EL2 - Principal Case Manager, National Sports Tribunal Branch

The department supports workplace diversity and values the contribution of people from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, and LGBTQIA+ people. The department is committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting women’s progression into senior leadership.

The opportunity we have available

The National Sports Tribunal (NST) is a key part of the Australian Government’s sport integrity strategy, providing a fair and transparent forum for resolving sporting disputes in Australia.

We offer a range of dispute resolution options – arbitration, mediation, conciliation and case appraisal – to help national level sporting bodies and their participants resolve disputes efficiently and affordably.

The NST is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates to be appointed as the Principal Case Manager to support the NST's strategic and operational priorities.

What will you do?

This role has two primary functions, to provide case management services and support for matters coming before the National Sports Tribunal (NST); and provide support to NST operations.

Key Responsibilities:
Case Management 

• Lead case management services and support in respect of disputes before the NST
• Provide timely, accurate and consistent information and advice on the NST’s jurisdiction and processes.
• Supervise case managers in providing support for matters coming before the NST; particularly with respect to legal issues and complex jurisdictional matters.
• Assist in managing Preliminary Conferences.
• Review and analyse applications to determine if they meet the NST’s statutory requirements.
• Communicate with parties about processes, timeframes and requirements.
• Liaise with NST Members to ensure the smooth and efficient management of disputes.
• Conduct research and analysis of issues for NST Members from time to time.
• Ensure compliance with workflow tracking of matters including maintaining records and files in TRIM, arranging hearing room facilities, translation services, transcription services, etc.
• Contribute to strategic solutions, problem solving and issues management in relation to client service delivery. 

Operations and Stakeholder Support

Working with the Deputy CEO and General Counsel:
 

• Provide analysis of the NST’s policies, as well as the dispute resolution policies of NSOs and peak bodies.
• Liaise and engage with stakeholders in the sport sector, including National Sporting Organisations, and sport Peak Bodies.
• Provide informed advice on amending and improving NSO governance and policy arrangements that interact with dispute resolution processes.
• Encourage relationships with relevant government agencies to support continual learning and development of strategies that support the sports sector
• Assist in leading activities and projects to support and promote the efficient and effective operation of the NST, including procurement, contract and stakeholder management.
• Prepare a range of written materials for different audiences including correspondence, file notes, briefings.
• Other duties as required.

Who are we looking for?

To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:  

• Legal qualifications and experience working in a legal setting or tribunal.
• Knowledge and experience in working with the Australian sporting sector.
• Understanding of dispute resolution in the context of sport and the Australian sports integrity framework.
• Written and verbal communication skills of a high order, including strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain effective internal and external working relationships.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with a strong attention to detail and sound judgement.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines and deliver work to a high standard.
• Demonstrated personal drive, integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to produce high quality work.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and support team members, including the ability to develop capability through coaching and mentoring.

RecruitAbility minimum requirements

Minimum requirements for this role include:

• Legal qualifications and experience working in a legal setting or tribunal.
• Knowledge and experience in working with the Australian sporting sector.
• Understanding of dispute resolution in the context of sport and the Australian sports integrity framework.
• Written and verbal communication skills of a high order, including strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain effective internal and external working relationships.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with a strong attention to detail and sound judgement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and support team members, including the ability to develop capability through coaching and mentoring.

RecruitAbility is a scheme which aims to attract and develop applicants with disability and also facilitate cultural changes in selection panels and agency recruitment.

Job applicants with disability who met the requirements are advanced to the next stage of the selection process:

• Opt into the scheme
• Declare they have a disability, and
• Meet the minimum requirements of a vacancy advertised in the scheme

More information can be found at RecruitAbility scheme: A guide for applicants | Australian Public Service Commission.

What else can we offer?

We are dedicated to fostering personal and professional development, empowering individuals to set goals, acquire new skills, and cultivate unique qualities that define who they are. We believe that this not only leads to a more fulfilling and happier life but also enhances the overall quality of our work. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Access to our study Assistance Program that provides paid leave and financial support for you to undertake courses of study that contribute to the improvements of your professional skills and knowledge relevant to our work and broader Australian Public Service.
• Through our investment in learning and development opportunities, and a positive performance culture, we provide diverse career pathways for our people to enable their mobility and adapt in a rapidly changing world.
• Improve your leadership skills, through the department’s Professional Coaching Scheme and tailored leadership opportunities for staff members.
• Flexible working opportunities, including part time hours, home based work and job sharing.
• We offer generous leave entitlements of 20 days personal circumstances leave per year, with one month’s accrual of leave credited on commencement and 150 hours of paid annual leave (based on a full-time employee), plus a range of other miscellaneous leave options to support you.

Join our department and embark on a journey of growth, fulfillment, and well-being. Experience personal and professional development, prioritise your health, and be part of a vibrant and positive culture that empowers individuals and drives exceptional performance.

Eligibility requirements

Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• Citizenship:candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.  
• Health Assessment: The preferred applicant may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider.
• Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline Level.  You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information.  You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances.  More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.

Timeline and Assessment

A selection panel will be established to assess your suitability against the advertised role.

If a merit pool is established it will be valid for 18 months from date it first appeared in the APS Gazette

Applications open: 4 September 2025
Applications close: 18 September 2025
Application shortlisting:  19 September 2025
Further assessments: 22 September 2025
Selection report finalised: 30 September 2025
Offers and announcements: 2 October 2025

The above is indicative only, please reach out to the contact person if you have any questions on the recruitment process or timeframes.

Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job and the Work level standards. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants. If your application is shortlisted, you may be asked to undertake further assessment, this may include work sample testing, interviews, and reference checks.

How to apply 

Applications for this opportunity close at 11.59pm AEST, Thursday 18 September 2025

In applying for this position, you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather, you should provide in a PDF document a statement of no more than one page outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, and how these align with the advertised role.  

You should also provide a tailored CV in PDF, no more than two pages. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the ‘Who are we looking for’ section.

If you experience any issues with the system please contact the recruitment team on 02 6136 8989 or via email at [email protected] to discuss an alternative way to submit your application. 

Please advise the contact officer if you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The department is committed to the accessibility of our systems. If you identify as someone with disability and you require accessibility assistance or more information, please email [email protected]  

Work with us. Apply now!