Principal Research Officer

The Department of the Senate is seeking applications from those interested in joining the Legislative Scrutiny Unit within the Procedure Office, in the role of Principal Research Officer.

This recruitment process may be used to fill future vacancies in the Legislative Scrutiny Unit as they arise.

The Principal Research Officer is responsible for major legislative analysis, research and writing tasks supporting the work of the Senate Scrutiny of Bills Committee. This includes high-level legislative scrutiny of bills or legislative instruments, analysis and research as well as preparing complex reports and briefs for consideration by the chair and the committees.

The Principal Research Officer is expected to take carriage of the preparatory work for meetings of the committees, assist with other committee business, and is responsible for the supervision of lower level employees. 

The Principal Research Officer may also be required to act as secretary to the committee on occasions and has a well-developed understanding of parliamentary processes and of the role played by parliamentary committees.

On occasion, the Principal Research Officer may support the work of the secretariat of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights and the Senate's Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation Committee.

1. Undertake major legislative scrutiny, analysis and research for the legislative scrutiny committees, including producing draft reports, briefing papers and background material. 
2. Assist the committee secretary in the planning and management of the work of the Legislative Scrutiny Unit, including scrutiny work, meeting preparation and reporting to the Parliament. 
3. Manage individual aspects of committee business under limited direction and help lead a small team in the provision of secretariat services to the committees. 
4. Act as committee secretary when required, and support other Legislative Scrutiny Unit committee secretariats, as required.
5. Provide advice and information to committees, including at committee meetings and, as needed, liaise with officials and the general public on committee business. 
6. Develop and maintain knowledge of Senate procedure and parliamentary law and practice, particularly in relation to the work of committees. 
7. Complete corporate and administrative tasks in a timely manner.

Desirable 

• Relevant tertiary qualifications (or progress towards relevant tertiary qualifications).
• Familiarity with, and knowledge of, legislation and legislative processes. 
• Understanding of administrative law and rule of law principles.

To apply, you are asked to provide a one-page pitch detailing your suitability to perform the duties of the position with reference to the selection criteria. You are also asked to provide a copy of your CV or résumé.

The Department of the Senate is committed to being an inclusive employer. We aim to provide a supportive, flexible, and fair workplace that recognises the diversity within the Australian community, where all employees feel respected, valued and supported to best contribute to our work. We encourage applications from First Nations’ people, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQA+, mature aged employees and people with caring responsibilities.

The Department of the Senate provides the secretariat to the Senate – enabling its legislative and accountability activities – and to dozens of parliamentary committees, whose work encompasses the Senate’s scrutiny functions and its exercise of Parliament’s broad inquiry powers. In doing so, departmental officers provide the Senate, its committees, the President and other senators expert, impartial advice about Senate and committee operations. We publish the Senate’s records, and produce an array of information resources so that people may understand and engage in its work. With our colleagues across the Parliamentary Service we also provide specialised advice and logistical support to senators so they may undertake their duties.