Program Officer (Australia nationals)

We are looking for a candidate who will, as part of a team, manage a range of administrative duties relating to the coordination of committee activities and meetings and other team work as directed.

Who we are
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water protects Australia’s natural environment and heritage sites. The department leads on and supports Australia’s response to climate change and carefully manages our water and energy resources. Our department’s vision is for an Australia that is prosperous because it is sustainable, with community and Country at the heart of our actions. In delivering on this vision, it is essential we incorporate the expertise, experience, and aspirations of First Nations people. We also commit to creating a culturally supportive environment for First Nations employees, and increasing understanding, knowledge, and appreciation of First Nations cultures within our department.

The Water Investment and Infrastructure Division is responsible for overseeing billions of dollars of investment in rural and regionally focused projects, programs and initiatives that increase climate resilience, deliver secure, affordable and reliable water and contribute to a functioning, healthy and resilient environment.

The Division works in partnership with state and territory governments and leading science organisations to identify, plan and deliver Australia’s next generation of water infrastructure through robust planning and responsible investment decisions that contribute to nature positive outcomes.

The Division also works with states and territories to contribute to water recovery targets in the Murray–Darling Basin and improve the health of rivers and wetlands in the basin. The work of the Division is underpinned by a collaborative approach across all levels of government and First Nations communities.

The Great Artesian Basin (GAB), Lake Eyre Basin (LEB) and Upper Murrumbidgee Branch is responsible for:

key programs of work in two ecologically significant Basins (GAB & LEB)
a substantial reform piece located within the upper Murrumbidgee River of the Murray–Darling Basin
leading the intergovernmental coordination of the Murray-Darling Basin Joint Venture Programs delivery.

Our Branch also contributes to a number of high-level committees that manage the rivers of the southern Murray-Darling Basin and the environmental watering of significant water-dependent ecosystems.

The Great Artesian Basin, Lake Eyre Basin, Metering and Telemetry section works with inter-jurisdictional government agencies, communities, First Nations and industry to advance the sustainable management of water in these important Basins. We work closely with and provide secretariat support to 3 stakeholder advisory committees and lead national coordination through 2 senior official committees. The section also leads national metering and telemetry program and policies and manages the Great Artesian Basin Water Security Program.

The Job
The successful candidate will:

Assist in the preparation and coordination of various committee meetings such as
- organising travel and accommodation
- arranging venue hire
- payment of sitting fees and travel allowances
- preparation and distribution of committee papers
- filing records appropriately
- minute taking as required.
Assist in the preparation of written material including routine correspondence, briefing papers, ministerial correspondence and discussion papers as well as managing committee member recruitment and appointment processes.
Liaise, consult, and negotiate effectively with internal stakeholders and external government/non-government bodies as required on a range of matters relating to their administration and secretariat support duties.
Provide coordination and support for team and section administration processes, budget and records management, and corporate support to senior staff as directed.
This role will involve occasional travel to attend and support face-to-face committee meetings and attend section activities as required, this may be up to 4 times per year.

Knowledge and experience

Demonstrated secretariat and/or administrative experience relevant to the position.
Knowledge of Commonwealth Government and Financial frameworks and/or administrative processes will be highly regarded.

Skills and experience
We are looking for capable, organised and experienced administrative, secretariat or program management professionals who are comfortable working independently and in a team. Our preferred candidate will demonstrate the following skills and capabilities:

self-motivated, show initiative, highly organised ability to manage and prioritise multiple tasks and a strong focus on attention to detail
good judgement, problem solving abilities and actively participate in the resolution of complex administrative matters
ability to build, maintain and utilise effective working relationships with a range of government and non-government stakeholders, including advisory body members
an awareness and understanding of working with First Nations persons and communities
strong written and verbal communication skills
strong focus on supporting staff, peers and senior executive to achieve the goals of the work area, agency, and minister
ability to adapt quickly and respond to changing priorities and demonstrate resilience in fast moving working environments
contribute to a positive team culture – ask questions, present timely and accurate work, communicate with colleagues, provide feedback and bring an enthusiastic attitude to work and participation in team activities.

Eligibility
Citizenship – To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance – This position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Pre-employment Check – Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

Candidate Information Pack (PDF)

Candidate Information Pack (Docx)

Job Description