Branch Manager, New Framework Policy
SES Band 1 | National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)
Full-time | Non ongoing (2 years) | Location: Various
Shape the future of the NDIS. Lead reform that matters.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is seeking an exceptional senior leader to join its Policy and Practice Leadership Division as Branch Manager, New Framework Policy (SES Band 1).
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most critical policy reform agendas in Australia — shaping how people access, plan for and receive supports under the NDIS, while ensuring the Scheme is sustainable, equitable and participant centred.
This role provides strategic leadership for the development and implementation of key policy and operational reforms associated with New Framework Planning, including the delivery of the new holistic support needs assessment for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
About the role
Reporting to the General Manager, Policy and Practice Leadership, the Branch Manager is responsible for providing strong expertise and leadership across a complex policy and operational environment. The role has responsibility for a large, multidisciplinary workforce located across multiple sites.
Key responsibilities include:
Setting and delivering the strategic direction of the New Framework Policy Branch, aligned with NDIA and Government reform priorities
Leading the development of legislative instruments, operational policies and planning frameworks to support New Framework Planning
Delivering the design and implementation of the new support needs assessment, including associated tools, procurement and contract management
Strengthening participant risk and safeguarding frameworks, consistent with Royal Commission recommendations
Providing high level, evidence based advice to senior executives and Ministers on complex policy, operational and governance matters
What we are looking for
The NDIA is seeking an SES leader who brings:
Extensive experience in complex policy environments, with deep understanding of the legislative and operational framework in a government context (or comparable social policy systems)
Proven capacity to lead large, diverse teams and deliver high quality outcomes in dynamic and high pressure environments
Strong understanding of parliamentary, budgetary, intergovernmental and political decision-making processes is essential
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
Sound judgement, integrity and resilience, with the ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity
Experience with managing procurement and contracts is highly desirable
The successful candidate will operate strategically, model respectful leadership behaviours, and demonstrate a strong commitment to putting participants at the centre of policy and practice.
The ability to provide expert advice and recommendations on key, often complex, aspects of the NDIA’s reform agenda and scheme design in alignment with the framework of broader Government policy parameters will also be advantageous.
About the NDIA
The NDIA is an independent statutory agency of the Australian Government responsible for implementing the National Disability Insurance Scheme — one of the most significant social reforms in Australia’s history. The NDIA is committed to delivering a participant centred, evidence informed and sustainable Scheme that improves outcomes for people with disability.
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 A006299
Your application should include:
A complete current resume
A one-page pitch (maximum 750 words) quoting reference A006299
Your pitch is an opportunity to tell us why you are the right candidate for the Branch Manager, New Framework Policy position. It should highlight relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate that you have the capabilities, skills and attributes to deliver at the SES Band 1 level in a complex Policy and Framework setting:
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, 5th April 2026
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, or discuss the role in further detail please contact Chris Grant on 0493 714 171 or Bronwen Kerr on 02 9233 1200 or email search@watermarksearch.com.au.