Lead Facilitator (1 day per week), UNSW Canberra Public Policy Institute

Employment type:   Fixed-term, part-time (7 hours per week)
Duration: 12 months fixed-term contract

Remuneration: Attractive salary
Location: UNSW Canberra, City Campus

Work rights required: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must be Australian Citizens to be considered for this position.

 

 

About UNSW Canberra
University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra has multiple locations in the Nation’s Capital.
UNSW Canberra distinguishes itself from other institutions by its commitment to being thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all endeavours. This combined approach is integral to the university's impact and contributes to its recognition as Australia’s #1 university, one of the top 20 universities globally, as well as a proud member of Australia's esteemed Group of Eight. Choosing a career at UNSW means embracing an environment where thriving, facing challenges, and engaging in meaningful work are not just encouraged but integral to the university experience. If you seek a career where you can excel and contribute meaningfully, you've found the right place.

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

 

Why Your Role Matters:
Operating as the PPI's principal authority in executive facilitation, leadership development and human capability, the role is responsible for developing the PPIs distinctive facilitation methodology, quality framework and learning architecture to deliver transformational learning experiences for senior government, industry and community leaders.

The Principal Lead Facilitator works in close partnership with the Academic Director, academic staff and external partners to shape the PPI's executive education strategy through innovative facilitation methodologies grounded in evidence-based leadership practice, behavioural science, adult learning and public policy.

The role establishes the systems, standards and capability required to scale executive education nationally and internationally while maintaining exceptional quality. This includes designing the PPI's facilitation methodology, accreditation framework, quality assurance systems and facilitator capability model that will underpin sustainable growth across executive education, custom programs and strategic partnerships.

The Principal Lead Facilitator acts as a trusted adviser to governments, senior executives, ministers, public sector agencies and strategic partners, facilitating complex conversations, advising on leadership capability and contributing to solutions for complex public policy challenges.

As the PPI expands, the Principal Lead Facilitator will lead a multidisciplinary team of facilitators, learning specialists and education professionals.

This position contributes directly to the PPI's strategic ambition to become the leading Institute in the Asia-Pacific region and a globally recognised centre of excellence comparable with the world's foremost education centres of public policy and government.

The Principal Lead Facilitator reports to the Academic Director. The position will lead a growing team of facilitators and executive learning professionals and will influence senior academic and professional staff across the University.

 

 

Who You Are (skills and experience): 

• Postgraduate qualifications in leadership, organisational development, education, psychology, public policy or a related discipline, together with extensive senior executive experience in executive education, organisational capability or leadership development; or an equivalent combination of education, professional expertise and recognised industry standing.
• Extensive experience designing and implementing executive learning, facilitation and leadership capability strategies aligned to organisational vision, strategic priorities and growth ambitions.
• Demonstrated success establishing a distinctive executive learning methodology and facilitation design including development of frameworks or accreditation models. 
• Extensive experience designing and facilitating high-impact executive education programs for senior leaders, executives, public sector agencies or international bodies.
• Experience building facilitator capability systems including elements such as accreditation, professional development, mentoring, Train-the-Trainer models, communities of facilitation practice.
• Demonstrated success developing innovative executive education methodologies incorporating behavioural science, adult learning theories, leadership research and contemporary facilitation practice.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement capability, with experience building trusted relationships with senior government or industry partners.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including developing capability and fostering collaborative, innovative, high-performing and accountable cultures.

 

Benefits and Culture:
UNSW is committed to helping staff balance work-life responsibilities, by providing access to high-quality services, facilities, and flexible work and leave arrangements.

 

• Additional three days leave during December festive period
• Career development opportunities 
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Flexible 17% superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice
• Free gym access
• UNSW-wide strategy to focus on Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Places and Healthy Culture. 

You can learn more about our Benefits and Culture at Lifestyle & Benefits UNSW

 

Eligibility: 

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must have full working rights to be considered for the role.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. 

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

 

How to Apply:

Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before Sunday 1 November, 2026 at 11:30pm, including your CV and a 1–2-page cover letter addressing the required skills and experience outlined in the position description. In order to view the position description, please ensure that you allow pop-ups for https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au

 

Get in Touch:

For role-related queries please contact:
Jessica Genauer - Academic Director, Public Policy Institute

j.genauer@unsw.edu.au

 

For recruitment process-related queries please contact:
Holly Whale – Talent Acquisition Partner
h.whale@unsw.edu.au

Applications cannot be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.

Find out more about the lifestyle and benefits when working with UNSW  

For further information about UNSW Canberra, please visit: UNSW Canberra 
For further information on living in Canberra, please visit: Living in Canberra

 

 

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

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