Job Title: Researcher
Employment Type: Ongoing/Non-Ongoing
Classification: PSL 6
Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, Tuesday 16 November 2021
Contact: Michele Brennan, (02) 6277 2794, [email protected]
The Opportunity
The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting a Researcher with legal qualifications for the Law and Bills Digest Section (LBD), within the Research Branch of the Parliamentary Library.
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 a Researcher who is well-informed, motivated, adaptable and able to provide excellent client service.
The successful applicant will work in a team and be expected to display sound judgement and sensitivity while working in the parliamentary environment. You will be required to work directly with clients under limited supervision in a collaborative environment. You must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and impartiality in accordance with Library policies. The Researcher will have opportunities for training and development.
This ongoing position is at the Parliamentary Service Level 6 (PSL 6) level. Any merit pool created from this recruitment process may be used to fill ongoing or non-ongoing positions that may arise over the next 12 months.
The Researcher 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 Researcher should have high level written and oral communication skills and strong research and analytical abilities.
The successful applicant will have a strong client focus, and be able to work across a range of areas of law. You must be able to produce accurate briefs and publications by agreed deadlines and manage competing priorities. It is an advantage to have an understanding of the parliamentary environment.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for people with relevant qualifications, expertise and experience. The ability and willingness to develop knowledge in new policy areas is also essential.
Researchers will be expected to participate in Section and corporate activities such as meetings, planning events, workshops and training.
Job Specific Requirements:
- The 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: PSL 6
Branch: Research
Section: Law & Bills Digest
Immediate supervisor: Parliamentary Executive Level 1 (Senior Researcher)
Branch: Research
Section: Law & Bills Digest
Immediate supervisor: Parliamentary Executive Level 1 (Senior Researcher)
The Parliamentary Librarian is required by the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 to, among other things:
“… provide high quality information, analysis and advice to Senators and Members of the House of Representatives in support of their parliamentary and representational roles.”
The Act requires the Parliamentary Librarian to perform this function:
- in a timely, impartial and confidential manner; and
- maintaining the highest standards of scholarship and integrity; and
- on the basis of equality of access for all Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, parliamentary committees and staff acting on behalf of Senators, Members or parliamentary committees; and
- having regard to the independence of Parliament from the Executive Government of the Commonwealth.
Against this background, Researchers undertake, under broad direction, duties in accordance with the agreed standards for a Parliamentary Service Level 6. They provide quality information, research and advisory services to achieve results in line with the organisation’s goals. The duties will include, but are not limited to, some or all of the following:
1. Undertake research on issues raised by parliamentary clients and internal stakeholders and provide 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. Continue to develop professional networks, competence and expertise, especially in new areas.
4. Contribute to team and organisational activities and provide assistance and support to other officers.
5. 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 (500 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
Currently, the salary range for this position is $86,353 – $97,055 per annum.
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.
