• Candidate information pack: Risk Analyst

    Position Number: 18950
    Position Title: Risk Analyst
    Group/Team: Risk and Compliance / Financial Advisory and Risk
    Employment Type: Ongoing, full-time
    Salary Range: $78,449 - $83,868 pa plus 15.4% superannuation
    Classification: APS Level 5
    Location: Level 11, 452 Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
    Reporting to: Assistant Director, Risk Analysis
    Agency Employment Act: Public Service Act 1999

    Applications close at 11:59pm on 15 November 2022

    Applications must include the following cover sheet: TEQSA job application cover sheet [DOCX 1MB]

    About us

    The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is Australia’s independent national quality assurance and regulatory agency for higher education. TEQSA’s purpose is to deliver quality assurance that protects the interests of students and the reputation and standing of Australian higher education.

    As an independent quality assurance and regulatory agency, TEQSA adopts a risk-based approach that is guided by principles of necessity, risk, and proportionality, and which supports quality, diversity, innovation, and excellence in tertiary education.

    TEQSA has three strategic objectives in delivering its purpose:

    1. Promote and support good practice and effective self-assurance across the sector.
    2. Identify, analyse, and respond to risks to the sector.
    3. Ensure compliance with applicable legislation through effective and efficient regulation.

    About you

    • Are you passionate about contributing to the excellence of Australian higher education?
    • Are you a strategic thinker with a drive for innovation and collaboration?
    • Do you want to work in a challenging, dynamic, and rewarding environment that is mission-focused?

    Our culture  

    Our organisational culture reflects our Culture Plan 2021 and the core values and behaviours that guide how we approach our work and interact with each other.

    The core values by which we operate include:

    • Trust – We have confidence in each other to do our best. We encourage open and honest conversations that focus on the issue, not the person. We promote a supportive and safe workplace environment.
    • Respect – We approach every situation with kindness, compassion, and an open mindset. We value people, the range of views and experience they bring, and the work they undertake.
    • Accountability – We hold ourselves and each other accountable for our actions, how we work together, and the quality of what we deliver. We gather feedback, reflect, and act on opportunities for improvement.
    • Collaboration – We draw on our collective strength by encouraging each other to contribute to the achievement of shared objectives. We provide context and information to help others succeed.

    At TEQSA, we are building a working environment that aligns with our cultural values and cultivates a rewarding, stimulating, and engaging workplace. If our organisational culture resonates with you, we want to hear from you. 

    How we value our employees 

    TEQSA is committed to investing in its people. So, what’s on offer for you?

    • A full-time and secure role in a for-purpose organisation that protects the interests of students and the reputation and standing of Australian higher education.
    • Flexible working arrangements, including working from home to balance work and personal life.
    • Conveniently located spacious office close to public transport in the heart of Melbourne CBD. We have relocated to a brand-new, interior-designed office with state-of-the-art technology and facilities designed for flexibility, collaboration, and wellbeing.
    • Generous leave entitlements, including study leave to support your professional development, personal leave, and paid time off over Christmas!
    • Competitive superannuation at 15.4 per cent and remuneration.
    • Professional development that is supported and encouraged so your career continues to grow as you enhance your technical and leadership skills and capabilities and build a career at TEQSA.
    • Free Employee Assistance Program for you and your immediate family members. Our external partner is a leading provider of wellbeing and mental health support services.
    • Workplace diversity and inclusion. TEQSA welcomes people with diverse skills, experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. TEQSA encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, people with disabilities, people that identify as LGBTQIA+, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

    Our opportunity

    TEQSA currently has an opportunity in the Financial Advisory and Risk Team, which sits within the Risk and Compliance Group.

    The Risk and Compliance Group sits within the Regulatory Operations Division, which is responsible for delivering TEQSA’s core business of undertaking regulatory assessment under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act). This includes the assessment of applications for (re)registration and (re)accreditation against the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (Threshold Standards) as well as applications under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) and its associated standards. The Division has responsibility for the active case management of registered higher education providers covering all aspects of regulation and quality assurance.

    The Financial Advisory and Risk Team is responsible for undertaking quantitative and qualitative analysis of information and intelligence related to risk to inform TEQSA’s regulatory assessment and compliance activity. The work of the team is key to ensuring that TEQSA’s regulatory and compliance activities are proportionate, reflect risk and regulatory necessity. The team work together with TEQSA’s Information Management team, to source, manage and process data from various sources. The team is made up of risk analysts and financial analysts, who collaborate closely to provide specialist and technical advice and services.

    About the position

    As the Risk Analyst, you will work under limited direction to provide specialist technical services, including undertaking risk assessments of higher education providers, analysing information from a range of sources, and translating intelligence into appropriately framed and well-evidenced assessments. You will also undertake tasks which are moderately complex to complex in nature to support the delivery of the annual risk assessment cycle and relevant monitoring programs.

    The core duties of the APS5 Risk Analyst role include:

    • providing logistical and administrative support to enable the smooth delivery of risk assessments, including the preparation of procedural and other documentation and management of communications and interactions with providers and other stakeholders.
    • undertaking risk-based assessments as required, reviewing, and analysing evidence submitted by providers and derived from other sources, interpreting legislation, and applying sound judgment to prepare well-argued recommendations for consideration by decision-makers.
    • integrating qualitative and quantitative data in undertaking risk analysis and risk monitoring tasks and activities.
    • contributing to the preparation of reports to TEQSA’s Commission and senior management to support decision making and education, including relying upon internal and external facing data, research, analysis, and commentary.
    • contributing to the continuous improvement of TEQSA’s risk assessment and risk monitoring program and processes.
    • building, maintaining, and applying work knowledge to deliver timely and effective outcomes, including knowledge of relevant legislation, policy, procedures, and guidelines.
    • working effectively and harmoniously in a team, managing competing priorities and requests, solving problems, and providing advice, training and support to others as required.

    Our ideal candidate

    TEQSA is looking for a high-performing team member who is passionate about contributing to the excellence of Australian higher education.

    Experience working in a regulatory environment and/or experience working in the Australian higher education sector is highly regarded.

    Our ideal candidate has the following:

    1. Well-developed analytical skills including the ability to collect, analyse, interpret, monitor, and report on data/trends including a demonstrated ability to undertake analysis of both qualitative and quantitative datasets.
    2. Sound administrative skills including the ability to prepare documentation and reporting systems to support the delivery of regulatory risk analysis and risk monitoring programs.
    3. Strong written and verbal communication skills including experience communicating complex data and information to a range of audiences verbally and/or in the form of high-quality concise and accurate reports and briefs.
    4. Ability to work under limited direction, to be proactive in making decisions and exercising judgement within defined parameters and manage competing priorities and deadlines.
    5. Ability to build and maintain cooperative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

    How to apply

    Your application should include the following items:

    1. TEQSA job application cover sheet
    2. a CV that demonstrates your experience in relation to the role (maximum two pages)
    3. a two-page pitch (1000 words or less) detailing:
      • how your skills and experience address the ‘our ideal candidate’ section (what makes you the best candidate for the position). Please use specific examples
      • the value you can add to TEQSA’s Risk and Compliance Group.

    Once prepared, please submit your completed application to recruitment@teqsa.gov.au.

    Handy hints

    Eligibility

    The successful applicant must:

    Failure to satisfy any of the above conditions may result in the withdrawal of an offer of employment or termination of employment.

    Other relevant information

    • this recruitment process is being used to fill an ongoing vacancy
    • a merit pool of suitable applicants will be created from this process and may be used to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies within TEQSA. It is active for 18 months from the date of this advertisement.
    Last updated:
  • TEQSA stakeholder survey 2016

    Body

    Overview

    In July 2016 TEQSA undertook a sector wide survey for 2015-16. The primary purpose of the survey was to assess TEQSA’s performance for 2015-16 against the key indicators outlined in TEQSA’s Regulator Performance Framework (2015-16). Additionally, the survey was intended to increase TEQSA’s accountability, better understand its impact on higher education providers, and improve its performance.

    The survey consisted of:

    • Two provider specific versions (a brief survey for the operational head and a more detailed one for the principal contact) for all Higher Education providers (those registered as well as those who had submitted initial registration applications)
    • A brief survey for the operational head of selected peak/professional/student bodies.

    TEQSA engaged Australian Survey Research (ASR) to deploy and analyse a web survey of 194 principal contacts (PC), 194 VC/CEOs (VC/CEO) and 24 peak, professional and student bodies (PPSB).

    The content of the surveys focused on TEQSA’s key performance indicators from its Regulator Performance Framework (2015-16). In addition, principal contacts were asked about various recent interactions with TEQSA including applications, case managers and roundtables. All respondents in all surveys were asked to rate TEQSA’s overall performance as a regulator.

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  • TEQSA regulator performance framework report 2015–2016

    Body

    Overview

    The Commonwealth Government released its Regulator Performance Framework (RPF or the Framework) in October 2014. The Framework was developed in consultation with a range of stakeholders, and consists of six outcomes-based key performance indicators covering:

    • reducing regulatory burden
    • communications
    • risk-based and proportionate approaches
    • efficient and coordinated monitoring
    • transparency
    • continuous improvement.

    Commonwealth regulators that administer, monitor or enforce regulation are required to implement the Framework. The Framework applies from 1 July 2015, with the first assessment period being the 2015–16 financial year.

    Under the Framework, TEQSA is required to self-assess its performance, and then obtain external validation of that self-assessment. The Higher Education Standards Panel has provided this external validation and the TEQSA accountable authority has certified the report. The report has also been provided to the Minister of Education and Training for noting.

    TEQSA’s RPF consists of the following six key performance indicators (KPIs):

    1. Regulation by TEQSA does not unnecessarily impede the efficient operation of higher education providers
    2. TEQSA’s communication with higher education providers is clear, targeted and effective
    3. Regulatory actions undertaken by TEQSA are proportionate to the risks being managed
    4. TEQSA’s compliance and monitoring approaches are streamlined and coordinated
    5. TEQSA’s dealings with higher education providers are open, transparent and consistent
    6. TEQSA’s regulatory framework continues to be improved in consultation with stakeholders.

    In December 2015, TEQSA obtained approval for the evidence metrics it proposed to use to assess its performance against these KPIs. The approval was provided by the Minister responsible for the RPF in the Education and Training Portfolio (the then Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, the Hon Luke Hartsuyker MP).

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  • TEQSA annual report 2015–16

    Body

    TEQSA's Annual Report for 2015-16 was tabled in Parliament on 26 October 2016.

    Overview

    This report informs Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and Training, the Parliament of Australia, the Australian higher education community and the general public about the performance of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA or the Agency) during the financial year ending 30 June 2016.

    Prepared according to parliamentary reporting requirements, the report describes TEQSA’s achievements against the purposes and criteria set out in TEQSA’s Corporate Plan 2015–19 and the indicators in TEQSA’s 2015–16 Portfolio Budget Statements.

    It provides information on TEQSA’s performance in relation to its stated outcome:

    [To] contribute to a high quality higher education sector through streamlined and nationally consistent higher education regulatory arrangements; registration of higher education providers; accreditation of higher education courses; and investigation, quality assurance and dissemination of higher education standards and performance.

    Section 1

    Review by the Chief Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer – reflects on the past year, highlighting significant issues faced by TEQSA and initiatives undertaken, as well as current and future challenges.

    Section 2

    Agency overview – provides information about TEQSA and its governance, roles and functions and organisational structure, as well as its approach to risk and standards based regulation.

    Section 3

    Performance review – reports on how TEQSA performed during the reporting period against the purposes set out in the TEQSA Corporate Plan 2015–19 and its stated outcome and program deliverables contained in the 2015–16 Portfolio Budget Statements.

    Section 4

    Management and accountability – provides information on corporate governance, external and internal accountability, human resource management, financial management, purchasing, consultants and contract management, legal services and other activities relevant to the administration of the Agency.

    Section 5

    Financial report – presents audited financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2016.

    Section 6

    Appendices – includes information relating to TEQSA’s staffing and its performance in relation to Australian Government environmental, disability, freedom of information and financial management outcomes.

    Section 7

    Indices and references – assists readers to locate and understand information in the annual report (includes glossary of acronyms and abbreviations, glossary of terms, compliance index, and alphabetical index).

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  • TEQSA Regulatory Operations Employment Register

    About TEQSA

    TEQSA is Australia's independent national quality assurance and regulatory agency for higher education. Our purpose is to safeguard student interests and the reputation of the Australian higher education sector through a proportionate, risk-reflective approach to regulation.

    With Australian's pursuing higher education in record numbers, and education now Australia's third largest export, our work is more important than ever.

    The Register

    From time-to-time we require people to fill vacancies caused as a result of staff movement or to assist with a temporary increase in workload. The Register provides you with an opportunity to let us know that you are interested in working at TEQSA, and enables us to access a pool of people for further consideration.

    This register remains active for three months and is refreshed quarterly. If you wish to remain on the Register you will need to update your details and send us through a new application.

    Employment arrangements

    TEQSA, like all Commonwealth Government Agencies, is required to stay within a staffing cap. This means there is a limit to the number of people we can employ as Australian Public Servants (APS). If our staffing cap does not allow us to employ people as APS employees, we utilise a third party labour hire company.

    Ongoing APS employees are engaged to the APS under the provisions of section 22 (a) of the Public Service Act 1999. Their employment conditions are set out in the TEQSA Enterprise Agreement.  

    Non-ongoing APS employees sign a fixed term (non-ongoing) contract and are engaged to the APS under the provisions of section 22 (b). Their employment conditions are also set out in the TEQSA Enterprise Agreement.  

    People employed through a third party labour hire company are broadly paid at the same rate as APS employees but they receive an additional 25% to compensate them for the fact that they are not entitled to the same leave and other entitlements as APS employees.

    What sort of work is available?

    Opportunities are within our Regulatory Operations division. These roles are responsible for:

    • the assessment of applications involving higher education providers, including course accreditations
    • undertaking analysis of, and making expert judgments on, evidence and material submitted to TEQSA by providers or gathered from other sources against standards and other legislative requirements
    • responding to provider requests and questions, providing advice as appropriate, and building professional relationships with providers
    • preparing advice and recommendations to decision-makers, including briefing material and analytical reports, and presenting findings to decision-makers.

    Why choose TEQSA?

    At TEQSA, we are committed to providing a workplace that recognises and values the diversity of its employees and we encourage excellence, continuous improvement, professional development, integrity, and an array of perspectives and contributions.

    What we can offer

    • a variety of employment benefits and health and wellbeing initiatives
    • flexible working arrangements focused on work-life integration
    • professional and career development including coaching / mentoring support
    • salary packaging options for eligible staff
    • comprehensive onboarding support
    • a convenient CBD location with easy access to public transport and Melbourne’s renowned retail and dining options.

    Eligibility

    TEQSA would prefer to employ people that either have a tertiary qualification and/or have experience in the Australian or international higher education sector or that have experience with a regulatory body.

    To work at TEQSA you must be an Australian citizen, satisfactorily complete a National Police Check and obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security clearance to Baseline/ Negative Vetting Level 1 status as required.

    TEQSA staff may be required to travel. 

    How to express your interest

    If you are interested in working at TEQSA, you should prepare a statement of claims that addresses the selection criteria outlined below.  

    Your responses to the selection criteria should not exceed 200 words per criterion.

    Selection criteria

    1. a knowledge, or the ability to quickly acquire the knowledge, of issues relevant to TEQSA’s assessment processes, including principles and practices for regulation in an Australian Government context
    2. demonstrated ability to work independently, make decisions and exercise judgement under limited direction and against established priorities, practices, and methodologies
    3. demonstrated ability to develop and support relationships with internal and external stakeholders
    4. well developed written and verbal communication skills.

    Desirable

    1. knowledge of the higher education sector or experience in another regulatory context
    2. a tertiary qualification.

    Please email to recruitment@teqsa.gov.au​​​​​ the following documents:

    Last updated:
  • Experts advice hub

    Introduction

    To support the sector during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, TEQSA published a suite of information sheets and webinars on issues of key pertinence to providers during the mass transition to online delivery.

    The materials were prepared by specialist experts within the sector, drawing from their experience on the topics presented. The documents were published to assist the sector on key topics of focus to providers during the shift to online learning. They were not intended as binding or prescriptive documents, nor should they be seen to directly reflect TEQSA’s regulatory approach during the pandemic. 

    The information sheets are based on the opinions of the experts relating to online learning and the content has not been prepared by TEQSA. The information sheets below should not be treated as guidance notes, advice or endorsement from TEQSA. You should read, and carefully consider, the disclaimer before accessing any of the material.

    TEQSA appreciates that providers had to act swiftly to adopt to the delivery of online learning during the pandemic, and that there are elements within the information sheets which require preparation and time to implement. Providers are best placed to determine the delivery solutions that are most appropriate to their individual context. 

    TEQSA acknowledges the contributions of all those who provided documents and other resources towards the construction of this site, and continues to welcome contributions of best practice to share on this site. 

    Suggestions in terms of topics of interest may also be sent via onlinelearning@teqsa.gov.au and we will do our best to continue to provide resources that are relevant to sector needs.

    Information sheets

    Webinars 

    TEQSA webinar series - Going online: R(e)imagining teaching and learning

    TEQSA, in collaboration with RMIT, produced a weekly webinar series discussing online learning. Video recordings of the webinars are available.

    Last updated:
  • TEQSA annual report 2014–15

    Body

    TEQSA's Annual Report for 2014-15 was tabled in Parliament on 21 October 2015.

    Overview

    This report informs Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and Training, the Parliament of Australia, the Australian higher education community and the general public about the performance of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA or the Agency) during the financial year ending 30 June 2015.

    Prepared according to parliamentary reporting requirements, the report describes TEQSA’s achievements against the goals set out in TEQSA’s 2014–15 Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS) and Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements. It provides information on TEQSA’s performance in relation to its stated outcome:

    [To] contribute to a high-quality higher education sector through streamlined and nationally consistent higher education regulatory arrangements; registration of higher education providers; accreditation of higher education courses; and investigation, quality assurance, and dissemination of higher education standards and performance.

    Section 1

    Review by the Chief Commissioner – reflects on the past year, highlighting significant issues TEQSA has faced and initiatives it has undertaken, as well as the Chief Commissioner’s perspective on current and future challenges.

    Section 2

    Agency overview – provides information about TEQSA and its governance, its roles and functions, and organisational structure.

    Section 3

    Performance review – reports on how TEQSA performed during the reporting period against its stated outcome (above) and the program framework contained in the 2014–15 Portfolio Budget Statements.

    Section 4

    Management and accountability – provides information on corporate governance, external and internal accountability, human resource management, financial management, purchasing, consultants and contract management, legal services and other activities relevant to the administration of the Agency.

    Section 5

    Financial report – presents audited financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2015.

    Section 6

    Appendices – includes information relating to TEQSA’s staffing and its performance in relation to Australian Government environmental, disability, freedom of information and financial management outcomes.

    Section 7

    Indices and references – assists readers to locate and understand information in the annual report (includes compliance index, acronyms, glossary of terms, and alphabetical index).

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  • TEQSA annual report 2013–14

    Body

    TEQSA's Annual Report for 2013-14 was tabled in Parliament on 23 October 2014.

    Overview

    This report informs The Hon Christopher Pyne MP, Minister for Education, the Parliament of Australia; the Australian higher education community; and the general public about the performance of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA or the Agency) during the financial year ending 30 June 2014.

    Prepared according to parliamentary reporting requirements, the report describes TEQSA’s achievements against the goals set out in TEQSA’s 2013–14 Portfolio Budget Statements and Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements. It provides information on TEQSA’s performance in relation to its stated outcome:

    [To] contribute to a high-quality higher education sector through streamlined and nationally consistent higher education regulatory arrangements; registration of higher education providers; accreditation of higher education courses; and investigation, quality assurance, and dissemination of higher education standards and performance.

    Section 1

    Review by the Acting Chief Commissioner – highlights significant issues and initiatives TEQSA has managed over the past year, as well as the Acting Chief Commissioner’s perspective on current and future challenges.

    Section 2

    Agency Overview – provides information about TEQSA and its Commissioners, its roles and functions, and organisational structure.

    Section 3

    Performance Review – reports on how TEQSA performed during the reporting period against its stated outcome (above) and the program framework contained in the 2013–14 Portfolio Budget Statements for the (then) Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education portfolio.

    Section 4

    Management and Accountability – provides information on corporate governance, external and internal accountability, human resource management, financial management, purchasing, consultants and contract management, legal services, and other activities relevant to the administration of the Agency.

    Section 5

    Financial Report – presents audited financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2014.

    Section 6

    Appendices – includes information relating to TEQSA’s quality assurance and regulatory approach and its international activities, as well as reporting on TEQSA’s staffing, and its performance in relation to Australian Government environmental, disability, freedom of information, and financial management outcomes.

    Section 7

    Indices and References – assists readers to locate and understand information in the annual report (includes compliance index, acronyms, glossary of terms, and alphabetical index).

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  • TEQSA's regulator performance framework 2015-16

    Body

    Overview

    This document contains the activities and evidence metrics proposed to assess TEQSA’s performance as a regulator, per the Australian Government’s Regulator Performance Framework (RPF).

    The Regulator Performance Framework consists of the following six Key Performance Indicators:

    1. Regulators do not unnecessarily impede the efficient operation of regulated entities
    2. Communication with regulated entities is clear, targeted and effective
    3. Actions undertaken by regulators are proportionate to the regulatory risks being managed
    4. Compliance and monitoring approaches are streamlined and coordinated
    5. Regulators are open and transparent in their dealings with regulated entities
    6. Regulators actively contribute to the continuous improvement of regulatory frameworks

    This version of the TEQSA Regulator Performance Framework model reflects TEQSA’s work to enhance the RPF to more clearly illustrate the benefits of the multiple initiatives to enhance TEQSA’s quality assurance and regulatory performance. As part of this work, the RPF framework has been more explicitly aligned to the key strategies and metrics in the TEQSA Corporate Plan 2015-19. The Corporate Plan sets out TEQSA’s priorities, underpinning strategies and associated high-level performance indicators for the period. As described in the Corporate Plan, TEQSA strives to maintain, streamline and improve its regulatory performance and its regulatory frameworks through engagement with the providers it regulates, effective communication with the sector and, in particular, having regard to the Australian Government Regulator Performance Framework (RPF). TEQSA will continue to enhance the detail of its Regulator Performance Framework model to ensure that the agency demonstrates as clearly as possible its compliance with the RPF KPIs.

    Section 1 describes TEQSA’s proposed Regulator Performance Framework. For each Key Performance Indicator, TEQSA has identified a range of performance indicators and related possible evidence metrics that would be considered during self-assessment and external review.

    Section 2 shows how this framework aligns to the key Strategies and overall Key Performance Indicators of the TEQSA Corporate Plan 2015-19.

    To the extent that it is practicable, TEQSA proposes to streamline the measures of its performance to address reporting against both the priorities of the Corporate Plan and the KPIs of the RPF, ideally using data/metrics that have already been collected by the Agency in the course of risk analyses and regulatory activities, rather than imposing additional burdens on the sector.

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