Program Manager - Climate Science Centre - [Archived Advertisement]

The Opportunity

• Passionate about climate change and pushing towards net zero targets?
• Drive effective management of a large scientific research program
• Flexible working conditions. Achieve the right balance for you!

The Climate Science Centre (CSC) delivers science at the regional, national and international level. Climate change is an increasingly complex environment with multiple partners and new research programs being established, as the issue gains a higher profile both internationally and domestically. Due to the high profile of climate change and net zero targets, cooperation and collaboration with partners is essential to maintaining trust in very important relationships. The candidate will be required to work internally, within the CSC, Oceans and Atmosphere (O&A) Business Unit (BU) and CSIRO; and externally with other government agencies and research institutions.

The Program Manager will provide high-level support and advice to the CSIRO CSC and the Research Director (RD). They will be responsible for effective and efficient management of a large scientific program including people management and developing efficient work practices for the Centre whilst also overseeing budgets, allocations, training, and strategy implementation and tracking. They will be required to synthesise information from a range of sources to deliver accurate information that will meet the needs of a range of audiences internally and externally. The ability to influence others, while not holding official authority is critical for this role. 

Your duties will include:

• Provide high level support and advice to the Research Director and Group Leaders on issues and interactions with key stakeholders and external parties.
• Identify emerging and unforeseen issues requiring RD intervention (project delivery, stakeholder relationships, internal conflict and cultural challenges) and coordinate or develop appropriate responses.
• Identify inefficiencies within internal management processes and design and implement change. Support the Leadership team to implement any new strategic directions or processes.
• Prioritise issues for the RD’s attention and prepare briefing notes/reports to facilitate effective action and guide diary management for the director’s administration officers.
• Prepare and review correspondence, presentations and reports that deal with complex or sensitive matters. Coordinate internal and external reviews, responses to information requests, reporting requirements and project manage sensitive or complex activities.
• Collaborate with internal partners to improve the capability of CSC staff in project management and deliver efficient and effective coordination of key business processes e.g. appropriation funding allocation, monitoring staff allocation at the program level, reporting tools and budget maintenance.
• Coordinate CSC compliance with CSIRO processes and governance requirements, and other applicable legislative requirements, maintain oversight of CSC input to O&A risk management framework.
• Coordinate the preparation of impact pathways, strategic and operational plans, effective communication within and about CSC matters, develop and maintain cross-organisational networks.
• Plan and coordinate key leadership meetings, or other events. Drive collaborative forums including CSIRO-wide climate initiatives as well as multi-agency discussion groups for climate coordination.

Location: Hobart (preferred), or Melbourne, or Canberra
Salary: AU$115k – AU$135k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference: 74162

To be considered you will need:

• Excellent written communication skills, showing evidence of ability to formulate and prepare a wide range of strategic communications including complex reports, analyses, plans and briefings.
• Strong influencing skills and the ability to coach other staff, while not holding official authority, including an ability to manage change effectively.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic leadership team environment and collaborate widely, both internally and externally.
• Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to investigate underlying issues of complex and ill-defined problems and develop responses through abstract thinking and using creative solutions.
• Excellent organisational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage competing complex demands; establish or renegotiate priorities; and meet deadlines, including the ability to adapt in ambiguous or urgent situations where information is incomplete.
• Experience in project management, including planning, governance, engagement, monitoring and reporting, to meet or exceed specified outcomes and timeframes.
• Experience working in a scientific organisation and/or able to coordinate and distil complex information from a range of disciplines.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Talk to us about how this role could be flexible for you. Balance

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit diverse people and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.

About CSIRO

At CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

21 June 2021, 11:00pm AEST