A National Student Ombudsman function is being established, within the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman, by the Australian Government in consultation with states and territories. The establishment of the National Student Ombudsman was a recommendation of the Australian Universities Accord Final Report and is the first action of the Action Plan Addressing Gender-based Violence in Higher Education.

The National Student Ombudsman will provide an independent and impartial mechanism for escalating complaints about higher education providers when students are not satisfied with their providers’ response, providing an accessible pathway for around 1.6 million higher education students across more than 200 providers. The National Student Ombudsman function will use the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s legislated investigative and dispute resolution powers and consider the administrative actions of providers in relation to student safety, welfare, course and student loan administration, and reasonable adjustments for students, and have the ability to consider whether the actions taken by providers are fair and reasonable. The Commonwealth Ombudsman will be the statutory National Student Ombudsman. Subject to the passage of legislation, the new function will commence in February 2025 and needs to be established before then.

First Assistant Ombudsman (SES Band 2) Ref. No 1135

As First Assistant Ombudsman you will establish and then be the face of the new National Student Ombudsman function. You will report to the Deputy Commonwealth Ombudsman and provide advice to the Commonwealth Ombudsman (the statutory National Student Ombudsman). You will be also part of the senior leadership of the Office of the Ombudsman. You will have relevant senior management experience, the capacity to establish a new function from the ground up, experience in interpreting and implementing legislation, the ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders to implement government policy in this space, and an understanding of the higher education sector. You will have the energy to drive outcomes, the ability to engage with both students and senior officials in higher education alike on a range of complex and sensitive matters, the ability to apply good judgement in challenging situations, and the ability to build effective relationships internally and externally. You will thrive on delivering outcomes in a complex, rapidly evolving and at times uncertain environment. You will hold tertiary qualifications in law or another appropriate discipline.

Senior Assistant Ombudsman (SES Band 1)  Ref. No.1136

As Senior Assistant Ombudsman you will work with the First Assistant Ombudsman to establish and then run the new National Student Ombudsman function. Ideally you will have demonstrated experience in managing complaints and/or investigations within a complex environment. You will be able to provide leadership and strategic direction to a large team of staff working in this new area. You will thrive on delivering outcomes in a complex, rapidly evolving and at times uncertain environment. Relevant tertiary qualifications and an understanding of the higher education sector are highly desirable. Suitable candidates may be considered for other SES Band 1 roles in the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman should vacancies arise.

Applications are welcomed and encouraged from the diverse Australian community including people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all ages, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Before applying, please obtain selection documentation from admin@amandaorourke.com.au quoting the relevant reference number in the subject line.

Applications close at 11:59pm AEST on Sunday, 9 June 2024