- Work with an independent integrity agency in a complex legislative environment.
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Flexible working arrangements are available at all levels.
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Regional relocation assistance available.
Who we are
The Inspector-General of Water Compliance: The Inspector-General of Water Compliance (Inspector-General) is an independent statutory role and an identified integrity agency, supported by staff provided by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment & Water (the Department). Inspector-General’s vision: Water management and use within the Murray-Darling Basin is lawful, transparent, and accountable, and the Australian public is confident in the integrity of Basin Plan delivery.
Inspector-General’s purpose: The Inspector-General ensures various government bodies, water managers and users in the Murray-Darling Basin (the Basin) comply with their obligations under the Water Act 2007 (Cth) (Water Act) and the Basin Plan 2012 (Cth) (Basin Plan) and drives governments and water managers to uphold high standards of integrity and performance. The Inspector-General’s role includes oversighting the performance of government agencies in the management of Basin water resources, as well as ensuring compliance with various commitments under legislation. The Inspector-General currently has offices located in Adelaide, Albury, Brisbane, Canberra, Dubbo, Goondiwindi, Melbourne, Mildura and Sydney. The Inspector-General can support regional relocation to one of our Basin communities.
The Operations Branch:
- Identifies and delivers enabling support services to strengthen organisational capability and ensure compliance.
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Applies technical advice to meet operational needs and support strategic priorities.
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Partners with business areas to provide consistent, high-quality, fit for purpose advice and services.
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Continuously improves systems, processes, and service models to enhance efficiency, responsiveness, and organisational outcomes.
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Builds awareness and a common understanding of the organisation’s role, direction and operations.
The role supports up to 2 Senior Executives to ensure their work priorities are achieved in a timely manner to support the achievement of strategic objectives. The Executive Assistant unit sits within the Strategy and Governance team. There are multiple positions available in support of the following senior executives.
- Assistant Inspector-General Oversight.
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Assistant Inspector-General Regulation.
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Chief Operating Officer.
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General Counsel.
The job
The Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative and coordination support up to 2 senior executives within the Inspector-General of Water Compliance, ensuring their priorities are effectively managed. As part of the Strategy and Governance team, the role is responsible for overseeing schedules, coordinating meetings and travel, managing correspondence, and supporting governance and compliance activities. This position requires strong organisational skills, discretion, and the ability to liaise with internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, the role contributes to project management, corporate administration, and Senate Estimates preparations. Operating within a complex regulatory and legislative environment, the Executive Assistant plays a key role in supporting government oversight, policy implementation, and strategic objectives.
The key accountabilities of the Executive Assistant will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Providing high level administrative and coordination support, including managing and organising meetings, briefings and events, and anticipating and managing competing commitments.
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Managing complex schedules, scheduling meetings, and coordinating appointments for senior executives.
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Administering finance support (including corporate credit card acquittals) in line with relevant policies.
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Coordinating, booking and reconciling travel in line with relevant policies.
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Undertaking a broad range of other corporate and administrative support functions across the division as required.
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Communicating and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the executive.
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Handling incoming and outgoing communications, including emails, and phone calls, often acting as the primary point of contact.
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Monitoring, triaging and filtering incoming documents and correspondence (including emails, proposals and briefing papers), ensuring items are prioritised, categorised and actioned efficiently to support executive decision-making.
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Assisting with project management tasks as needed, including tracking progress and deadlines.
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Assist with preparing documents, including formatting and basic proofreading (spelling, grammar, and presentation), to support document readiness for submission.
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Contributing to the coordination of Senate Estimates materials, including Questions on Notice, as required.
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Handle highly sensitive information with integrity and discretion.
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Provide maintenance for the records management system, including the accurate capture, storage and access of records in line with policies and standards.
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Provide guidance and support to staff on records management practices, including use of the records structure and appropriate record placement.
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Support records governance activities, including undertaking assurance checks and contributing to the ongoing improvement of records management processes and practices.
What you'll gain from the experience
By joining the Inspector-General of Water Compliance, you’ll gain hands-on experience in government oversight, monitoring, and regulation, while enhancing your project management skills. You will have a chance to work on projects that make a real impact on Australians. We offer a supportive environment that fosters professional growth, helping you develop valuable transferable skills like communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement. As part of a close-knit team with the Australian Public Service, you’ll not only contribute to shaping water management in Australia but also build your own professional capabilities through ongoing learning and development opportunities.
What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
Knowledge and Experience:
- Administrative and Office Management
- Experience managing executive calendars, scheduling meetings, and handling travel arrangements.
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Preparing reports, correspondence, and briefing materials for senior executives.
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Records management, including document control and compliance with information security policies.
- Government Processes and Compliance (Ability to Learn Quickly) o Understanding of or ability to learn APS governance, policies, and procedures.
- Familiarity with ministerial processes, government briefing templates, and reporting structures.
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Awareness of legislative and regulatory requirements, including the Privacy Act 1988 and the Archives Act 1983.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
- Experience liaising with internal and external stakeholders in a professional manner.
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Ability to manage communications on behalf of senior executives, including drafting emails, memos, and reports.
- Technology and Digital Proficiency
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
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Familiarity with or ability to learn government-specific platforms such as SharePoint, TechOne, Expense8, or similar.
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Managing virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams, or other online platforms.
Skills and Capabilities
- Organisation and Time Management
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
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High attention to detail and accuracy in administrative tasks.
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Capacity to anticipate needs and proactively resolve issues.
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
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Ability to liaise effectively with executives, staff, and external stakeholders.
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Professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive matters.
- Problem-Solving and Initiative
- Ability to assess situations, prioritise tasks, and make informed decisions.
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Resourcefulness in managing competing deadlines and unexpected challenges.
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Capacity to work independently and as part of a team.
- Resilience and Adaptability
- Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
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Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and tight deadlines.
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Strong work ethic and ability to maintain professionalism in a dynamic environment.
Mandatory qualifications
- Certificate or diploma in business administration, government, project management or other relevant field; or equivalent experience.
Eligibility
Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.
Security Clearance - this position requires a
Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
Mandatory qualifications – your suitability for employment will be dependent on you holding relevant mandatory qualifications.
Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment
You may use AI tools to support your participation in this recruitment process, unless advised otherwise. If you use AI, you must ensure your use is transparent, authentic and truthful, and that all information reflects your own skills and experience.
The department may use AI in a limited, transparent and responsible way to support parts of this recruitment process. AI does not make decisions - all assessments and selection outcomes are made by people.
For more information, see:
- Artificial Intelligence Transparency Statement
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AI in recruitment | Australian Public Service Commission
