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.