Our participants, Our people, Our purpose

Currently, there are around 4.3 million Australians with a disability. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) implements the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which is one of the biggest social reforms in the country since Medicare. As an Agency, we support more than 600,000 participants with a significant and permanent disability, and the families and carers of those living with disability. For many Australians, this will be the first time they receive the disability support they need. The NDIA is designed to enhance the quality of life and increase economic and social participation for people with disability and will mean a peace of mind for every Australian.

A new role awaits

Are you passionate about creating lasting change for Australians living with disability and making a positive impact utilising your extensive safeguarding, policy, social insurance, or disability expertise? The Participant Safeguarding Initiative is seeking EL2 Director Participant Safeguarding professionals with a proven track record in delivering successful outcomes, to join the NDIA, as part of the Policy and Practice Leadership Division.

We are seeking strong leaders with experience in building and managing teams, including developing, coaching and mentoring, performance management and conflict resolution. You will have comprehensive policy development and briefing skills, including the ability to undertake complex policy analysis and interpretation and apply significant judgement in choosing a course of action to manage highly complex and/or sensitive issues. You will have a proven ability to develop and manage key strategic relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including with operational experts and people with lived experience, championing that people with disability are at the heart of making improvements to the NDIS. As a leader, you will model the APS and NDIA Values and making a positive contribution to the Participant Safeguarding Initiative culture.

The Policy and Practice Leadership Division, is responsible for defining the policy and practice settings for the Scheme, including for the current reform agenda and key initiatives. The Participant Safeguarding Initiative has been established to develop and implement an enhanced participant risk and safeguarding approach for the Agency. The initiative scope responds to the NDIS Review recommendations, findings from the Disability Royal Commission and implementation of the NDIA’s Participant Safeguarding Policy.

Where you can add value

As an EL2 Director Participant Safeguarding, you will play a leadership role in the Initiative directly leading and/or overseeing key policy and portfolio areas. You will oversee, maintain and analyse policy initiatives, and undertake engagement activities such as co-design and consultation. The role requires experience in the design and implementation of disability risk and safeguarding reforms or similar, including the ability to undertake complex policy analysis and interpretation and apply significant judgement in choosing a course of action to manage highly complex and/or sensitive issues that impact the NDIA's strategic objectives for a world-class National Disability Insurance Scheme

Responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

• Developing and interpreting policy while maintaining an understanding and consideration of sensitive organisational and political issues.
• Preparing and reviewing draft policy reports, briefing papers, speeches, Ministerial responses and discussion papers for presentation to senior staff.
• Incorporating risk and implementation considerations in policy development.
• Providing strategic direction to a work area, including developing business plans, strategies and priorities and monitor work flow and performance.
  
  

Enough about us, let’s talk about you

Our ideal candidate will have extensive experience working within government or government agencies, particularly in policy roles within the disability, social policy, social insurance or legal fields. You will have demonstrated ability to work with a high level of autonomy under broad direction with a concurrent need to resolve issues and deliver quality outcomes. You will have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to provide strategic advice and drive strategic change. You will have outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to represent the NDIA and communicate with influence, developing and maintain networks with a wide variety of stakeholders.

You will positively contribute to the leadership of the Participant Safeguarding Initiative, including modelling the APS and NDIA Values, contributing to the strategic direction of the initiative and actively promoting a safe, positive and high-performing Initiative culture.

In line with the values and mission of the NDIA, you will have a positive contemporary attitude to people with disability, along with understanding and knowledge of disability and its impact on individuals. This role will provide you with opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of people with a disability and contribute to the success of the NDIA for generations to come.

Your NDIA Experience

We work as one team. We are accepting, diverse and driven. We take a shared approach to making progress. We welcome and support each other and encourage different ideas, insights and opinions. We empower and enable each other to be our best. We collaborate, connect and work together to create a workplace that makes us proud. And while we're based far and wide across the country, we make sure nobody feels they are out on their own.

• You will work for a socially inclusive and culturally diverse workplace, that is making a meaningful impact to the lives of more than 600,000 Australians.
• Access to higher superannuation and above market leave entitlements
• Competitive remuneration and working conditions that support a positive work life balance
• Access to ongoing professional development and learning

This role can be performed from any NDIA office location. We intend to fill this role in an ongoing capacity, however non-ongoing roles up to 12 months with the possibility of extension up to 2 years may be offered.

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a pre-employment National Police History check, Worker Screening check and/or Working with Children Check (where required) and provide evidence of Australian Citizenship.

Applications for this role close 27 May 2025 at 11.30pm (AEST).

If you have any questions, please contact Erin Ingham on 0499 267 795 or email [email protected]

With the exception of personal details, applications can NOT be edited or updated once submitted for consideration. Please make sure you are completely satisfied with your entire application before submitting.

NDIA is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from People with Disability (PwD), First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, Mature age workers, as well as young workers and supporting an inter-generational workforce and supporting gender equity and families. NDIA will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the inherent requirements of the role. If you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process (including alternate formats of the application form) or have an enquiry about the support provided, please contact DFP Recruitment on 1300 138 337 [email protected].

RecruitAbility applies to this position: The RecruitAbility scheme supports people with disability applying for jobs in the Australian Public Service (APS) by giving you a better opportunity to put forward your skills and experience during the selection process.

There are certain roles within the National Disability Insurance that may require mandatory vaccination, subject to government order or directive. Evidence may be required prior to commencement.