Principal Consultant - Organisational Capability

This is a permanent full-time position commencing in September 2026

The People Services division delivers strategic and operational human resource services to support the Department’s workforce capability and ensure it can effectively meet the needs of Western Australian students. The division is responsible for a broad range of functions including industrial and employee relations, workforce planning and policy, recruitment and employment services, workers’ compensation and injury management, occupational safety and health, and workforce strategic initiatives.

Within the division, the Organisational Design, Development and Planning directorate leads key strategic workforce initiatives and projects, including equity and diversity programs, organisational design and development support, and workforce planning activities. The directorate also provides human resource analytics, intelligence and reporting to inform workforce decision-making across the Department.

The Role

The role leads the development and implementation of strategic organisational capability programs, projects and initiatives that support the Department’s organisational development agenda and align with broader Public Sector priorities. This includes overseeing contemporary learning and capability development initiatives, managing key projects such as the Public Sector Commission Skills Academy initiative, and ensuring activities comply with relevant statutory and policy requirements. The position also undertakes research and analysis to identify emerging national and international trends that may influence organisational capability, workforce practices and systems.

The position provides strategic advice and professional leadership to senior management and stakeholders on organisational development matters, while building and maintaining effective relationships across the Department and external agencies. The role represents the Department on committees, working parties and professional forums, and leads communication, evaluation and continuous improvement activities to support best practice organisational learning and capability outcomes.

In addition, the role is responsible for preparing high-level correspondence, reports, submissions and briefings for senior executives and the Minister, establishing risk management strategies, and ensuring staff performance and leave management are undertaken in accordance with Public Sector standards, awards and Department policy. The role also requires culturally responsive engagement practices that support productive and respectful stakeholder relationships. #linkedin

Professional Benefits

We are conveniently located in East Perth and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include: 

• 12% employer contributed superannuation.
• Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including; working from home or remote, flexible working hours and part-time arrangements.
• Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave.
• Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance.
• Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments).
• Enjoy easy access to public transport with the Claisebrook train station just a 5-minute walk away or, take advantage of the free Yellow Cat bus service that stops outside our building entrance. Additionally, various CPP parking locations are within walking distance.

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Laura Davis, Manager, Organisational Development on 9264 5040 or emailing ***********@education.wa.edu.au

We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people (Building Leadership Impact).

Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at ***************@education.wa.edu.au during the advertising period. 

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Eligibility

To work with us, you must: 

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Application Instructions

Apply online in two easy steps:

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one being your current line manager.

Step 2: Attach your documents

Your application should include: 

• A CV of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
• A two (2) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:
  1. Demonstrated experience in providing effective leadership and in managing of a range of complex and diverse organisational capability projects and initiatives.
  2. Demonstrated highly developed research, conceptual and analytical skills, together with the ability to identify and clarify trends, issues and problems and create solutions to complex organisational development issues.
  3. Demonstrated highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to build effective relationships and networks, including leading teams and working collaboratively with others at all levels and in a range of contexts.
  4. Demonstrated high-level written and oral communication skills for a range of specific purposes and audiences, including delivery of professional development.
  5. Demonstrated highly developed organisational skills with a proven ability to deliver high quality outcomes on schedule in a demanding environment and under tight timeframes.

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 41***for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE1038592

Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday 17 August 2026