Full Job Description
Job Details
Job Title: Senior Researcher – Law & Bills Digest
Employment Type: Ongoing
Classification: PEL 1
Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 8 March 2023
Contact: MIchele Brennan, 02 6277 2764, michele.brennan@aph.gov.au
The Opportunity
The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting for a PEL 1 Senior Researcher – Law & Bills Digest within Research. The Parliamentary Library provides high quality information, analysis and advice to Senators and Members of Parliament in support of their parliamentary and representational roles. We are looking for Senior Researchers who are motivated, adaptable and able to provide high quality client service.
Who we are looking for
Our ideal Senior Researchers will respond directly to requests for information on legal issues of relevance to the Parliament, prepare publications (in particular, Bills Digests) and work on the Library’s Central Enquiry Point. The Senior Researchers should have high level written and oral communication skills and strong research and analytical abilities.
The successful applicants will have a strong client focus, and be able to work across a range of areas of law. It is an advantage to have an understanding of the parliamentary environment. Senior Researchers will be expected to participate in Section and corporate activities such as meetings, planning events, workshops and training.
Job Specific Requirements:
- The Senior Researcher is 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: PEL 1
Branch: Research
Section: Law & Bills Digest
Immediate supervisor: Director
Branch: Research
Section: Law & Bills Digest
Immediate supervisor: Director
Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the PEL 1 classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Undertake research on issues raised by parliamentary clients and internal stakeholders and provide high quality analysis and advice to clients in relation to subject areas covered by the section.
2. Write, co-write and second-read Bills Digests as allocated and in accordance with requirements, including adherence to timeframes.
3. Prepare 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. Continue to develop professional networks, competence and expertise, especially in new areas.
5. Contribute to team and organisational activities and provide assistance and support to other officers, including supervising, mentoring and/or coaching other staff as required.
6. Contribute to planning and project work as required.
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.