The Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) is Australia’s national human rights institution, dedicated to fostering a society where human rights are upheld, protected, and celebrated. We envision an Australia where every individual is valued equally in dignity and rights.

Our mission involves promoting and safeguarding the human rights of all Australians by:

• Advising all levels of government and various public and private organisations.
• Strengthening laws, policies, and practices while providing accessible investigation and conciliation services.
• Engaging inclusively with civil society, communities, and the private sector.
• Raising awareness about human rights and offering educational resources.
• Collaborating with partners to cultivate a culture of respect for human rights across the nation.

The Policy Section supports our President and seven statutory Commissioners (race, age, sex, disability discrimination; children; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social justice and human rights) to promote awareness and understanding of human rights, conduct research and advocacy, and make recommendations to government to fully implement Australia’s human rights obligations.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Project Officer to join the sex discrimination team and lead the 6th National Workplace Sexual Harassment Prevalence Survey project. You will work closely with key stakeholders and partners to undertake this research, adopting an intersectional approach to ensure project objectives are achieved.

This full-time / part-time, non-ongoing position is initially offered for a period of 12 months.

It offers a competitive salary range of $121,755 – $133,986 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation.

We offer flexible, hybrid and remote work options.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide best practice and trauma-informed research design and analysis expertise, working with a survey supplier to:

- Conduct the 6th National Workplace Sexual Harassment Prevalence Survey

- Support implementation of the survey, including survey design review, ethics review, survey delivery, and analysis, and

- Prepare and manage the preparation of a high-quality research report and other research outputs like participant engagement materials.

• Provide project management expertise to support the delivery of project milestones, including leading on procurement processes and contract management, in accordance with required guidelines.
• Support strategic alignment between project objectives and Commission priorities.
• Facilitate trauma-informed engagement and consultation with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure diverse experiences and intersectional perspectives, including from First Nations, LGBTIQA+, culturally and racially marginalised people, older people, young people and other groups, are specifically consulted and considered in the project.

What We’re Looking For:

• Demonstrated expertise in managing research design and implementation, including in survey based research.
• Knowledge of human rights principles, frameworks, and their practical application.
• Demonstrated understanding of the historical and contemporary issues affecting the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Expertise in managing research design and implementation, including in survey based research.
• Expertise in project management, including procurement.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage priorities to ensure effort is spent on activities with the greatest strategic impact.
• Ability to build and sustain positive relationships with team members, colleagues at all levels and external stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills and ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Why Join Us?

By becoming a part of our team, you'll play a vital role in influencing public conversations about human rights and making a meaningful impact. If you’re ready to use your skills to support a cause that matters, we want to hear from you!

Apply Now! Help us shape the future of human rights in Australia. Join us in making a difference!

Applications close: 16 November 2026 5pm AEDT

Notes

We 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). An Agency Head may waive the requirement for citizenship prior to engaging an individual where it is appropriate to do so.

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.

Please note this position is advertised as Non-Ongoing. The successful applicant would be employed for an initial period of up to twelve months if extended the maximum period will be two years in total. The merit pool / list established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may be used to fill future non-ongoing vacancies in the Commission where the duties are of a similar nature.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability.

How to Apply

Please provide a resume and a statement (maximum of 2 pages) outlining your interest in this position(s), your experience that would lead to impactful outcomes in the role, and the skills and capabilities you bring.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to fulfill the requirements of the role 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 Australian Human Rights Commission.

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 more Information

Information about the role and Commission practices may be sought from Christine Ratnasingham via email [email protected].