Senior Procurement Officer - Governance

Who we are 

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is responsible for achieving the Australian Government's Antarctic goals. 

These goals are to: 

• Maintain the Antarctic Treaty System and enhance Australia's influence within it.
• Protect the Antarctic environment.
• Understand the role of Antarctica in the global climate system.
• Undertake scientific work of practical, economic, and national significance. 

The Finance Division supports the department to deliver its outcomes including ensuring it is financially sustainable. 

Core responsibilities include:

• Financial management, internal and external budgets, treasury, travel, expense management, procurement, property, and security.

The branches together have responsibility for the oversight and delivery of the procurement functions.

The procurement sections are responsible for: 

• The development and/or implementation of procurement guidelines and procedures.
• The provision of quality and timely advice regarding procurement of a wide range of goods and services.
• Supporting end users.
• Maintaining the overall procurement policy framework.

The Job

The position will form a key part of the AAD Procurement Unit, which works closely with AAD operational areas to achieve effective procurement outcomes in support of the Australian Antarctic Program. 

Working under broad direction, the key duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Providing strategic advice, practical guidance and solutions on procurement matters to line areas including undertaking complex probity and procurement compliance reviews of approaches to market in line with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and Commonwealth Procurement Rules.
• Coordinating more complex procurement activities, including developing tender documentation, managing tender processes and evaluation reporting.
• Using excellent written and verbal communication skills to review and prepare procurement documentation and contracts.
• Assisting line areas to ensure compliance of procurement processes with governance frameworks and timely completion of procurement activities. 
• Negotiating with multiple internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers.

Please note that this recruitment process will be used to fill a current vacancy in the section listed above. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of 18 months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the department where the duties are of a similar nature.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

• Knowledge of government procurement policies or similar relevant experience including, but not limited in administration, governance, finance, and contract management. 
• Experience leading or contributing to implementation of best practice approaches to developing capabilities or operational effectiveness. 
• Experience interpreting legislation, policies, and processes that form the Commonwealth Procurement Framework.

Skills and capabilities

We are looking for collaborative people with the following core skills and capabilities: 

• A demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of procurement policies to co-ordinate complex procurement activities and processes in compliance with governance requirements. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication and listening skills, including the ability to tailor communications to a range of audiences and convey complex matters in unambiguous and persuasive language. 
• A proven ability to work either independently, or collaboratively and cooperatively to make sound and considered decisions, and to build productive working relationships with a range of stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated capacity to achieve results, prioritise work, meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks with limited supervision. 
• Time management skills and attention to detail as well as the ability to manage complex issues and competing priorities within timeframes.

Eligibility and other requirements

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.