• Executive Level 1 Opportunity
• Position available at any OFWO location

We are seeking highly motivated and experienced leaders to join the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman (OFWO) as Assistant Directors within the Criminal Investigations Branch. This is a new team, and you will have the opportunity to shape the culture and work practices of the area. There are two Assistant Director positions available. Full-time and part-time hours and hybrid work arrangements are available. Offers will be based on candidate performance and operational requirements.

A merit list may also be formed as a result of this exercise and may be used to fill similar vacancies in the next 18 months.

About the OFWO

The OFWO is Australia’s workplace regulator and part of the Australian Public Service. The role of the OFWO is to promote harmonious, productive, cooperative, and compliant workplace relations in Australia. We provide education and assistance to over 13 million Australian workers, more than one million businesses and enforce workplace laws and investigate underpayments. In the last financial year, the OFWO recovered $532 million in wages for 384,000 workers.

What our employees say about us

We are one of the most engaged and high performing agencies in Australia; consistently scoring above average on employee engagement and wellbeing when surveyed against other APS agencies.

What we offer you

We provide a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment with access to:

• Security: Job security and opportunities to gain experience in areas that interest you.
• Flexibility: Generous leave and flexible working arrangements, including working from
• Training: Great training and development opportunities
• High Superannuation: Competitive benefits, plus 15.4% superannuation
• Employee Assistance Program: a free counselling service for you and your family.

We Value Diversity

As part of the APS, we want to represent the community we serve. The OFWO embraces and celebrates diversity and welcomes all people to work with us. We have dedicated initiatives to encourage applications and to support people from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds working within our inclusive culture. We encourage and welcome applications from First Nations people, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature age people.

Eligibility

• To be eligible for employment with the OFWO you must be an Australian citizen.
• The successful candidate must hold a current Australian Government Security Clearance (AGSVA) or be willing to undergo and obtain a Baseline security clearance (we will support you through this process).

A range of other conditions may be required depending on the role you are applying for.

Please note: Under section 700(2) of the Fair Work Act 2009, the Fair Work Ombudsman may only appoint a Fair Work Inspector if the Fair Work Ombudsman is satisfied the person is of good character.

About the Team

The Criminal Investigations Branch has been established in response to the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act 2023, which introduces a criminal offence for employers who intentionally fail to pay employee entitlements. The OFWO will be responsible for investigating contraventions of the offence and referring matters to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) or the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The CIB will be responsible for establishing the systems, processes, capabilities and policies required to effectively operate as a dual civil and criminal regulator.

The Criminal Investigations Team within the CIB will be responsible for conducting intelligence led investigations of matters to a criminal standard of proof through to delivery of full briefs of evidence. This is a high-profile area with interest from the Australian public and stakeholder groups within and external to the OFWO. You’ll need to be comfortable working in an environment with a high level of scrutiny.

Typical Duties

Reporting to the Director – Criminal Investigations Team, the Assistant Director duties include (however, are not limited to):

• assisting the establishment and operation of the Criminal Investigations Team in accordance with Commonwealth frameworks, the Australian Government Investigations Standards and applicable legislation
• leading investigations of the offence to a criminal standard of proof and preparing briefs of evidence for the CDPP or AFP, including through the exercise of statutory powers, conducting witness interviews and analysing and applying documentary evidence
• managing applications for cooperation agreements
• preparing a range of documents, including investigation plans, reports, correspondence, affidavits and guiding other Agency staff in the preparation of these documents
• working with the OFWO’s Legal branches in relation to enforcement activities undertaken in accordance with the OFWO’s Compliance and Enforcement Policy
• working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and subject matter experts to achieve high quality outcomes
• providing leadership on best practice principles and developing staff capability in a geographically dispersed environment.

There is an expectation that Executive Level roles are sometimes required to work and be contactable outside of hours. Interstate and overnight travel may also be required in this role. You may also be required to regularly travel to your closest capital city office.

Selection Criteria

To be successful in the role, you will possess:

• demonstrated ability to lead a team in a rapidly changing environment, building capability and ensuring engagement within the team and working collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders
• analytical and problem-solving skills, with accuracy and attention to detail to ensure high quality control
• demonstrated experience leading and conducting criminal or complex civil investigations or projects, including the identification and management of risk, workflow management and meeting defined standards
• the ability to apply judgment, think strategically, assess risks and set priorities to deliver outcomes
• excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to succinctly articulate complex information and communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.

Desirable Criteria

• Vocational qualification(s) in Government Investigations (or a willingness to acquire qualifications as funded by the OFWO) is desirable and highly relevant.
• Knowledge of the Fair Work Act 2009 and the Australian workplace relations framework is desirable, but not essential. Candidates without a workplace relations background will need to demonstrate the ability to apply their skills to this context.

Applicant Information Kit 2023 Opens in new window