Public Skills Australia has been appointed by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) as one of 10 Jobs and Skills Councils. We work with employer and employee representatives from the Public Safety and Government industry-sectors – Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Correctional Services, Defence, and all levels of Government – to ensure Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system delivers better outcomes for learners and employers. A primary function of our work is to provide workforce planning, industry intelligence and training product development in support of industry needs and government priorities.
The Position
The Senior Project and Research Officer is accountable to the Manager Projects Portfolio and plays a pivotal role in delivering high-quality research and project support to deliver Public Skills Australia’s business and project plan items. This position will be responsible for leading the end-to-end delivery of research projects resulting from strategies developed in Public Skills Australia’s Workforce Insights Reports, ministerial priorities, industry sector requirements and/or the strategic direction of the Board. This role will also be required to prepare evidence-based briefings that support executive decision-making.
Working across teams and with external stakeholders, the role will undertake applied qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and will facilitate consultations, coordinate projects, and ensure outputs are aligned with governance requirements and deliver value to Public Skills Australia’s industry sectors. This position is suited to a methodical, outcomes-focused professional who thrives in dynamic environments and is committed to delivering defensible, high-impact work.
Responsibilities
In partnership with internal stakeholders and external service providers, with the intent of ensuring compliance with relevant legislative, grant and company compliance obligations, the Senior Project and Research Officer will:
1. Design, coordinate, and deliver research projects that respond to workforce strategies, ministerial expectations, industry sector requirements and/or board directives.
2. Prepare high-quality reports, discussion papers, and recommendations grounded in rigorous analysis and stakeholder input.
3. Oversee end-to-end project delivery, including scoping, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
4. Ensure drafting of key products meets quality standards and expectations and are of value.
5. Undertake robust applied research, utilising quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including the facilitation of consultations, workshops and interviews with internal and external stakeholders to gather insights and build trusted relationships.
6. Mentor teams in research and analysis best practices, fostering a culture of robust, innovative and evidence-based deliverables.
7. Interpret complex datasets and research findings to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
8. Ensure governance and compliance are maintained though project documentation, risk registers, and reporting in line with organisational requirements.
9. Work across teams and disciplines to align research and project outputs with broader organisational goals.
10. Drive cross-sector and cross-team collaboration and coordination ensuring relevant information is shared and considered in the development of work.
11. Identify opportunities to enhance research methods, project delivery, and stakeholder engagement practices, ensuring a high degree of political acumen and corporate maturity is maintained.
12. Demonstrate originality of thought and promote new and innovative approaches when developing workforce planning, research and policy products.
Key Selection Criteria – Essential
1. A Higher Education qualification such as a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
2. Demonstrated research and policy skills and experience at a senior level in an applied setting.
3. Excellent written and verbal communications skills with applied knowledge of formulating communication to achieve impact.
4. Demonstrated capability to engage, negotiate and build consensus with stakeholders while maintaining trusted relationships.
5. Proven ability to facilitate workshops and deliver engaging presentations.
6. Demonstrated an understanding of complex research methodologies.
7. Operate with a high level of political acumen and corporate maturity to build relationship with senior and executive level stakeholders.
8. Experience in a project-based delivery environment.
9. Motivated to promote a curious and innovative culture across the company.
10. Proven capability work on multiple products in a fast-paced environment.
11. Demonstrated independent problem-solving skills and initiative.
12. Experience in a senior, supervisory and/or team leader role.
How to apply
Your application should include a CV/Resume of no more than 4 pages and a Cover Letter of no more than 2 pages. The Cover Letter should not repeat information contained in the CV but specifically address the ‘essential’ Key Selection Criteria.
Any queries should be directed to the HR and Recruitment Officer at careers@publicskillsaustralia.org.au.
If you would like to receive a detailed position description and with any queries please write to the HR and Recruitment Officer at careers@publicskillsaustralia.org.au.
Applications close Wednesday 22 April 2026. Applications will be processed as they are received, interviews and appointment may occur before the end date.
