2026-2027 - Australian Human Rights Commission – Temporary Talent Register - Australian Public Service Classification Levels EL1 to EL2

About us

Join Us in advancing Human Rights for all.

Are you passionate about achieving human rights outcomes? Do you want to be part of an agency that has human rights and equality front of mind to build an Australian society where every person is free and equal in dignity and rights?

The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC/the Commission) invites you to register your interest for non-ongoing employment opportunities that may arise, across a broad range of classifications, business areas and locations across Australia.

The register will be utilised to fill non-ongoing (temporary) vacancies, which may include full-time or part-time roles, depending on our business needs.

About Us

The Commission is Australia’s national human rights institution. Together we work towards an Australian society in which human rights are respected, protected and promoted – where every person is free and equal in dignity and rights.

Our purpose is to ensure that all Australians have access to effective, independent complaints handling and public inquiry processes on human rights and discrimination matters, and benefit from our human rights education, advocacy, monitoring and compliance activities.

Come join us!

Be at the heart of transformative change and influence policy that affects lives across Australia. Join us in our mission to create a society where every individual’s rights are respected and protected. Come join us and make a difference.

At the Commission, you will be respected, supported and encouraged to be your authentic self. We take pride in enabling our people to bring their unique perspectives and strive to create a safe space to work to build an Australian society where every person is free and equal in dignity and rights.

You will be able to help to ensure the Commission’s purpose is fulfilled and influence the experiences of our clients when they are in the process of resolving their grievances.

You will receive many benefits such as:

• generous remuneration and working conditions including access to flexible working arrangements.
• professional career engagement: Enjoy opportunities for professional engagement, supportive learning and development and be part of a leading institution in the field of human rights.
• be part of an inclusive, diverse and collaborative work environment: work alongside passionate professionals who share your dedication to human rights, equality and stay connected with the community.

About the positions

The types of positions that may be filled from this register include, but are not limited to:

EL1 (Business Analyst, Team Leader, Senior Advisor, Senior Project Officer, Senior Policy Officer, Campaign Manager, Media Advisor, Community Engagement Manager, Senior Lawyer)

• An Executive Level 1 employee would generally be required to undertake work that is very complex or sensitive and operate under broad direction.
• Exercise a considerable degree of independence and perform a leadership role.
• Exercise sound decision making and judgement to produce high level policy advice.
• Engage in complex problem solving and issues management and may coordinate and undertake detailed or sensitive projects that impact on strategic, political or operational outcomes for the agency.
• Responsible for actively managing key stakeholder relationships within and outside the agency and may manage one or more work teams.

EL2 (Director – Projects, Study Director, Principal Investigator, Senior Project Research Officer, Senior Project Lead, Senior Director)

• An Executive Level 2 employee would generally be required to undertake work with a high level of complexity or sensitivity and operate under broad direction.
• Exercise a significant degree of independence and perform an important leadership role.
• Responsible for influencing and developing strategy, policies, priorities and operational practices in support of agency objectives based on high level decision-making and judgement.
• Provide a high level of advice to senior management and Ministers as well as coordinating and assuming responsibility for highly complex or sensitive projects or work programs that have strategic, political and/or operational significance.
• Responsible for initiating, establishing and maintaining strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and may lead a work team or teams.

AHRC are dedicated and committed to attracting and recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and encourage applications from people with disability, people that identify as LGBTQIA+ and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Positions available through this register vary in duration, noting you can be initially engaged for periods up to 12 months (with one contract extension or subsequent contract up to 6 months, with a total duration of 18 months).

We encourage you to submit your interest in temporary employment with the Commission.

Additional Information

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply Online’ button to the left of this advertisement.

Please provide your resume and a statement (maximum of 2 pages) outlining your interest in these APS levels your experience that would lead to impactful outcomes in the positions, identifying the skills and capabilities you bring.

Please identify which levels – EL1 or EL2 you wish to be considered for in your statement.

You are not required to address each selection criterion individually in your pitch, however, you should provide sufficient information to demonstrate how your skills, knowledge and experience are the right fit for the classification(s) you are expressing interest for. Please be accurate, succinct and show a clear connection with the positions that will become available within the Commission.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to fulfill the requirements of the roles in an impartial and respectful manner as required by the APS Code of Conduct. The successful candidate will uphold the integrity and independence of the AHRC.

As part of the recruitment and selection process, applicants will be required to consent to and undergo background checks which may include character and social media checks.

For further information about this register, please email : jobs@humanrights.gov.au, using the subject line: Temporary Talent Register – EL1 - EL2 enquiry.

Eligibility

• Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS).
• All applicants external to AHRC offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a pre-engagement screening check, even if they have a security clearance. The screening check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.
• The successful candidate may be required obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance.

This register is an expression of interest only. Registering your interest does not guarantee an offer of employment will be made.

AHRC value inclusivity and diversity and seek people who support and model the behaviours we promote in our workforce. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations Australians, mature workers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, culturally and marginalised communities, carers, LGBTIQA+ and people with disability.

Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS).

The Commission is committed to providing an accessible, inclusive work environment to enable people with a disability to participate fully in all aspects of employment. Applicants are encouraged to request reasonable adjustment as required to assist your participation in this recruitment process.