EL2/SES Band1 - Evaluation Officer

• EL2/SES Band 1 Equivalent – Evaluation Officer
• Initial 10 – 12 weeks contract with possible extension up to 12 months
• Support the review of the Startup Year pilot program implementation
• WFH option might be considered by the client

About the Role
Our client is seeking an experienced Evaluation Officer to conduct a comprehensive review of the Startup Year pilot program. This is an excellent short-term opportunity to contribute to a high-impact initiative with visibility across the education sector.

The ideal candidate will bring expertise in government evaluation, program implementation, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and high-quality report writing. A background in higher education would be highly advantageous. Candidates must be eligible to apply for and maintain a Baseline security clearance.

You will oversee the end-to-end delivery of the review process, including engaging stakeholders, managing logistics, and conducting data collection through interviews, focus groups, and other mechanisms. Leveraging existing data (including a departmental desktop review), you will analyse findings and deliver a comprehensive written report, including actionable options to support the program’s successful future implementation.

Key Responsibilities
The scope of the review will include analysis of:

• The program’s benefits and achievements to date
• Lessons learned from the pilot’s introduction and implementation
• The effectiveness of pilot universities’ participation and key challenges
• Program settings, including course requirements and loan eligibility criteria
• The effectiveness of the STARTUP-HELP loan in achieving policy outcomes
• Up to 3 alternative options for program delivery, for departmental consideration

Activities may include:

• Workshops, interviews, and surveys with pilot universities, student participants, and other key stakeholders to collect qualitative insights
• Reviewing legislative and policy frameworks for alignment with intended program outcomes
• Analyzing program data, including EOIs, applications, and enrolments
• Consolidating formally and informally reported data into actionable findings
• A desktop analysis has already been undertaken as the first step towards evaluation,

Skills and Experience

• Current or prior experience at the EL2 / SES Band 1 level, particularly in policy, evaluation, or program areas within government
• Strong capability in program evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and delivering high-quality written reports

Eligibility/Other Requirements:

• Australian citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance

How to Apply:
To apply for this opportunity, please submit your application, including a current CV, a statement of capability of up to 500 words, and contact details for two referees (who will only be contacted if the candidate progresses past the interview stage), to Connie at Talent International by clicking the “APPLY NOW” button.