Department of Climate Change is Looking for up to 20 graduates

The Department of Climate Change is looking for up to 20 graduates from all academic disciplines.

In order to be eligible to apply to the department's Graduate Development Program, please ensure that you meet the minimum requirements for graduate employment. You MUST be an Australian citizen or receive Australian citizenship status by January 2010 you MUST have completed an undergraduate degree by no later than January 2010 and be prepared to undergo a security check.

In addition to your academic qualifications (reflecting strong academic achievement), we are seeking candidates with the following attributes:

• Ability to develop productive relationships
• Influencing skills
• Writing persuasively
• Delivering outcomes
• Strategic Perspective
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Leadership and team contribution
• Building and applying knowledge

These attributes will be taken into consideration during the initial short listing process.

Our selection process focuses on all of the characteristics of each individual not just academic achievement. Our graduate program is aimed at those seeking a career –not just a job.

What work will you do?

The Department of Climate Change (within the Prime Minister's portfolio) leads the development and coordination of Australia's climate change policy.

We are responsible for policy advice, policy implementation and program delivery in three areas: reducing Australia's greenhouse gas emissions; adapting to the impacts of climate change we cannot avoid; and helping to shape a global solution.

Refer to our website - www.climatechange.gov.au - for more information.

Work rotations

All graduate positions are located in Canberra. We offer you professional development through three work rotations and a comprehensive learning program, designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge that will place you in a highly competitive position within the department and the Australian Public Service.

Our graduate year starts in early February and ends in November. After a two day induction, you will begin in your first placement. The three rotations let you see the wide spectrum of the activities of the department. Each rotation provides you with the opportunity to gain and develop new skills, and to contribute to the policy, program and corporate aims of the department.

The work you do in each rotation is real and you will be in a supportive environment with the help of an experienced team who are committed to your development. Our supervisors are encouraged to let their graduates see the work of the Section, the Branch and the whole Division. You may be taken to various meetings in interesting locations as an observer or as a participant.

You will also have a senior mentor who will be committed to supporting your development and career aspirations.

First rotation placements will be decided before you arrive. We allocate your placement according to the work that is offered by various areas of the department, taking into account your background including work experience and your area of study.

You will have the opportunity to influence your next two placements and you are encouraged to talk to prospective supervisors and design a work rotation to suit your own personal development needs. As this is a learning and development program you are also encouraged to work outside your comfort zone and try out new areas of interest during the graduate year.

Field trip

In August or September, you will go on a group field trip that the graduate group have planned, budgeted, researched and managed during the year. The field trip will take you out of the office (possibly out of the ACT) in order to meet various people involved in, or connected with, the work of the department. This project will be an excellent opportunity to find out about areas of the department which you may not have had much to do with previously. The field trip is a vital and active learning experience; all graduates are expected to be involved in at least one aspect of the field trip including planning, implementation and the post field trip presentation.

Learning and Development Program

You will participate in a structured comprehensive learning and development program and may include some of the following training courses:

1. Writing for the Australian Public Service (APS) - concentrates on adapting your writing style to fit APS workplace culture including developing agendas and taking minutes, ministerial correspondence, ministerial briefs.
2. Working with Legislation and Making Decisions in the APS - provides an understanding of the legal framework within the APS and enables you to develop skills to read and interpret legislation.
3. Project Management and Development - examines all parts of the project cycle and helps you deliver results on time and on budget - very useful for your field trip!
4. Communication Skills - develops your understanding of conflict resolution, negotiation styles and influencing skills and equips you with the skills for effective communication.
5. Policy Development - gives you an introduction to the skills required for policy formulation and advice including effective research, analytical thinking and policy management.
6. Budget and Financial Essentials - develops your understanding of the Australian Government's budget processes and financial framework.
7. Leadership Development - enables you to reflect on and assess your capabilities and behaviours against those identified in the Integrated Leadership System. Identifies areas for further development at your current or next level and shows you how to plan how to address these development needs.
8. Introduction to the Senate - provides an introduction to Australia's system of parliamentary government with particular emphasis on the role of the Senate.

You will also attend regular graduate meetings where you will have the opportunity to network with other graduates, share information about your rotations, discuss matters related to the Graduate Development Program and arrange guest speakers to talk about issues that are of interest to the graduate group.

Benefits

The Graduate Development Program offers you a range of benefits:

• An innovative, dynamic and supportive workplace which deals with some of the most contentious environmental issues in Australia today
• A supportive environment which will enable you to develop your personal and professional skills
• The opportunity to contribute to the development and implementation of new policies and programs which could have a nationwide or international impact
• Work that provides you with real challenges - and opportunities to use your skills & knowledge in a meaningful way
• A diverse set of work placements throughout the department.

You will also receive:

• A competitive remuneration package with advancement upon successful completion of our Graduate Development Program (starting salary of $53,469 and finishing salary of $62,178)
• Assistance in relocating to Canberra (if applicable)
• Generous superannuation provisions
• Flexible working arrangements and excellent conditions in a department which values a work-life balance
• Rewarding work experience in a friendly, team-oriented workplace.

Your future

As a Graduate you will have many opportunities and challenges after the completion of the Graduate Development Program. The department is committed to providing you with the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge to assist you to reach your potential and develop your career.