Description of Knowledge and Skills

Level A B C D
Leadership * Explains what needs to be done and ensures people have the necessary information.

* Identifies information and resources required for others to work effectively and makes sure their practical needs are met.
* Builds a cohesive team with clarity around goals and inter-accountabilities
* Obtains needed personnel, resources and information for the team
* Supports the individuals and the team
* Brings together the best possible group to achieve objectives
* Builds team commitment by demonstrating personal conviction
* Translates organisational strategy into meaningful long term plans and objectives for own area
* Motivates others to deliver against the goals
* Communicates a vision that generates enthusiasm and commitment
* Recognises and rewards behaviour that is aligned with the vision
* Identifies potential issues and side tracks and guides team to optimise outcomes
* Models the behaviour expected of others
Strategic Planning * Contribute ideas and perspectives
* Seeks information about how their work fits within the overall objectives of their work group
* Plans and reviews work based on what is important to achieve rather than what tasks are usually done
* Identifies or develops overall team goals and links strategies and actions required to achieve these goals
* Thinks at the big picture level
* Entertains wide ranging possibilities in developing a vision for the future Works across a number of time frames
* Translates strategic direction into day to day activities
* Inspires a sense of purpose and direction within context
* Understands the organisation’s current and future role
* Considers the ramifications of issues and long term impact of work being done
Organisational Awareness Recognises the formal structure or hierarchy of an organisation and its policies and procedures * Uses formal and informal influencing relationships and decision making processes
* Appreciates the responsibilities, legal obligations and limits that apply to an organisation
* Actively seeks to understand the priorities and interests of various groups and key individuals
* Understands issues and pressures to which the organisation has to respond
* Understands the reasons behind the organisational climate and culture
* Understands and addresses underlying problems, opportunities or external forces affecting the organisation.
* Uses strategic relationships and knowledge to predict and prepare for the impact of events on the organisation.
* Understands the impact of external events and changing stakeholder needs on the organisation and Government
Written Communication * Prepares basic letters, emails and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language
* Organises information in a logical sequenceIncludes content appropriate for the purpose and audience
* Prepares briefs, letters, emails and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language
* Ensures written communications contain necessary information to achieve their purpose
* Uses appropriate style and formats.
* Prepares complex briefs, letters, emails and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language
* Edits written communications to ensure they contain necessary information to achieve their purpose
* Ensures appropriate style and formats are used
Identifies key messages and information required for decision making
* Provides advice on influencing and the needs of target audiences.
Verbal Communication * Clearly explains information and listens to feedback
* Speaks clearly and concisely and keeps people interested when speaking
* Confidently conveys ideas and information in a clear and interesting way
* Understands and meets the needs of target audiences. The right information to the right people.
* Welcomes constructive feedback.
* Confidently conveys ideas and information in a clear and interesting way
* Understands and meets the needs of target audiences
* Uses audience feedback to refine communication
* Handles difficult and sensitive messages communications well
* Confidently conveys ideas and information in a clear and interesting way
* Understands and meets the needs of target audiences
* Uses audience feedback to refine communication
* Handles difficult and sensitive messages communications well
Presentation Skills * Prepares and delivers short presentations using clear language and visual aids such as PowerPoint. or printed material. * Prepares and delivers logical, sequential and succinct presentations.
* Use clear and concise language.
* Able to answer queries and create an understanding of the presentation topic.
* Quickly makes a positive impression on others and comes across with credibility
* Communicates orally in a manner which is clear, fluent and holds the audience’s attention.
* Prepares and delivers logical, sequential and succinct presentations.
* Deals well with difficult and sensitive topics and questions.
* Quickly makes a positive impression on others and comes across with presence and credibility.
* Communicate orally in a manner which is clear, fluent and holds the audience’s attention
* Prepares and delivers logical, sequential and succinct presentations.
* Deals well with difficult and sensitive topics and questions.
Influence and Negotiation * Outlines the “pros and cons” of a particular approach to persuade others of a course of action
* Uses direct, logical persuasion in a discussion or presentation by appealing to reason and using concrete examples, facts and figures
* Adapts the content, style, message or tone of a presentation to suit the audience and plans how to tackle objections
* Sells own ideas by linking them to others’ values, needs and goals
* Takes a well thought out, dramatic or unusual action in order to have a specific impact
* Gains agreement to proposals and ideas
* Builds behind the scenes support for ideas to ensure buy-in and ownership
* Uses chains of indirect influence to achieve outcomes e.g. “gets A to show B so B will tell C”Involves experts or other third parties to strengthen a case
* Develops long-term, complex and multi-phased plans to influence others
* Implements complex strategies to build buy-in and support from key internal and external clients or stakeholders
* Uses a variety of different influencing approaches tailored to different clients, stakeholders and stakeholder groups
Computer Skills * Understands the purpose of, and is able to use, common software applications for word processing and email * Understands the purpose of, and is able to use, common software applications for word processing and email * Understands the purpose of, and is able to use, common software applications for word processing and email * Understands the purpose of, and is able to use, common software applications for word processing and email
Advanced Computer Skills * Uses a wide range of software application features for word processing, spreadsheets, etc
* Assists others with problem solving on word processing and related applications
* Uses a wide range of software application features for word processing, spreadsheets, etc
* Assists others with problem solving on word processing and related applications
* Uses a wide range of software application features for word processing, spreadsheets, etc
* Assists others with problem solving on word processing and related applications
* Uses a wide range of software application features for word processing, spreadsheets, etc
* Assists others with problem solving on word processing and related applications
Interpersonal Skills * Polite and considerate in dealing with others
* Aware of people’s moods and temperament
* Sees things from other’s point of view and confirms understanding
* Expresses own views in a constructive and diplomatic way
* Reflects on how own emotions impact on others
* Detects the underlying concerns, interests or emotions that lie behind what is being said and done
* Genuine and sincere when dealing with others
* Projects an objective view of another’s position
* Uses understanding of individuals to get the best outcomes for the person and organisation
* Tunes into others emotions and ways of thinking
* Realises the complex causes (underlying concerns) of others long term behaviour patterns and plans responses and reactions accordingly
* Uses understanding of individuals to get the best outcomes for the person and organisation
Policy Skills * Understands the purpose of policies
* Uses operational policies to guide their work
* Aware of, interpret and apply policies
* Drafts simple policies using research skills and consulting with stakeholders
* Provide feedback on draft policies
* Formulates and communicates public policy options and recommendations
* Keeps up to date with a broad range of contemporary issues
* Scans for links and potential implications of proposed policy options
* Liaises with stakeholders
* Build trusting relationships with stakeholders to inform policy development and gain commitment to implementation
* Formulates and communicates public policy options and recommendations
* Scans for links and potential implications of proposed policy options
* Keeps up to date with a broad range of contemporary issues
Problem Solving * Seeks information needed to solve work problems
* Identifies and proposes practical solutions to problems
* Implements and adjusts solutions when endorsed by manager
* Seeks all relevant information for problem solving
* Investigates and probes for the facts
* Liaises with stakeholders
* Analyses issues from different perspectives and draws sound inferences from information available
* Identifies and proposes workable solutions to problems
* Seeks all relevant information for problem solving
* Investigates and probes for the facts
* Liaises with stakeholders
* Analyses issues from different perspectives and draws sound inferences from information available
* Identifies and proposes workable solutions to problems
* Seeks all relevant information for problem solving and probes for the facts
* Liaises with key stakeholders
* Analyses issues from different perspectives and draws sound inferences from information available
* Identifies and proposes workable solutions to problems
Self Management * Focuses on the most important goals
* Has a realistic and balanced view of own strengths and weaknesses
* Recognises own feelings and personal prejudices and understands why they occur
* Plans and prioritises work to ensure outcomes are achieved
* Resists the temptation to react immediately without taking time to think things through
* Uses strengths to contribute constructively and consciously manages the impact of own weaknesses
* Anticipates own reactions to situations and prepares accordingly
* Invites feedback on own behaviour and impact
* Uses new knowledge or information about self to build a broader understanding of own behaviour and the impact it has on others
* Understands strong emotional reactions and seeks ways to more effectively manage them
* Applies special techniques and develops personal strategies to effectively manage strong emotions in high pressure situations
* Actively monitors own preferences and manages behaviour to always ensure maximum impact
* Builds a balanced team to compensate for own limitations
Project Management * Maintains accurate project records
* Organises and coordinates project meetings
* Produces project plans where objectives are clearly defined and action steps for achieving them are clearly specified
* Regularly communicates with and supports project team members
* Ensure project objectives are met by anticipating and managing potential and emerging issues
* Consults, liaises with and influences key stakeholders
* Produces detailed project plans where objectives are clearly defined and action steps for achieving them are clearly specified
* Monitors performance against objectives and manage project risks and issues
* Ensure project objectives are met
* Uses understanding of political sensitivities to actively champion the project.
* Provides guidance and support to project managers to identify risks and overcome obstacles
* Quickly sums up complex options and recommends a clear way forward
* Monitors overall project performance against project plans
* Influences key stakeholders to support the project
People Management
(not applicable to Grade 1)
* Aligns team with the organisational values and goals through effective people management and modelling
* Maximises effectiveness by selecting, developing, managing and motivating a high performing team.
* Clearly defines role expectations, monitors performance, provides timely and constructive feedback and facilitates employee development
* Aligns team with the organisational values and goals through effective people management and modelling
* Maximises effectiveness by selecting, developing, managing and motivating a high performing team.
* Clearly defines role expectations, monitors performance, provides timely and constructive feedback and facilitates employee development
* Aligns team with the organisational values and goals through effective people management and modelling
* Maximises effectiveness by selecting, developing, managing and motivating a high performing team.
* Clearly defines role expectations, monitors performance, provides timely and constructive feedback and facilitates employee development
* Aligns team with the organisational values and goals through effective people management and modelling
* Maximises effectiveness by selecting, developing, managing and motivating a high performing team.
* Clearly defines role expectations, monitors performance, provides timely and constructive feedback and facilitates employee development
Resource Management * Accurately estimates resource requirements for particular tasks
* Monitors and keeps accurate records of resource use
* Maintains formal records required for resource management
* Prepares budgets for work
* Monitors expenditure against budget
* Raises budget issues in a constructive and solution focussed way
* Uses honest, transparent and appropriate purchasing processes
* Develops and manages complex budgets.
* Negotiates for resources
* Monitors expenditure against budget projections
* Plans for and manages risks
* Ensures the use of honest, transparent and appropriate purchasing processes
* Oversees development and management of complex budgets with multiple cost centre managers
* Anticipates and plans to manage risks
* Negotiates for necessary resources from corporate budgets and other sources
* Ensures value for investment is achieved
Conflict Management * Considers other’s points of view
* Understands that there are different ways of interpreting words and actions
* Constructively communicates concerns and issues
* Listens to and acknowledge that the concerns of others have been heard
* Clarifies the problems
* Seeks options to resolve problems
* Negotiates agreed actions to deal with problem/s
* Maintains confidentiality
* Listens to and acknowledge that the concerns of others have been heard
* Clarifies the problems
* Seeks options to resolve problems
* Negotiates agreed actions to deal with problem/s
* Maintains confidentiality
* Listens to and acknowledge that the concerns of others have been heard
* Clarifies the problems
* Seeks options to resolve problems
* Negotiates agreed actions to deal with problem/s
* Maintains confidentiality
Service Excellence * Aims to exceed targets
* Sets personal standards of excellence and measures outcomes against them
* Wants to deliver outcomes in a timely manner
* Looks for new or more precise ways of meeting goals set by others
* Maintains quality in the face of time pressure
* Constantly looks for continuous  Improvement opportunities and ways to innovate
* Takes responsibility for correcting problems promptly and without becoming defensive
* Constructively challenges own and others’ ideas in order to deliver the best possible outcome
* Makes specific changes in work methods to improve outcomes, quality and timeliness of service
* Encourages others to improve performance and to deliver to high professional standards
* Monitors client and stakeholder satisfaction.
* Identifies and responds to clients’ underlying needs
* Uses understanding of the client or stakeholder’s organisational context to tailor service and ensure a high quality response
* Looks beyond the obvious to provide outstanding levels of service
* Constructively deals with service issues that arise in a timely manner
* Effectively manages risk
* Encourages and supports others in taking calculated risks to deliver service excellentce
* Challenges others to deliver outstanding service
* Looks for long-term benefits to the client or stakeholder
* Creates a climate of service excellence
* Encourages approaches or solutions that are new or different and will deliver benefits beyond client or stakeholder expectations
Stakeholder Management * Responds to clients’ needs
* Keeps the client or stakeholder up-to-date with issues and developments
* Promptly follows through on inquiries, requests and complaints
* Takes responsibility for correcting problems promptly and without becoming defensive
* Takes concrete steps to add value for the stakeholder
* Links people with other areas as appropriate
* Monitors client and stakeholder satisfaction.
* Constructively deals with stakeholder issues
* Identifies issues in common for one or more stakeholders and sue to build mutually beneficial partnerships
* Identifies and responds to stakeholder’s underlying needs
* Uses understanding of the stakeholder’s organisational context to ensure outcomes are achieved
* Find innovative solutions to resolve stakeholder issues
* Identify and manage a range of complex and often competing needs
* Identifies issues in common for one or more stakeholders and sue to build mutually beneficial partnerships
* Find innovative solutions to  resolve stakeholder issues
Commercial Skills * Considers the cost of different ways of working
* Looks for ways to reduce cost whilst maintaining or improving services or products
* Continually seeks more efficient ways of operating
* Costs whatever is done
* Targets strategies to achieve the greatest benefits for investment
* Continually strives for the best service/product for the resources available
* Operates comfortably in a fee for service environment
* Balances cost with benefit
* Costs whatever is done
* Knowledgeable about financial issues and responsibilities
* Focussed on knowing the business of the organisation
* Focussed on delivering the best outcomes using the resources available
* Proactively seeks more efficient ways of doing things
* Focus on activities and projects that will bring the best business return for the team/organisation
* Challenges and guides team to continually strive for the best impact from resources invested
* Knowledgeable about financial issues and responsibilities
* Focusses on knowing the business of the organisation
* Focusses on delivering the best outcomes using the resources available
* Challenges others to seek more efficient ways of doing things
* Focuses on activities and projects that will bring the best business return for the organisation
Environmental Scanning * Consults available sources to gather relevant information
* Seeks the expertise and advice of the people around them
* Keeps up-to-date with relevant information
* Contacts others who are not immediately involved to obtain their perspective and to benefit from their expertise
* Finds and questions experts in the field to gain broader and deeper understanding of a specific issue
* Asks a series of probing questions to get to the core of a situation or problem
* Finds out underlying reasons for a presenting issue
* Monitors external sources and identifies underlying trends
* Develops, maintains and uses a variety of systems, processes and sources to gather information and gain deeper understanding
* Uses a range of electronic and print-based references and professional networks to conduct specific research
* Builds understanding of economic and political trends affecting education in general and the Department in particular
* Establishes and uses references and networks to gather strategic information from local, interstate and overseas sources
Contract Management   * Uses fair, transparent and competitive purchasing processes
* Establishes clear and comprehensive contracts
* Establishes and maintains strong working relationships
* Actively monitors expenditure and risks and resolves problems where these arise
   
Consultancy * Clarifies expectations about the roles, process and outcomes
* Respond flexibly to client needs
* Develops practical solutions to problems
* Provides advice in area of expertise
* Liaises regularly with clients
* Assists clients to clarify their needs
* Clarifies expectations about the roles, process and outcomes
* Respond flexibly to client needs
* Develops practical solutions to complex problems
* Provides advice in area of expertiseLiaises regularly with clients
* Assists clients to clarify their needs
* Clarifies expectations about the roles, process and outcomes
* Respond flexibly to client needs
* Develops practical solutions to complex problems
* Provides advice in area of expertiseLiaises regularly with clients