The Department of the Senate is seeking applications from those interested in the work of Senate Committees. These non-ongoing opportunities will work in the Committee Office and may be required to work across any committee. The Committee Office supports eight legislative and general purpose standing committees, four joint statutory committees and any select committee appointed by the Senate. The work of each standing committee is supported by a committee secretariat. The secretariat comprises the Committee Secretary (PEL 2), one or more Research Officers (APS 4, APS 6 and PEL 1), whose chief role is to support the work of committees including the estimates process, and an Administrative Officer (APS 3). The key duties of the position include Administrative Officers The Administrative Officer performs key administrative and support tasks to assist a committee secretariat in the provision of research, drafting, report-writing and logistical support to a Senate committee. The Administrative Officer is the main point of contact for matters relating to the committee secretariat's work and is responsible for the collation, recording and dissemination of general information relevant to the committee's inquiries. More specifically, the occupant of the position: • provides information to senators and their staff, parliamentary officials and members of the general public regarding committee inquiries; • processes submissions and other correspondence and keep registers of relevant committee information; • coordinates arrangements for committee meetings and hearings including arranging venues, travel and accommodation; and • prepares committee reports for both online and hard copy publication and tabling in the Senate. This position requires the occupant to be familiar with software packages such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat, or the ability to quickly acquire familiarity with these packages. The Administrative Officer must also be organised, client-focused, able to work to consistently high-standards, on occasions for long hours, and must possess effective communication skills. Research Officers Research Officers are responsible for providing key administrative, organisational and research support to assist committee secretariats in managing committee activities. This may include: • coordinating and managing the committee's estimates process; • arranging local and interstate public hearings; • processing documentation in relation to the committee's inquiries; • undertaking detailed research and analysis; • contributing to the drafting of committee reports; and • preparing briefing papers and other background material. These positions involve liaison with senators and their staff, public servants and the general public. As such, high-level communication skills, including the ability to exercise tact and judgement, are essential. Accurate and professional writing skills and the ability to work to consistently high standards and occasionally for long hours are key requirements. A good understanding of parliamentary process and the role of parliamentary committees would be an advantage. The Research Officer, under direction, processes general inquiries and research activities and can manage sound analysis and report writing. The Senior Research Officer works with limited guidance and contributes to strategic analysis, research and report writing. The Principal Research Officer is an effective supervisor who provides guidance and mentorship to junior members of the secretariat. The Principal Research Officer has significant experience and well-developed research, analytical and report writing skills, and undertakes complex stakeholder liaison. Committee Secretaries (PEL 2) The Committee Secretary leads a secretariat team that supports the conduct of inquiries into policy issues, legislation and the scrutiny of departments and agencies. They apply high-level intellectual, managerial and communication skills to lead employees, undertake complex research, analyse evidence and draft committee reports. The Committee Secretary also advises committee members on committee proceedings and interacts effectively with senators, senior level private and public sector representatives, citizens and the media.