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What is the Public Sector Fellowship?

The Public Sector Fellowship Program is an executive development initiative jointly sponsored by the following organisations:

• The Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) WA Division;
• The Department of the Premier and Cabinet;
• The John Curtin Institute of Public Policy;
• Curtin University;
• The Australian Public Service Commission;
• The Department of Local Government and Regional Development; and
• The Local Government Managers Association (WA).

The program aims to encourage and facilitate applied research in public policy and public management leading to better understanding of contemporary issues for public sector organisations.

Program Outline

The program offers senior managers from WA government agencies the opportunity to undertake three months full-time applied research leading to publication of a substantial research paper or papers. During the period of the fellowship, participants will be entitled to:

• Payment of their normal salary;
• Office and computer facilities;
• Academic supervision and advice;
• Access to research resources at Curtin University, including the university library; and
• Possible assistance with travel costs to attend a relevant conference or professional event within Australia.

Fellows from both the WA and Commonwealth public sectors will be undertaking their research projects at the same time.

Program Requirements

Fellowship holders will be required to:

• Produce a publishable research paper or papers totalling approximately 10,000 words;
• Deliver seminars outlining their research findings; and
• Research papers may be published by any of the sponsoring organisations.

Eligibility

The Public Sector Fellowship Program is open to employees of all WA government agencies. Applicants should be permanent or continuing employees and hold a substantive position at Level 7 or higher (HSOA Level 8 or higher). Applicants who are acting at this level and have done so continuously for 12 months will also be considered.

Applicants should also be able to demonstrate considerable experience in the public sector in one or more of the following areas:

• Policy development;
• Program management;
• Corporate governance;
• Service delivery management;
• Contract management; and
• General management.

Selection Criteria

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria are assessed against the following criteria:

• academic and research skills demonstrated by successful completion of tertiary level study and/or considerable practical research experience in the context of management or policy development;
• understanding of the contemporary public sector environment and issues affecting public policy and public management; and
• ability to work independently.

Research Proposal

Your research proposal is a vital aspect of the application. Your proposal should include:

• A description of what you are planning to study;
• A summary of its relevance to the WA public sector; and
• A description of how your research might be applied.
• The proposal needs to be succinct (maximum 500 words).

Queries?

Further information and contact details are available on the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy (JCIPP) website.