Graduate Development Program - Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Applications for the 2012 Graduate Development Program open on Friday, 28 April 2011 and will close on 11 pm Sunday, 29 May 2011.

About the Graduate Development Program

Our Graduate Development Program is a 10-month learning and development program that prepares you for a career in DCCEE and the Australian Public Service.

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 December. After an exciting two day induction, you will begin in your first placement.

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 national 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 (a starting salary of $55,330 and generous superannuation provisions)
Assistance in relocating to Canberra (if applicable)
Flexible working arrangements and excellent conditions in a Department which values a work-life balance
Rewarding work experience in a friendly, team-oriented workplace.

 

Learning and Development Program

You will have the opportunity to participate in a structured comprehensive learning and development program which includes 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. Identifies areas for further development and provides you with strategies 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.
9. 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.

In August or September, you will join your fellow graduates on a field trip that your graduate group has 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 and the relationships and impact of its business on the community. 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 report and presentation.

Work rotations

Your three rotations enables you see the wide spectrum of activities undertaken by the Department. Each rotation provides you with the opportunity to develop new skills, meet interesting people 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 take part in various meetings in interesting locations as an observer or as a participant.

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 suits 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.

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 full potential and develop your career.

Support network

Each graduate is allocated a mentor at the Senior Executive level and a mentor at the Executive level. The mentoring scheme provides an opportunity for each graduate to meet with other successful employees of the Department on a mutually agreed basis to discuss issues relating to your work, development and aspirations.

You are also given a former graduate contact (buddy) who will provide assistance of an informal nature based on their recent experience of the program.