Join a purpose-driven national organisation shaping Australia’s future workforce.

About the Role

The Project Specialist role reports to the Executive Director Maritime, working closely with the Head of Maritime Skills Program in delivering project outcomes for the Maritime Program and across Industry Skills Australia (ISA).

The primary focus of this role is to deliver on the Maritime Program of Work projects identified in the Maritime Industry Workforce Plan. These projects will build on maritime initiatives to improve Australia’s maritime skills training system.

The role is accountable for the successful end-to-end delivery of projects that form part of the overall Maritime program of work. The role will work with the Head of Maritime Skills Program to design detailed project methodologies and budgets, develop Project Management Plans and identify resource requirements. The Project Specialist will be responsible for the ongoing project management lifecycle including budget, scope, schedules, risk management, stakeholder engagement and achievement of project outcomes. The Project Specialist will undertake project work and activities in accordance with ISA’s Project Management Framework and related policies.

What you’ll be doing

- Ensuring the delivery and completion of each project assigned to this role.
- Participating and delivering on high-quality projects including:
- Developing Project Management Plans for assigned projects
- Managing projects for scope, quality, risk and financial management purposes
- Preparing and reviewing maritime sector-focused Vocational Education and Training (VET) project-related documentation in preparation for stakeholder engagement and government submission.
- Preparing stakeholder engagement materials for use online and in person, capturing project evidence and synthesising advice received through stakeholder engagement
- Supporting research initiatives to collect data and evidence to inform the maritime program
- Assisting with preparation of external communications for projects as directed by the Project Team, in collaboration with the Communications Team

- Developing project documentation, Statements of Work and procurement documentation for project activities and consultancy engagements
- Managing consultants and service providers to ensure delivery against agreed objectives, timelines, budgets and quality standards




- Collaborating with internal stakeholders to finalise procurement contracts on assigned projects for approval and keeping internal systems and stakeholders updated on procurement undertaken, including variations of scope or budget.
- Working within the project methodology, standards, sequencing and expectations set for the program, and raising any contested point of project direction with the Executive Director Maritime.
- Monitoring project milestones, risks, issues and dependencies and escalating emerging project concerns as required
- Directing the work of Project Support Officers allocated to assigned projects, in consultation with the Head of Maritime Skills Program
- Providing industry relevant information to Industry Engagement Managers to ensure the Strategic Workforce Planning Committees (SWPCs) are appropriately informed
- Building and maintaining strong, highly effective relationships within ISA and across the organisation’s functional areas to promote a robust situational awareness of the relationship between ongoing activities, proactive sharing of information and exceptional client service

Who you are

Qualifications & Experience

- Experience in operating within the maritime industry with a focus on seafaring roles, including and not limited to, workforce development
- Bachelor’s (or equivalent) qualification in maritime industry, project management or training and assessment
- High level verbal and written communication, interpersonal, negotiation and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated experience writing Statements of Work for external consultancy engagements
- Working knowledge of Commonwealth procurement obligations
- Demonstrated experience procuring and managing external consultants to deliver value for money
- Experience applying Program Logic in project design.

Essential attributes

- A strong understanding of the maritime industry in Australia or relevant international experience
- Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships across a range of diverse stakeholders to promote trust and understanding




- Ability to effectively work under tight deadlines and manage projects independently
- Ability to carry sole accountability for a project’s outcomes
- Good working knowledge of applicable Microsoft Office 365 software and exposure to project systems (eg. Borealis and ClickUp)
- A customer centric mindset, providing timely and considered responses to all internal and external stakeholders

Desirable attributes

- Understanding/knowledge or previous experience within the Vocational and Educational Training system

Who we are

- Industry Skills Australia (ISA) is the National Transport Supply Chain Jobs and Skills Council (JSC), dedicated to building a world class supply chain workforce. Our mission is to enhance national productivity by creating better jobs and careers, and sustainable businesses for Australians. We collaborate with business leaders, unions, governments, industry organisations, and training providers to understand the real challenges and to implement high-impact solutions.
- With a national footprint, and a growing team of passionate professionals, ISA is shaping the future of work in some of Australia’s most essential industries.
- We are a not-for-profit organisation.

Why join us

- This is your opportunity to be part of something meaningful - contributing to the future of work across industries that keep Australia moving. You will work with purpose alongside people who are passionate, collaborative and driven to make a difference.
- We offer hybrid working with 2 days per week able to be worked remotely and three in the office alongside your colleagues.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program.
- A supportive and inclusive workplace where we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQI+ communities, and those living with disability.

ISA is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We actively seek individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our team. Together, we can create a vibrant and innovative environment that celebrates uniqueness and drives success. Come and be part of our journey toward a more inclusive future.

How to apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining why you would be the ideal candidate for this role.

We will be reviewing applications as they come in so do not delay

📌 Project Specialist - Maritime (Melbourne)
🏢 Industry Skills Australia
📍 Melbourne