Program Management Support Officer

The Role:As a Program Management Support Officer, you will support the design and implementation of the Departments Project, including playing a key role in supporting effective contract management with the Lead Contractor and coordinating key program functions.Primary Duties:
Key duties may include:

• supporting design and procurement processes to progress establishment of the Project and its activities;
• supporting effective relationship management with the Lead Contractor (once selected);
• establishing effective contract management processes, monitoring and tracking contract milestones and budget;
• overseeing program risks and ensuring monitoring and evaluation in accordance with contractual requirements;
• coordinating internal and inter-agency advisory meetings and consultations;
• providing input into reporting and briefing processes; and
• promoting a positive team culture where staff work collegiately with a shared sense of purpose and build capability within the team by coaching others and providing feedback.

Skills and Knowledge:
Our ideal candidate will:

• have demonstrated knowledge in an area of focus relevant to the department as outlined
• have demonstrated Program Management experience;
• have experience with and understanding of procurement, contract and risk management processes;
• feel confident making decisions and recommendations using good judgement and expertise, governed by the application of policies and best-practice principles;
• be capable of developing and managing complex relationships with stakeholders to achieve work area goals; and
• have strong written and verbal communication skills;
• be capable of prioritising and managing tasks, working autonomously, and escalating issues that may have an impact on the work area; and
• demonstrate the ability to contribute positively to a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusivity.

Location: This role is ACT based. Flexible work (including part time hours) or work from home may be considered in agreement with relevant director.Contract term: Contract is to November 2024 with 2 x 12 month contract extension options pending budget and delegate approval.Security Requirements: To be eligible for this role, you must be an Australian Citizen and hold a NV1 Security Clearance.How to Apply:Please upload your resume to apply. Please note you will need to complete selection criteria to complete this application process. We will be in touch with instructions for suitably skilled candidates.Please contact Kelly Shockley on 0480 002 457 for any further information.Applications open until 16 April.APPLICANT INFORMATION PACKProgram Management Support OfficerIFB2023-0727/03/2024About the departmentWhat we doAs the eyes, ears and voice of Australia overseas, we lead and coordinate the Australian Government's international agenda. We engage foreign governments and international organisations, using diplomatic tradecraft to advocate and negotiate outcomes to advance Australia's strategic, security and economic interests.Working in Australia and from our overseas posts, we develop relationships and networks to provide strategic insights and achieve government objectives. We deliver international development and humanitarian assistance to address challenges facing the region and provide high-quality consular and passport services to Australian citizens.Who we areDFAT has a high-performance culture which is underpinned by a resilient, motivated and loyal workforce in Australia and overseas. Our people are at the heart of everything we do and bring a range of qualifications and experiences to the table. We support each other and share a unity of purpose and commitment to serving our country, including in challenging circumstances overseas. Our strength is our diversity, which enables us to find common ground as we work with people from across the globe to solve some of the world's most complex problems.Program Management Support OfficerAPS Level 6 / EL1 (equivalent)Commonwealth ReferenceIFB2023-04Service Category/PanelPolicy and Program - Department of Finance Labour Hire Services Panel (SON3965020)RoleProgram Management Support OfficerSupervisorDirector, Cable Connectivity and Resilience CentreReferee RequirementsCandidates must provide a minimum of 2 referees.Referee checks will only be performed for preferred candidates following interviews.Fee StructureResources are to be quoted on the basis of Hourly rates including GST and quoted in either half or full dollars.Where:

• Panellists are reminded that the Fees set out in the Deed of Standing Offer are not to be exceeded;

• Fees quoted should be commensurate with the resource being offered and the required skills and experience

Period of EngagementInitial period 30 November 20242 x 12-month extension optionsLocationCanberra, ACTSecurity Clearance requiredMinimum Negative Vetting 1 (NV1)Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) preferred.The Commonwealth requires all Specified Personnel to undergo Work, Health and Safety and Security Awareness training. Training must be undertaken upon commencement and be completed before the commencement of any work. Training is by means of an online courses and questionnaires that can be undertaken at Commonwealth premises.The opportunityDFAT is seeking a talented and driven person to contribute to the development and implementation of the Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre (Cable Centre) in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.The role is expected to focus on:

• program design, establishment, implementation and administration;
• procurement, budget and contract management;
• activity development and management (e.g. coordinating technical workshops and events); and
• coordination and liaison with a range of stakeholders across government, industry and academia.

Your application should highlight your specific capability and experience in one or more of the above areas.Cable Connectivity and Resilience CentreThe Australian Government announced the Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre in May 2023 as Australia's contribution to the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience. The Cable Centre aims to position Australia as a trusted partner for countries in the Indo-Pacific (South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific). DFAT's early outreach has identified a clear need for assistance regarding undersea cable issues, particularly in Southeast Asia.The Cable Centre will build on and work with existing Australian Government mechanisms for infrastructure funding and advice, including the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific and the Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) program in Southeast Asia. The Cable Centre will be flexible on how and when it works with partners and when it will work independently.The Cable Centre is comprised of DFAT officers and staff seconded from other Australian Government agencies. Its activities will be supported or implemented by a Lead Contractor.The Cable Centre will seek to leverage Australia's whole-of-government experience to help Indo-Pacific governments reform their relevant policies, regulations and decision making.The Cable Centre sits within the Connectivity and Infrastructure Policy Branch (IFB) in the Office of the Pacific in DFAT.The Connectivity and Infrastructure BranchIFB is the DFAT-wide focal point for infrastructure policy and likeminded infrastructure engagement. In addition to the Cable Centre, IFB manages DFAT's engagement in key infrastructure investments such as the Coral Sea Cable System and Digicel Pacific, including related financial and legal arrangements. IFB also manages engagement with likeminded financiers to deliver high quality infrastructure in the Pacific infrastructure development as well as cross-cutting telecommunication policy issues, including the rollout of new technologies in the region. In addition, IFB manages investments in media and broadcasting sector capacity building for the Pacific, working closely with external stakeholders. IFB is inclusive and supportive, and values contributions from all levels and perspectives. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a branch priorityPosition summaryAs a Program Management Support Officer, you will support the design and implementation of the Cable Centre, including playing a key role in supporting effective contract management with the Lead Contractor and coordinating key program functions.Key DutiesKey duties may include:

• supporting design and procurement processes to progress establishment of the Cable Centre and its activities;
• supporting effective relationship management with the Lead Contractor (once selected);
• establishing effective contract management processes, monitoring and tracking contract milestones and budget;
• overseeing program risks and ensuring monitoring and evaluation in accordance with contractual requirements;
• coordinating internal and inter-agency advisory meetings and consultations;
• providing input into reporting and briefing processes; and
• promoting a positive team culture where staff work collegiately with a shared sense of purpose and build capability within the team by coaching others and providing feedback.

Our ideal candidateWe're looking for high-performing people with experience in Program Management relevant to the Cable Centre's operations.Our ideal candidate will:

• have demonstrated knowledge in an area of focus relevant to the department as outlined under 'The Opportunity' above, plus an understanding of global affairs;
• have demonstrated Program Management experience;
• have experience with and understanding of procurement, contract and risk management processes;
• feelconfidentmakingdecisions and recommendations usinggoodjudgementandexpertise,governedbytheapplication of policies and best-practice principles;
• be capable of developing and managing complex relationships with stakeholders to achieve work area goals; and
• have strongwrittenandverbalcommunicationskills;
• be capable of prioritising and managing tasks, working autonomously, and escalating issues that may have an impact on the work area; and
• demonstrate the ability to contribute positively to a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusivity.

Prior experience working on infrastructure, telecommunications or undersea cables would be an advantage but is not essential.How to applySubmit your application via DS4P before the closing date.Your application will need to provide:

• completed RFQ document.
• response to evaluation criteria
• a maximum four-page CV (uploaded)