Who we are
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. As primary agency for Australia's Antarctic Program (AAP), the 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 AAD also has responsibility for administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
The Assets and Technology (A&T) Branch provides and maintains the equipment and infrastructure to support the AAP. A&T Branch activities range from the maintenance of existing Antarctic stations and equipment through to the design, manufacture, testing, operation and procurement of advanced scientific equipment and systems. The Branch manages major infrastructure projects in support of AAP outcomes.
The Construction Projects Section is a key element of the A&T Branch and is responsible for the construction of the built infrastructure at Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic stations. The section carries out construction activities at the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic stations and a project management group at the AAD’s head office in Kingston, Tasmania. It works closely with other sections within the branch to lead the design, construction and handover of all station infrastructure.
The Job
The Commercial and Contract Lead coordinates all commercial outcomes and contracts that contribute to the successful delivery of major construction projects at the AAD. The role will provide input into the development and delivery of budgets, legal, insurance, government policy and other contractual requirements, as they relate to the procurement and contractual approaches determined for each major project. Working closely with Project Lead the successful applicant will ensure projects are managed within budgets and ensure compliance with all contract requirements. The role will be required to engage extensively with Department stakeholders, external consultants, potential industry partners, other government agencies and broader community networks.
What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
- Experience in commercial and contract management of large infrastructure projects within the public sector framework including an understanding of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs)
- Proven ability to successfully manage commercial/financial, legal and government policy components for major projects
- Demonstrated ability to identify issues, suggest areas for improvement, and develop best practice approaches to successfully dealing with project risks and issues
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex information into practical tender/contract documentation implementation.
- Demonstrated high level communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to communicate with influence with a range of stakeholders, and to manage stakeholder relationships and networks
Skills and capabilities
- Manage the commercial and contract activities associated with assigned projects.
- Ability to deliver high quality outputs with a high level of professional and/or technical expertise.
- Provide guidance, direction and advice across, commercial, financial, legal, insurance and government policy components, to ensure successful delivery of the projects.
- Develop and manage project budgets.
- Ensure, compliance with project contractual and commercial frameworks through planning, procurement and delivery phases and, as relevant, transition to operation
- During delivery, support all commercial, financial and legal components including in relation to scope variations, financial auditing, whilst ensuring contractual targets and KPI’s are measured, reported and auditable.
- Coordination, risk, issues and benefits realisation management.
- Apply risk and operation management principles and strategies in a highly complex, dynamic and sensitive operating environment
Mandatory qualifications
A relevant tertiary qualification from an Australian tertiary institution, or a comparable overseas institution.
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.
Pre-employment Check - Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.
Flexible employment arrangements are available with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.