EL1 Enterprise Agreement / HR specialist

Our client is a newly established national public health agency, headquartered in Canberra.

Set up as an independent body within the Australian Public Service, the agency plays a key role in protecting the health of Australians.

As a young organisation, it is still building the systems, policies and culture that will carry it for years to come, and its people function is a big part of that work.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced EL1 Enterprise Agreement / HR Specialist for an initial 6-month contract, with a strong focus on industrial relations and enterprise bargaining.

Rather than inheriting a well-worn rulebook, you will help write it.

This is a rare chance to put your stamp on the people function of a new agency while working closely with its senior leaders.

You’ll have the chance to:

• Lead the agency’s enterprise agreement bargaining, consultation and rollout


• Help build HR policies and practices from the ground up, not just maintain them


• Have real influence, working directly with senior executives on people strategy

The Role

In this role you will provide expert, hands-on advice across strategic and operational HR, with industrial relations at the core.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading the agency’s enterprise agreement bargaining, consultation and implementation


• Providing expert advice on complex industrial and employee relations matters


• Giving authoritative advice on employment legislation, APS employment frameworks, HR policy and complex workforce matters


• Using workforce data and insights to inform executive decision-making and people strategy


• Championing employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and develop HR policies that support a positive, values-led culture


• Leading complex HR projects and organisational change initiatives that build workforce capability


• Working closely with senior executives and stakeholders to make sure people considerations are built into organisational strategy

The Ideal Person

You are a well-respected HR professional who moves comfortably between big-picture strategy and day-to-day operational advice.

You have the industrial relations know-how and credibility to guide senior leaders through sensitive workforce matters.

You are at ease when not everything is set in stone yet, and you see building something new as a genuine opportunity rather than a headache.

If you enjoy rolling up your sleeves at the bargaining table as much as shaping long-term people strategy, this one is worth a closer look.

You will bring the following skills and experience:

• Significant experience across strategic and operational HR, including performance management, employee and industrial relations, case management and workforce capability


• Considerable experience in enterprise bargaining and complex IR matters, including supporting lead negotiators, consultation and implementation


• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and public sector employment frameworks, and the ability to apply them to complex matters


• Sound analytical skills and judgement, with the ability to give practical, strategic advice to senior leaders


• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, building trusted relationships with employees, executives, unions and bargaining representatives


• Experience leading, developing and empowering HR professionals


• A high level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential matters


• The ability to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance

It’s desirable if you have:

• A tertiary qualification in human resources, organisational development, business administration or a related field


• Extensive practical experience in strategic workforce management and leadership will also be considered

Salary / Rate

• $85/hr - $105/hr + Super


• Initial 6-month contract


• Canberra based, with hybrid working arrangements available

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