APS Senior Officer Roles: How to Progress from APS 6 to EL2

What does a APS Senior Officer do?

APS Senior Officers at Executive Level 1 (EL1 — Assistant Director, Senior Advisor) and Executive Level 2 (EL2 — Director, Branch Manager) are the management backbone of the Australian Public Service, leading teams and functions that deliver complex programs, policy work, and corporate services. EL1s manage APS teams, provide high-quality advice to senior officials, and drive program delivery. EL2s lead whole functions, manage budgets, and advise the Senior Executive Service on strategy. EL roles span every Commonwealth agency — from the ATO and NDIS to Defence and DFAT — and the APS 6 to EL1 transition is one of the most competitive steps in a government career. PSP qualifications are increasingly valued in merit-based APS promotion processes.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage APS teams delivering complex work programs
• Provide high-quality advice and analysis to senior officials
• Manage stakeholder relationships across government
• Drive operational and policy outcomes for the branch or section
• Develop and manage team members and provide performance feedback
• Represent the agency with external stakeholders and partners

Qualifications for this role

Nationally recognised qualifications most commonly held by APS Senior Officers in Australia.

Typical career progression

1. 1APS 5–6 → EL1 (Assistant Director)
2. 2EL1 → EL2 (Director)
3. 3EL2 → SES Band 1 (First Assistant Secretary)
4. 4SES Band 1 → SES Band 2–3

Skills in demand