Research and Policy Officer (APS6)

We are seeking a curious, motivated and outcomes-focused Research and Policy Officer to join our team. This is an opportunity to lead high-impact research and policy projects that contribute to improving the administration of Australia's tax and superannuation system. 

The successful candidate will be a self-starter who enjoys identifying emerging trends, investigating complex issues, and delivering evidence-based recommendations for improvement. You will take the initiative, plan and drive research projects from early scoping, undertake research, manage stakeholder engagement and draft papers, overseeing them through to publication within agreed timeframes. 

They will have demonstrated experience engaging with ministerial teams to support the Tax Ombudsman’s engagement with ministerial officers and parliamentary committees through development of briefing documents, submissions and providing clear and evidence-based advice. 

Working closely with the Tax Ombudsman and senior executives, government agencies and system stakeholders, they will play a key role in supporting the Tax Ombudsman's systemic review and research functions. This includes engaging with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to monitor and report on the implementation of agreed recommendations and helping ensure commitments to improve tax administration are delivered in a timely manner.

**Please note that this section 26 opportunity is only available to current Australian Public Service employees** 

Key responsibilities 

Research, policy and project management 

• Identify emerging issues in tax and superannuation administration through research, stakeholder engagement and environmental scanning. 
• Analyse complex information, data, legislation and stakeholder feedback to identify systemic issues, trends and opportunities for improvement. 
• Design and manage research projects from inception through to publication, ensuring milestones, quality standards and deadlines are met. 
• Develop evidence-based advice, discussion papers, submissions, briefs and recommendations for consideration by the Tax Ombudsman. 

Ministerial and Parliamentary engagements 

• Develop ministerial briefings on key issue of tax administration that may require legislative or policy consideration 
• Develop evidence-based submissions to Parliamentary committee inquiries on tax administration and other related issues 
• Support the Tax Ombudsman’s engagement with, and advice to, the minister and other key parliamentary stakeholders. 

Stakeholder engagement  

• Build productive relationships with the ATO, Treasury and other stakeholders to gather information, test ideas and promote practical solutions. 
• Liaise with the ATO regarding the implementation of Tax Ombudsman recommendations, monitor and report on progress against agreed commitments. 
• Support discussions with the minister, government agencies and stakeholders to address emerging issues and improve tax administration practices. 
• Represent the agency professionally in meetings, consultations and engagement activities. 

Planning, monitoring and continuous improvement 

• Plan, track and manage multiple projects and priorities, ensuring work is delivered to a high standard and within established timeframes. 
• Monitor, evaluate and report on government and ATO implementation of recommendations arising from reviews and investigations. 
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to the agency's governance, reporting and records management obligations. 
• Contribute to systemic reviews and quality assurance activities across the agency. 

What we are looking for 

**Please note that this section 26 opportunity is only available to current Australian Public Service employees** 

We are looking for someone who: 

• Has a sound understanding of the Australian tax and superannuation system and its administration. 
• Has demonstrated experience working in policy or ministerial teams, and/or engagement with parliamentary committees or its processes. 
• Is naturally curious and enjoys investigating complex issues and identifying underlying causes and trends. 
• Demonstrates initiative and is comfortable working independently with minimal supervision. 
• Has proven experience planning and managing research projects from inception through to final publication. 
• Can organise, prioritise and deliver multiple pieces of work within agreed timeframes. 
• Has strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information into clear insights and recommendations. 
• Has excellent written communication skills and can produce high-quality written outputs. 
• Builds effective relationships and can confidently engage with senior stakeholders across government. 
• Is highly organised, detail-oriented and able to follow through on actions to achieve tangible outcomes. 
• Contributes positively to a collaborative team environment while taking ownership of their own work. 

Why you'll love working at the Tax Ombudsman 

Meaningful work: At the Tax Ombudsman, we are a purpose-led organisation. You will have the chance to contribute to how we improve the fairness and transparency of Australia's tax system while supporting the rights of all taxpayers across Australia.  

Small team, big impact: As a small agency, everyone in the team has an important role to play to contribute to the agency’s purpose. You will be encouraged to apply your skills across a broad remit while also working in a supportive team environment. 

Empowerment and innovation: We encourage our employees to take ownership of their roles and drive change, fostering a culture of innovation and progress.  

Work-life balance: We offer hybrid working arrangements with flexible hours to ensure a balanced career and personal life. Approximately 40% of our workforce currently works remotely, supporting a flexible and inclusive work environment. 

Career growth: This role offers the opportunity to take on new responsibilities as you develop your career in the Australian Public Service (APS). You will work in a small, impactful team, you’ll build valuable skills for your future and will be supported by the agency head. 

Notes 

The Tax Ombudsman acknowledges the value of a diverse workforce and the wealth of perspectives, experiences, and ideas it brings. A culture of inclusion strengthens collaboration, drives innovation, and enhances decision-making, allowing us to better serve the diverse communities we represent. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including but not limited to, individuals from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with disabilities, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to support applicants through the recruitment process where necessary.