Hays Policy & Strategy - January 2008

Hotspots

The main area of demand exists for experienced policy/program officers who specialise in environment/social services due to anticipated growth in several key Federal Departments.

In addition, there is continued demand for temporary candidates at the $100,000 and above level in NSW Government. The candidate-tight market means employers are not recruiting successfully through their merit-based selection and are advertising a number of times. This means positions are often vacant for six months or more and employers are relying on temporary candidates to meet deadlines. Many employers are also considering temporary candidates in the merit-based selection when recruiting on a permanent basis.

There is currently an increase in demand in the Government and the NGO sector for candidates with experience in quality improvement, monitoring and evaluation. This is due to an increased focus on Government accountability and longer term service planning coupled with an increase in government funding, especially in human services. In addition, NGO's need to ensure they meet their service level agreements and Government needs to ensure they monitor this agreement.

An increase in vacancies requiring ministerial and policy writing candidates will occur later in the quarter once new Ministers are settled.

Finally, continued demand exists for experienced policy officers and advisors across a range of portfolio areas since the NGO sector is aware of positioning itself in the political arena and is consequently increasing their focus and resources internally.

The coming quarter

Over the coming quarter we expect employers will recruit on both a temporary and permanent basis, with many permanent roles commencing in January or projects due to commence in January/February.

Many NGOs are struggling to find the skilled staff they require to roll out funding programs, especially in human services such as mental health, aboriginal health and aged care. This is also linked to the huge focus on workforce planning in health at a state and national level.

The Government's permanent recruitment process is very slow, which will continue to create demand for temporary staff to ensure workloads are completed until the permanent process is finalised.

Executive recruitment

The change of Government means there are more senior-level candidates currently available in the market. However continued steady growth in the executive market is expected, especially on a temporary and contract basis. Executive positions tend to be due to reforms, restructures or major projects in the public sector.

Salaries

Salaries appear to have stabilised after 18 months of steady growth.

Employers now have greater flexibility to offer a higher salary in order to secure the right candidate and they are also looking at alternative benefits to attract candidates such as flexible working hours and salary packaging.

Candidate trends

Many candidates suitable for Federal Government vacancies have put their job search on hold, waiting to see what changes the new Government may implement.

While skilled candidates are still difficult to find, there has been an increase in candidates with experience in project management and coordination. Candidates have become available due to the completion of projects at the end of the calendar year.