Branch Manager, Participant Outcomes, Evidence & Evaluation
NDIS
Lead evidence-based evaluation of reforms and programs with strategic National significance
Lead a comprehensive research program to shape operational policy and practice and support better participant outcomes
Flexible working arrangements considered
About the role
The Branch Manager, Participant Outcomes, Evidence & Evaluation is an SES Band 1 position, reporting to the General Manager Policy and Practice Leadership. The Branch Manager has 5 direct reports, and responsibility for a Branch of approximately 30 staff located across multiple locations.
This leadership position will inform the strategic planning of the NDIA’s priorities and strategic direction and has responsibility for the NDIA’s Participant Outcomes Framework and the Agency’s program of research and evaluation to improve participant experience and outcomes.
The Branch Manager will foster a learning culture within the Agency and ensure that policy and practice is informed by a contemporary evidence base.
That evidence may include:
published and refereed literature and any consensus of expert opinion;
lived experience of the participant or their supporters; or
through data and insights collected by the Agency through the operation of the NDIS.
This role is accountable for the:
Monitoring participant outcomes in the context of the NDIS Participant Outcomes Framework and using participant outcomes data and insights to inform operational policy and practice.
Lead the NDIS research function to inform the strategic priorities, opportunities and reform activities of the Agency.
Lead the evaluation function for the Agency including overseeing the delivery of implementation and outcomes evaluations, building evaluation capability across the organisation, and preparation of high-quality evaluation reports.
Foster and maintain strategic relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, including strategic partnerships and engagement with the disability research community.
The priorities of the Branch are:
establishing a more systematised approach to how information on participant outcomes is collected, collated, and analysed
developing a dedicated evaluation capability across the NDIA and evaluating key NDIS reforms
driving the NDIA’s research agenda and building and leveraging Strategic Partnerships with external research bodies to align with the NDIS reform goals, and to facilitate innovation and Scheme outcomes.
For more information regarding the capabilities required of SES APS leaders, please consider the relevant Leadership Profile in line with the APS Integrated Leadership System (linked).
The key responsibilities of the role are based on current priorities and may change over time.
This role can be performed from Melbourne, Sydney or Canberra, and remote working arrangements may be considered.
About the Division
The Policy and Practice Leadership Division is responsible for operational policy and practice settings for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), informed by the evidence base and evaluation of participant experience and outcomes.
The division leverages strategic partnerships and drives the National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA) research agenda, to align with reform goals, and to facilitate innovation and outcomes in line with the NDIS Participant Outcomes Framework.
The Division is made up of the following teams:
Scheme Policy Branch
Participant Outcomes, Evidence and Evaluation Branch
New Planning Framework Branch
About you
This role is ideal for a strategic leader with deep understanding of evaluation, research, and outcomes measurement to inform policy and practice. This includes the ability to produce high-quality, publishable reports.
What we’re looking for in our ideal candidates:
experience leading a research and evaluation team, ideally within a large service provider, consultancy, government agency or related setting.
senior strategic and/or operational leadership experience, with energy and expertise to shape strategic work programs, set clear priorities, and lead a very diverse team to consistently deliver high-quality operational outcomes
senior strategic and/or operational leadership experience, with energy and expertise to establish a compelling vision for the branch and enhance team engagement and collaboration, foster a culture of continuous improvement and provide informed and accurate leadership and guidance to improve operational policy and practice, systems and processes
a proven track-record of working collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders, including within government, the research community and data custodians, to develop, design and evaluate the efficacy of significant reforms, programs and systems
ability to navigate complexity and exhibit integrity, drive and resilience You bring sharp judgement and excel in dynamic, fast paced and high-pressure environments.
a natural connector and collaborator who thrives on working across teams, identifying shared goals and working in a highly matrixed organisation undertaking significant reform.
curiosity and preparedness to learn, fostering a learning culture to ensure that policy and practice is informed by the evidence base and evaluation of participant experience and outcomes.
For more information regarding the capabilities required of SES APS leaders, please consider the relevant Leadership Profile in line with the APS Integrated Leadership System (linked).
About the NDIA
The NDIA’s role is to implement the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which will support a better life for hundreds of thousands of Australians with a significant and permanent disability and their families and carers.
The NDIA is an independent statutory agency which operates within a legislative and regulatory environment. We adhere to the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct as set out in section 13 of the Public Service Act 1999.
Our work is driven by the Corporate Plan which provides strategic direction to achieve our purpose of making a difference so that people with disability can choose and achieve their goals.
The NDIA Values are:
We value people – We put participants at the heart of everything we do.
We grow together – We work together to deliver quality outcomes.
We aim higher – We are resilient and always have the courage to do better.
We take care – We own what we do, and we do the right thing.
Our values reflect our passion and commitment to building a positive, participant-centred culture.
What you should know
To be eligible for employment with the NDIA, you must be an Australian citizen. A candidate’s suitability for employment with the Agency will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This will include a criminal history check and the ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance, at the Negative Vetting 1 level. This will be arranged for you, if successful.
The NDIA will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the requirements of the role.
We strongly and actively encourage applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, particularly people with disability, and including First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and LGBTIQA+.
Application Instructions
Please apply via https://watermarksearchinternational.snapforms.com.au/form/ndia quoting Ref No A005963
Your application should include:
A complete current resume
A one-page pitch (maximum 750 words) quoting reference A005963
Your pitch is an opportunity to tell us why you are the right candidate for the Branch Manager, Participant Outcomes, Evidence & Evaluation position. It should highlight relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate:
Why you want to work in the Policy and Practice Leadership Division.
What you will contribute to the role.
How you will build and champion the NDIA’s vision to improve outcomes for people with disability through innovation and collaboration.
Be sure to highlight relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your suitability for the role. You can use the SES Band 1 Work Level Standards to ensure you pitch at the right level.
The closing date for applications is 11.59 pm AEST Sunday, 17th August 2025
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activities for the vacancy if you choose to opt-in to the scheme, declare you have a disability and meet the minimum requirements for the vacancy. All requests for reasonable adjustments will be considered and managed in consultation with you.
Further information can be found at https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability
Reasonable adjustments and support for applicants
Reasonable adjustments are available to support applicants through the process.
Reasonable adjustments could include:
An Auslan interpreter
Extra reading time during assessment activities, or
Accessible software.
If you would like to receive a comprehensive candidate pack, would like to receive it in another format or would like to discuss the provision of reasonable adjustments please contact Chris Grant on 0493 714 171 or Bronwen Kerr (03) 8629 1333 using the National Relay Service 133 677 if required https://www.accesshub.gov.au/about-the-nrs or email search@watermarksearch.com.au.