaviour and performance management cases.
• Provide timely advice to managers and employees.
• Interpret and apply legislation, policy and employment frameworks.
• Support probation, performance and workplace behaviour processes.
• Identify risks and develop practical management strategies.
• Prepare accurate, evidence-based written advice and documentation.
• Build capability through coaching and guidance to managers.
• Contribute to continuous improvement across people management practices.

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.
• Satisfy the requirements of the APS employment framework.

Desirable qualifications in Human Resources, Employee Relations, Workplace Relations, Psychology, Employment Law, Management or a related discipline are desirable but not mandatory. Experience providing advice on performance, workplace behaviour, or probation matters will be highly regarded.

This role offers the opportunity to influence outcomes across a large and diverse organisation while developing specialist expertise in some of the most complex and rewarding areas of people management.

Location and flexible working

This role is based in Canberra. This position requires regular attendance at the office. Flexible and remote working arrangements may be available in accordance with departmental policies and business needs.

Working environment

This role involves managing complex and sensitive workplace matters and engaging with a broad range of stakeholders across the department. The successful applicant will work with confidential and sensitive information and must exercise sound judgement, professionalism and discretion at all times.

We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, nationalities and backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, mature age, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people of the LGBTIQA+ community and people with disability.