Project Officer - Disaster Response Network (Drn)

About the Australian Psychological Society (APS)

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is the foremost professional body and voice for psychological science and practice in Australia. From professional development and support services to advocating in government, we cater to the needs of members and help grow the capacity of the psychology workforce. While in the general public we provide the psychology information and tools people need, ultimately we serve our purpose of improving the mental health and wellbeing of the Australian population. 

Stronger Together, Respect in every action, Forward Thinking, Professional Integrity

About the Role

We are passionate about people and it is with pleasure that we announce an exciting new opportunity. The Project Manager - Disaster Response Network (DRN), will be responsible for the Disaster Response Network (DRN) Expansion Project funded for two years (2024-2026) by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.

The primary responsibilities for this role will include:

Project Management and Coordination 

• Oversee the DRN Expansion Project: Lead the project from inception to completion, including the development of project plans, methodologies, and schedules. Ensure the project aligns with its goals, timelines, and budget constraints. 
• Team Management and Resource Allocation: Lead and manage the members of the DRN Expansion Project team and strategically allocate resources to meet project milestones and deliverables efficiently. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication 

• Liaise with Key Stakeholders: Maintain effective communication with the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care.
• Engage with external stakeholders to enhance project engagement and expand our community network leading to the development of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU). 
• Maintain Productive Relationships: Build and sustain productive relationships with a wide range of partner organizations, representing the APS in various meetings and forums as required. 

Reporting and Evaluation 

• Project Reporting: Prepare and deliver regular project reports to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability regarding project progress and outcomes. 
• Monitor and Evaluate Project Success: Assist in the ongoing monitoring, review, and evaluation of the DRN Expansion Project to measure impact and identify areas for improvement. 

Collaboration and Advocacy 

• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with other APS teams to ensure the DRN Expansion Project's objectives are aligned with the broader goals of the Social Impact Team and the APS mission. 
• Advocate for Psychological Support: Champion the application of psychological science and practice in supporting and empowering frontline and emergency personnel across Australia. 

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Project Manager to manage this project. This full time, fixed-term position requires exceptional project management skills, the ability to work autonomously in a complex environment, and a commitment to executing tasks with precision.

We work in a hybrid model. Most team members currently work from home, with the option to work in our Melbourne CBD office when it suits them, or as the business requires (i.e. for large planning meetings). We are however open to interstate applicants.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential 

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in psychology 
• Demonstrated project management experience preferably managing small project focused teams 
• Strong project management skills and experience in delivering agreed outputs within contractual timelines and budgets preferably with end-to-end experience of project design, implementation, delivery and evaluation 
• Demonstrated experience and/or knowledge of contemporary debates and methods of trauma informed, disaster and/or resilience projects 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work within small teams and across organisational boundaries with a variety of project stakeholders, preferably experience in identifying and supporting formal partnerships 
• Outstanding communication skills, including demonstrated excellence in translating knowledge into outputs that meet the needs of diverse audiences 

Desirable 

• Demonstrated experience in using participatory and/or co-productive methods in the design and delivery of projects 

Why work with the APS?

• Access to salary packaging benefits including Salary packaging Living allowance $15,900 (net) & Meal Entertainment Benefit $2,650 (net) putting more money in your pocket.
• Flexible approach to work with no mandated days in the office to provide better work/life balance
• Great social environment to keep us connected
• 3 paid volunteer days each year
• Employee Assistance Program & Mental Health First Aiders
• Staff access to Member Benefits Program
• Paid Employee Referral Program, where you are rewarded for referring successful talent