Like many places, the recruitment agencies are more a barrier than facilitative. Most recruiters lack the technical knowledge to substantively engage with employers or candidates. It's very frustrating.
Has your husband tried bypassing applying for jobs and networking for informational interviews first? My husband has found this the most effective tack, both in Canada and NZ. Even the "nice" recruiters proved largely useless. He dug around for names of women and men in roles that would have influence in hiring someone like himself, then looked for phone numbers and cold called. He never asked about jobs--he focused on finding out about their business, and how the sort of work he did overseas fits in their way of doing things.
The public sector (like councils) will still, however, be obligated to post positions and follow the application process. But the known quantity gets ranked ahead of the unknown, similarly qualified persons almost every time.
Good luck!