Job Description

Job Title: APS6 Program Secretariat

Security Clearance: Baseline

Duration: Initial 12 months with 2 x 6-month extensions

Industry: Federal Government

Functional Expertise: Program Management

Sub-functional Expertise: Program Secretariat

Location of work: Canberra, ACT

Closing date: 9AM Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Description:

Our client is seeking an experienced APS6 Program Secretariat professional to provide governance and secretariat support to program governance bodies, including the Program Board. The successful candidate will deliver high-quality secretariat services, coordinate governance activities, maintain program documentation and records, and support effective program administration across a complex program environment.

Responsibilities:

• Organising and supporting document preparation for governance meetings, including quality assuring all papers, collating meeting packs and maintaining appropriate record keeping.
• Developing and distributing meeting agendas and maintaining the Forward Work Plan.
• Recording official minutes, decisions and action items and distributing them to members for endorsement.
• Organising and supporting meeting logistics, including arranging meeting dates, liaising with board members and setting up facilities.
• Contributing to program reporting, document drafting and providing administrative support services as required.
• Supporting the development of a work schedule that includes objectives, work streams, timeframes, budget and responsibilities.
• Identifying and escalating program risks where identified.
• Reporting regularly to the Program Manager regarding completed and upcoming activities.
• Developing and maintaining a calendar of events.
• Building and maintaining effective relationships within the group and with other stakeholders.
• Supporting capability uplift for new program staff by developing and providing relevant program materials.
• Working with the Program Manager to develop terms of reference and operating procedures.
• Providing basic advice on governance issues regarding the program management methodology.
• Developing and maintaining conflict of interest registers.

Requirements:

• Experience providing governance and secretariat support within a program environment.
• Ability to coordinate governance meetings and prepare associated documentation.
• Experience maintaining accurate records, registers and governance documentation.
• Ability to provide administrative support across multiple program activities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to identify and escalate program risks.
• Experience supporting program reporting and governance processes.

Key Capabilities:

• Strong organisational and coordination skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound governance and administrative capability.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

Essential Criteria:

• Excellent teamwork skills, with the ability to work with colleagues to achieve outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to effectively communicate, collaborate and negotiate with a range of stakeholders and audiences.
• Detail-orientated and results-driven with a proactive work ethic.
• Ability to prepare documents and reports, and present clearly and concisely.
• Experience effectively managing competing priorities and strategic directions, with an ability to remain calm under pressure and respond flexibly to change and uncertainty.
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office suite.
• Familiarity with project management tools.

Desirable Criteria:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years in program administration or project coordination, preferably within a governmental context.

How to apply:

Please submit your application including your resume and a completed application form addressing the essential and desirable criteria. Ensure your application highlights your experience and any relevant certifications.