Executive Director, River Management

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 Executive Director, River Management is responsible for undertaking the strategic and leadership role overseeing functions that encompass a suite of key activities that are essential to River Management in the Murray-Darling Basin. These activities are highly complex, impact the work of the agency as a whole, and are delivered by a workforce with specialist skills and knowledge. This position also plays a key role in the development of the MDBA’s ongoing Basin strategy more broadly, contributing to policy, enhancing collaborative relationships with Basin state governments, as well as leading elements of the MDBA’s efforts to engage with and building trust with community partners and key Murray System stakeholders.

The Executive Director, River Management works closely with other Portfolios in the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, other agencies of the Australian Government, the Basin States and Territories and wider stakeholders.

Your key responsibilities in this role are to: 

• Shape and lead a Portfolio delivering programs of work to achieve strategic River Management and Basin Plan objectives.
• Provide professional, persuasive, and authoritative advice to the Commonwealth Minister, the Chief Executive, other APS and state agencies and the community to build confidence as a reliable trusted expert.
• Engage with, work in close collaboration with and influence other APS agencies and external stakeholders to deliver on MDBA objectives.
• Apply your professional expertise and provide leadership within the senior executive team to engage and motivate decisions on Agency priorities and the use of resources and strategic matters.
• Represent the government and Chief Executive at a range of external, national and international commitments and forums.
• Provide visible and effective leadership of the River Management portfolio.
• Continue to build high level of confidence in the Authority’s water management capability with jurisdictions and key Murray System stakeholders.
• Continue to improve and support the environmental delivery function in the Murray System, linking with the Environmental Management team, Environmental Water Group and other key stakeholders.
• Enhance operations to deliver Basin Plan objectives and environmental water accounting.
• Provide direction for the implementation of Environmental Works and Measures Program, in particular to mitigate delivery risks.
• Ensure water resources of the River Murray System are shared between States in accordance with the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement as required by Basin Officials Committee and set out in Objectives and Outcomes for River Operations.
• Ensure River Murray Operations Assets are operated and maintained ‘fit for purpose’ in accordance with the Asset Agreement and Asset Management Plan.

What we offer you

• 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. 

Tell me more

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 andrew.mcconville@mdba.gov.au.