Guiding the future of NSW education

Position details

Clerk Grade 9/10

Temporary, full-time role of up to 12 months with possibility of extension

Close to Wynyard station & hybrid work arrangements available

About the Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join the NSW Education Standards Authority’s (NESA) People and Culture team in a key advisory role within our growing Employee and Industrial Relations function.

This role offers the chance to join a proactive People & Culture team to influence best practice ER/IR outcomes across NESA, collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, and further develop your expertise within a values-driven and collaborative team environment.

As the Senior Employee & Industrial Relations Adviser, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering consistent, high-quality employee and industrial relations advice and services to leaders and teams across the organisation. You’ll work closely with the Employee & Industrial Relations Lead and the broader People & Culture team to provide trusted guidance, support complex case management, and contribute to strategic initiatives that shape our workplace culture.

On a day-to-day basis, you will:

Provide expert advice on the interpretation of awards, legislation and industrial instruments to support effective and compliant decision making.

Assist in the management and resolution of employee relations matters to ensure fair, consistent, and timely outcomes.

Prepare and review documentation relating to ER/IR issues, including reports and analysis to support evidence-based recommendations.

Provide specialised coaching and guidance to leaders and employees on policies, procedures, and legislative requirements.

Conduct research on industrial relations issues, legislative updates, and trends to inform best practice.

Support the development and delivery of ER/IR initiatives and projects, including bargaining, progress reporting and stakeholder communication.

Represent NESA in disputes and related matters in conjunction with the Employee & Industrial Relations Lead.

We invite you to download the role description for additional information on the position.

About You

You’re an experienced ER/IR professional with a sound understanding of industrial frameworks and employment legislation. You bring a solutions-focused mindset and the ability to influence and guide stakeholders in an evolving and complex environment.

This role will suit someone who has:

proven experience providing employee and industrial relations advice within the public sector or a similarly complex organisation.

strong knowledge of employment legislation, industrial instruments, government policies, and ER/IR best practice.

the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and quality of outcomes.

highly developed communication and relationship management skills, with the confidence to engage with unions, other agencies, and senior stakeholders.

a collaborative, professional, and proactive approach to achieving positive organisational and workforce outcomes.

About us

At NESA, we’re dedicated to carrying out meaningful work that drives improvements and elevates student achievement across NSW, now and into the future.

We accomplish this by supporting all school sectors with high-quality syllabuses, assessment (including managing the HSC and NAPLAN), teaching standards (e.g., accrediting teachers) and school environments (including setting and monitoring school standards).

NESA is a unique organisation in NSW (of around 740FTE staff) with significant state-wide impact, visit our website to learn more about the important work we do.

At NESA you'll benefit from:

An organisation where your contribution has a big impact

An enviable CBD location (all modes of transport nearby, and excellent coffee and eateries) with refurbished offices

Flexible working arrangements and generous leave entitlements

Access to discounted health and fitness memberships via Fitness Passport, an employee assistance program and annual flu vaccinations

Salary packaging options

Working in a purpose driven and ethical organisation with committed colleagues

Ready to join us?

Select apply and attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages).

Also, address the 2 targeted questions below in your online application:

Provide an example of how you’ve communicated complex information to a diverse audience. How did you know you were getting your point across? (500 words)

Describe a time you had to influence a stakeholder or group to adopt a new industrial relations approach or policy. How did you gain their commitment and manage any resistance? (500 words)

Advice on applying for NSW Public Sector roles

If you need reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process and workplace, please reach out to [email protected]

Close date: Sunday, 26 October at 11.59pm AEST

Thank you for your interest, we look forward to receiving your application.

Important information

We particularly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people of all ages, genders, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and refugees.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For ongoing roles, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Australian Temporary Residents may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

A Talent Pool (valid for 18 months) may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles.