About the role

Housing Group provides advice, research and analysis on housing policy and programs, including housing supply and affordability, to support delivery of the Australian Government’s housing agenda. The Group is responsible for the design, implementation and management of housing programs, governance and oversight of key institutions in Australia’s housing system, and engagement with governments and stakeholders on housing priorities.

There are two EL1 Assistant Director opportunities across Housing Group’s two divisions - the Housing Supply, Productivity and Engagement Division (HSPED) and the Housing Access and Delivery Division (HADD).

HSPED leads work to increase housing supply and improve productivity across the housing and construction sectors. Its responsibilities include delivery of the National Housing Accord, housing supply programs, construction and planning reform, the National Construction Code and National Urban Policy. The division also undertakes quantitative analysis, modelling, forecasting and applied research to strengthen the evidence base for housing policy and support the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council.

HADD develops and implements policy and programs supporting home ownership, rental policy, and social and affordable housing, including initiatives with a First Nations focus. Its work includes delivery and oversight of major government housing commitments, including the 5% Deposit Scheme and Help to Buy, as well as broader home ownership and rental policy. The division works closely with states and territories, Housing Australia, other agencies, delivery partners and community stakeholders.

As an EL1 Assistant Director, you will lead significant policy, program or analytical work within one of these areas.

- The Assistant Director, National Construction Code Modernisation Unit within HSPED will support improved productivity in the construction sector and innovation in national planning reforms.
- The Assistant Director, Home ownership and Renters Policy Unit within HADD will support delivery of the government’s 5% Deposit Scheme and Help to Buy.

You will operate with a high degree of autonomy, exercise sound judgement on complex issues,



provide high-quality advice to senior leaders and government, and build productive relationships across Treasury and with external stakeholders.

Depending on the position, you may lead policy development, program design and implementation, quantitative or economic analysis, modelling and forecasting, stakeholder engagement, governance and reporting activities, or a combination of these functions. You will also provide leadership within your team, develop staff capability and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

This process will create a merit pool to fill potential future vacancies. Individual vacancies may require particular technical or professional experience. Successful candidates may be matched to vacancies based on their skills, experience and demonstrated areas of strength.

What you will do

At the EL1 level, you will be expected to:

- Lead complex policy, program or analytical work, providing strategic direction and taking responsibility for the quality and timely delivery of outcomes.
- Exercise sound judgement and make evidence-based decisions in circumstances involving complexity, ambiguity, competing priorities or incomplete information.
- Provide explicit, influential and well-reasoned advice to senior executives and government, translating complex or technical information for different audiences.
- Analyse complex issues and develop practical solutions, drawing together evidence, stakeholder perspectives and broader government priorities.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders across Treasury, Commonwealth agencies, state and territory governments, industry, delivery partners and other relevant organisations.
- Plan and manage work effectively, anticipating risks, managing competing deadlines and adapting priorities in response to changing circumstances.
- Lead and develop others,



setting clear expectations, supporting staff to deliver outcomes.
- Contribute to the strategic direction of the team and broader Group, identifying emerging issues, opportunities and connections across areas of work.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

- Strong leadership and people management capability, including the ability to provide direction, build capability, empower others and contribute to an inclusive and high-performing workplace.
- Sound judgement and strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity, assess evidence and develop practical solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly and provide influential advice to senior stakeholders.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills, with the ability to build productive relationships and work effectively across organisational boundaries.
- Strong strategic awareness and delivery focus, with the ability to understand the broader operating environment, manage competing priorities and connect work to organisational and government priorities.

Desirable Skills / Experience

- Knowledge of housing policy and programs, or demonstrated ability to quickly develop expertise in a new policy area, would be highly regarded.
- Experience in one or more of the following: social or economic policy; planning, building or construction policy; program management, program design and implementation; Commonwealth state relations and federated funding agreements or negotiations; quantitative analysis, economic research, modelling or forecasting; and working with First Nations communities or stakeholders.
- Some positions may require more specialised quantitative capability, including experience using R or tertiary qualifications in economics or another quantitative discipline.
- Some positions may require demonstrated program and / or project management experience supporting the design, implementation or governance of complex government programs, including program planning, risk management, evaluation, reporting, procurement activities and delivery oversight.

📌 Assistant Directors, Housing Group (Sydney)
🏢 Department of the Treasury
📍 Sydney