ABOUT THE BRANCH

The Divestment Branch is leading the divestment of surplus properties identified in the Defence Estate Audit and comprises varied opportunities to foster innovative solutions to achieve Government outcomes. The Branch works closely with Commonwealth and State governments, and external providers with specialised commercial and property expertise, and legal and probity advisers to prepare the properties for disposal to achieve broader policy outcomes, including the National Housing Accord.

ABOUT THE CHANCE

- Assist in the delivery and management of the Defence Estate Audit divestment program, including managing contracts, financial management, governance arrangements, and reporting requirements to Government.
- Assist in managing contracts of various consultants and contractors in accordance with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act), Commonwealth Procurement Rules and Departmental requirements.
- Assist with the support of governance groups, including organising meetings, and providing secretariat support such as managing agendas, minutes, talking points and coordinating meeting papers.
- Provide high-level written advice for both internal and external stakeholders, including assisting with the preparation of reporting for Government, Ministerial Submissions and briefings for Senate Estimates.
- Assist to develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including other Government agencies, external service providers and other relevant private sector stakeholders
- Review strategies and technical and legal due diligence reports prepared by external consultants and prepare feedback or advice for the Assistant Directors and Director.
- Provide input into the development of required assessments, and the development of the divestment strategies for each property. Ensure compliance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and other relevant legislation and policies
- Assist in managing any remediation projects or EPBC Act referrals prior to divestment.
- Reviewing strategies,



marketing material and sales contract documentation prepared by external consultants and prepare feedback or advice for the Assistant Director and Director to prepare properties for divestment.
- Be a part of a team to review of sale tender documentation and provide high-level written advice for both internal and external stakeholders, including preparation of correspondence and submissions for Government and Departmental approvals
- Assist with divestments consistent with the Commonwealth Property Disposal Policy.
- Work effectively within the team and across the Branch, supporting Executive Level staff and upskilling junior members of the team.
- Any other tasks as directed.

The key duties of the position include:

In addition to the broader capabilities outlined in the Finance People Capability Framework, Finance is seeking candidates who possess the following job specific skills and attributes aligned to our core capabilities:

Lead

- Manage your workload effectively to deliver outcomes, including high-quality advice to your Assistant Director, Director and Senior Executive, and assistance in the communications to the Minister’s office and Government.
- Show integrity, sound judgement and political awareness of Government priorities.

Collaborate

- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Work across the Branch, as required.

Achieve

- Identified project performance and works towards achieving project objectives and milestones. Identifies opportunities for improvement.
- Takes responsibility and supports the team to ensure the best outcome is achieved for the Government.

Think

- Understand how your team’s work contributes to the broader government outcomes.




- Actively listens to others and consults and considers the working environment and influences that impact the Branch.

Learn

- Respond openly and flexibly to people, ideas and challenges, stay positive, take responsibility for your work, and support others to do the same.

Know

- Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge and understanding of corporate and public sector governance frameworks, including PGPA Act and Commonwealth procurement framework, and the Commonwealth property management framework.
- Knowledge and experience in real property matters, including divestment, property management/conveyancing, environmental.

Eligibility

- Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS) unless the Agency Head has agreed otherwise, in writing.
- Successful applicants will be required to undergo the process to obtain and maintain, or continue to hold the required security clearance level for the role as indicated in the downloadable job pack. All Finance staff are required to have a minimum baseline security clearance prior to commencement.
- We encourage and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with Disability, LGBTQI+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature aged people.

Getting to know the Department of Finance

As a central agency of the Australian Government, the Department of Finance (Finance) plays an important role in assisting government across a wide range of policy areas to ensure its outcomes are met. Finance supports the government's ongoing priorities through the Budget process and fosters leading practice through the public sector resource management, governance and accountability frameworks. Finance plays a leading role in advising the government on many of its strategic priorities. We do this through our professional and considered approach to providing advice, developing policy, delivering services and engaging with our clients and stakeholders. Finance's key areas of focus are: - Budget - Business Enabling Services - Commercial - Governance and Resource Management

📌 Senior Project Officer (Canberra)
🏢 Department of Finance
📍 Canberra