About us

The Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) is Australia’s national human rights institution, dedicated to fostering a society where human rights are upheld, protected, and celebrated. We envision an Australia where every individual is valued equally in dignity and rights.

Our mission involves promoting and safeguarding the human rights of all Australians by:

• Advising all levels of government and various public and private organisations.
• Strengthening laws, policies, and practices while providing accessible investigation and conciliation services.
• Engaging inclusively with civil society, communities, and the private sector.
• Raising awareness about human rights and offering educational resources.
• Collaborating with partners to cultivate a culture of respect for human rights across the nation.

Join a purpose driven organisation where people, safety and respect come first.

We’re looking for a proactive and experienced Senior Employee Relations & People Risk Advisor to deliver high-quality employee relations, workplace health & safety, and wellbeing support in a fast paced, values driven environment. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives on solving complex challenges, influencing leaders, and building a fair, safe and inclusive workplace.

This full-time, ongoing position offers a competitive salary range of $121,755 - $133,986 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation.

We offer flexible, hybrid work options.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide practical, compliant ER advice to managers and employees in line with APS frameworks and Enterprise Agreements
• Manage complex and sensitive ER matters end-to-end (performance, conduct, grievances, investigations)
• Oversee the day-to-day operation and continuous improvement of WHS practices
• Develop and maintain WHS policies, procedures and guidance to ensure compliance and effectiveness
• Design and support wellbeing initiatives that enhance employee experience
• Manage psychosocial risk processes and provide insights on emerging risks
• Support and strengthen the Respect@Work framework across the organisation

What We’re Looking For:

• Demonstrated high‑level technical expertise in Employee Relations, including application of relevant legislation, frameworks and best practice
• Proven ability to manage complex and sensitive employee relations matters, including workplace investigations, exercising sound judgement and providing defensible advice
• Strong understanding of work health and safety (WHS) legislative frameworks and their practical application within organisational and enterprise risk contexts
• Demonstrated experience with designing WHS and wellbeing programs and initiatives
• In-depth knowledge of the Australian Public Service Act 1999, Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Fair Work Act 2009 and other relevant industrial instruments
• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Industrial/Employer Relations or Work Health and Safety
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to a diverse audience
• Highly effective interpersonal skills, analytical and conceptual capabilities

Why Join Us?

By becoming a part of our team, you'll play a vital role in influencing public conversations about human rights and making a meaningful impact. If you’re ready to use your skills to support a cause that matters, we want to hear from you!

Apply Now! Help us shape the future of human rights in Australia. Join us in making a difference!

Notes

We value inclusivity and diversity and seek people who support and model the behaviours we promote in our workforce. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations Australians, mature workers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, culturally and marginalised communities, carers, LGBTIQA+ and people with disability.

Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS). An Agency Head may waive the requirement for citizenship prior to engaging an individual where it is appropriate to do so.

The Commission is committed to providing an accessible, inclusive work environment to enable people with a disability to participate fully in all aspects of employment. Applicants are encouraged to request reasonable adjustment as required to assist your participation in this recruitment process.

Please note The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the Commission where the duties are of a similar nature.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability.

How to Apply

Please provide a resume and a statement (maximum of 2 pages) outlining your interest in this position(s), your experience that would lead to impactful outcomes in the role, and the skills and capabilities you bring.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to fulfil the requirements of the role in an impartial and respectful manner as required by the APS Code of Conduct. The successful candidate will uphold the integrity and independence of the Australian Human Rights Commission.

As part of the recruitment and selection process, applicants will be required to consent to and undergo background checks which may include character and social media checks.

For more Information

Information about the role and Commission practices may be sought from Merle Mendonca Director People & Culture via [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Employee Relations & People Risk Advisor enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.