Chief operating officer executive director business services

• Ongoing/Non-ongoing
• Remuneration to be negotiated
• Canberra

Join us to shape the future of one of Australia’s greatest natural assets and protect it for future generations.

We are seeking people who want to lead the operations of an independent government agency responsible for delivery of a significant water reform program that aims to respond to the impacts of climate change, support community and industry needs, and help improve access to water for First Nations people.

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is an independent government agency which, in partnership with Basin governments, manages the Murray–Darling Basin’s water resources in the national interest. With the enactment of the Water Act 2007, the MDBA was established as an independent expertise-based statutory agency.

The MDBA aims to achieve a healthy working Basin for the benefit of all Australians in pursuit of its purpose, Rivers for generations. The Murray–Darling Basin contains a rich diversity of natural environments that are unique in Australia and the world. The Basin is also crucial to Australia’s economy producing more than $22 billion of agricultural output each year and is home to 2.3 million Australians, including people from over 50 First Nations. How we manage the Basin as a whole connected system, manage our water carefully, and protect it for future generations is set out in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

The Position

The Chief Operating Officer/Executive Director, Business Services plays a significant strategic and leadership role overseeing functions encompassing a range of Business Services and legislatively mandated requirements that lead, guide and support the strategy and operations of the Authority. These activities are complex, impact the work of the agency as a whole, require interactions with a range of influential internal and external stakeholders and are delivered by a Business Services workforce with specialist corporate skills and knowledge.

The Business Services portfolio works with all areas of the Authority and a range of external stakeholders including the Department of Finance, the Digital Transformation Agency, the Australian Public Service Commission and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), of which the Authority is a portfolio Agency.

Your key responsibilities in this role are to:

• Drive, support and monitor the development and delivery of the Authority’s 4-year Operating Plan and within it, annual action plans.
• Shape and lead the Business Services Portfolio to deliver its range of programs of work to achieve the Operating Plan objectives across all of the Portfolio functional service areas, including Finance, Legal, Governance, Procurement, Secretariat, Risk, ePMO, ICT and Data and Support Services functions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing the MDBA including PGPA Act, Public Service Act, WH&S and other core frameworks.
• Foster positive relationships, and work closely with the Chief Executive, the Executive Board, other MDBA Executives and employees, as well as key APS agencies and state government agencies to deliver MDBA objectives.
• Apply your professional expertise and provide leadership within the senior executive including decisions on Agency priorities and the use of resources and strategic matters.
• Apply your substantial, relevant work experience in leading Business Services functions at the whole of Agency level.

• You will have the opportunity to work on projects where you contribute to shaping the future of one of Australia’s greatest natural assets and protect it for future generations.
• At the MDBA you will undertake a variety of interesting and challenging work. You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and expertise, and work with the Australian community to support a critical resource management initiative.
• Competitive remuneration packages, including up to 15.4% superannuation, and recognition of prior APS government service.
• Generous leave provisions (four weeks annual leave) and additional Non-attendance days between Christmas and New Year provided.
• Being part of a smaller agency with a strong focus on its connection with people.
• Being part of a professional, committed, and friendly team of people.
• Being part of an organisation that recognises and values First Nations people, and their contribution to our work. We have an innovative Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) aimed at improving relationships, showing respect, and increasing opportunities to deliver outcome for First Nations peoples as part of our business-as-usual activities.
• Competitive Flexible Working Arrangements which allow greater flexibility and balance between work and personal needs with a baseline attendance in the office to be 40% of your time.
• A range of healthy lifestyle provisions, including access to a health and wellbeing program.
• Opportunities for professional development, and career progression across a variety of roles and work locations.

It is easy to apply for a job at the MDBA. Go to www.mdba.gov.au/careers and tell us what makes you the ideal candidate. Take the opportunity to work with the MDBA as we continue to make a difference through the protection and enhancement of the environment.

For more information regarding this opportunity please contact ***************@mdba.gov.au.

Candidate Pack - Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director, Business Services Portfolio Opens in new window