Hays Policy & Strategy - October 2007

Hotspots

Within NSW and ACT the greatest demand within this public sector specialisation exists for candidates with experience in social research and analysis. This requirement exists across both the Government and NGO sectors; demand in the Government sector is caused by a focus on evaluation of services while in the NGO sector it is to ensure funding is spent effectively and service is delivered in the best practice model.

Also in demand are senior policy officers, economists and not-for-profit project managers while candidates with specialist skills in the environment, health and social policy are required.

Another area of focus exists for project staff in the NGO and Government sectors due to ongoing, discreet projects and additional funding within the NGO sector.

The coming quarter

We expect the flow of jobs in the public sector will remain steady across all areas and despite a seasonal slow-down as we approach calendar year-end, job flow will remain positive. Overall the demand in this sector is expected to continue growing, with candidate shortages being the only break on activity.

Due to major changes within some state governments and the federal election, we expect there will be more temporary/contract opportunities over the quarter. Moving into the New Year however, the market will change to reflect permanent opportunities.

Salaries

There has been a mixed response from NGO sector employers to salary pressures. In general, salaries have increased and employers are often willing to look at other benefits in order to secure the best candidate.

Candidate trends

While the policy area remains candidate short there has been an increase in project-based candidates with commercial sector experience who are making a smooth transition into Government.

High movement of candidates with direct service delivery experience is occurring across all levels, due to the limited career progression opportunities in many organisations and a desire to move to a new service area (for example youth to aged).

Candidate movement is also high for economists, project managers and policy officers. Again, changes in state governments have resulted in a lot of movement within the departments and the federal government, once settled, will also result in a higher demand for candidates with these skills.

Other trends

Employers need to act quickly. Those able to act on resumes within 24 hours are securing the best candidates while those who prolong the process often find their selected candidate has already accepted a role elsewhere by the time a decision is made.

Solid candidates generally receive multiple job offers and can often request salaries and benefits that may not have been originally offered.