Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? Are you passionate about the role international education and research play in shaping Australia's future? Can you see opportunities to strengthen one of Australia's most significant export sectors while advancing our economic, social and strategic interests?

As the First Assistant Secretary, International and Research Division (SES Band 2) at the Department of Education, you will lead a diverse and high-performing team responsible for advancing Australia's international education and research interests through policy leadership, strategic partnerships and system stewardship. In this role, you will work closely across Commonwealth agencies to drive a complex and high-profile agenda that encompasses policy and regulatory reform, international and domestic stakeholder engagement, sector integrity, and data and analytical capability.

This is a unique opportunity to influence outcomes at the intersection of education, foreign policy,migration, trade, economic prosperity, resilience and national security. Working closely with Ministers, international partners and sector leaders, you will help ensure Australia's international education sector remains high quality, sustainable, trusted and aligned with the national interest,while strengthening Australia's research and innovation capabilities, and advancing Australia's reputation as a trusted global partner in education and research.

The key duties of the position include:

In this role, you will be responsible for the following:

- Leading the Division's policy, regulatory, international engagement and strategic reform agenda to deliver innovative solutions to whole-of-Government priorities.
- Providing strategic advice to Ministers, ministerial offices, and the department’s Executive on complex, high-profile and sensitive issues.




- Overseeing Australia's international education policy framework, including stewardship of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) framework and associated regulatory reforms.
- Driving initiatives that strengthen the quality, integrity, sustainability and global competitiveness of Australia's international education sector, including development of an International Education and Skills Strategic Framework.
- Providing strategic leadership across the Department’s research and innovation agenda, including on research security, strategic investments and partnerships that strengthen Australia's capability, competitiveness and national interests.
- Leading engagement and negotiations with government agencies, education providers, peak bodies, international organisations and foreign governments.
- Maintaining oversight of the Tuition Protection Service for international students and eligible domestic students.
- Building organisational capability and fostering a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative culture across a geographically dispersed workforce.

Eligibility

Employment at the Department of Education is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

- Citizenship: Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the APS unless the Agency delegate has agreed, in writing.
- Security Clearance:



This is a designated security assessed position. The successful candidate will have the ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.

Getting to know the Department of Education The Department of Education contributes to Australia's economic prosperity and social wellbeing by creating opportunities and driving better outcomes through access to quality education and learning. A strong early childhood education system built around early learning and child care gives children the best start in life—supporting them to build social and behavioural skills to help prepare them to transition to school. For parents and carers, affordable child care enables them to participate in the workforce, pursue further education or other opportunities to contribute to their community — bolstering the social wellbeing and economic prosperity of the nation. As children continue their journey through school, access to quality education creates the foundation for a bright future – it opens a world of possibilities and equips children and young people with the skills, knowledge, and career advice to prepare them for further work or study to fulfil their dreams. An affordable, and accessible higher education sector allows Australians and international students to pursue their passion in life or reskill for the jobs of the future. A solid higher education and research sector in step with national priority areas provides people with an opportunity to choose a career path that addresses skill shortages or the challenges of the future including, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, health, and education. Through education and learning, we change lives, create opportunities, and support Australia's economic success and social wellbeing.

📌 First Assistant Secretary, International and Research (Canberra)
🏢 Department Of Education
📍 Canberra