The key duties of the position include The Role The Advanced Strategic Capability Accelerator (ASCA) is seeking a highly motivated individual to join the ASCA Missions Program Delivery Directorate. As an APS6 Project Manager, you will be accountable under broad direction to perform and achieve complex project management work in support of missions within the delivery directorate. We are seeking applications from high-performing individuals who have strong interpersonal and communication skills. You will work independently and as part of a small team, exercising both initiative and judgement in the interpretation of policy and in the application of practices and procedures. You will provide detailed project management technical, professional and policy advice in relation to complex work and contribute to strategic planning, program and project management and policy development. Broadly, the responsibilities of this role will include (but are not limited to): Provide clear and consistent communication, set clear performance and behavioural standards, manage performance, delegate responsibility and guide and develop people. Apply appropriate project and contract management methods and tools that are aligned with ASCA best practices, processes, and documentation. Advocate, support, and implement required methods, procedures, and techniques to ensure successful project execution. Identify, assess, track, report, and manage project risks and issues effectively, identifying and applying risk mitigations and reporting risks and issues upwards as appropriate. Manage schedule, budget and workforce; and prepare briefings, submissions, reports and returns relating to project progress. Manage procurement activities for assigned projects, including developing procurement plans and procurement documents, conducting approaches to market, managing evaluations, providing reports to decision makers. Facilitate, develop, review, and support project contracting and procurement requirements, in consultation with the ASCA Acquisition & Commercial team. Effectively manage stakeholder relationships with Capability Manager representatives for projects to maximise. Draft briefs to senior officials and Ministers. Support development of media and communications products to ensure effective management of ASCA's reputation and to promote the objectives of ASCA projects. This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer. About our Team The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) is transforming how breakthrough military solutions are delivered by rapidly translating innovative technologies into capabilities that strengthen Defence. ASCA's purpose is to accelerate the delivery of capability to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) through innovation, supported by a work ethic aligned with Defence values. Transforming Australia's Defence innovation ecosystem is critical to delivering the advanced technologies required for national security. ASCA connects and streamlines the defence innovation system by focusing on defined missions, solving urgent capability problems and taking a flexible, agile approach to procurement. This accelerates the transition of innovation into capability solutions that Defence can acquire with the urgency required by strategic circumstances. ASCA also provides opportunities for Australian industry and universities to partner with Defence. These partnerships explore emerging and disruptive technologies and develop new innovations that address priority capability needs. Our Ideal Candidate ASCA is seeking a candidate who thrives in a high tempo and dynamic environment. Within ASCA, staff are encouraged and empowered to take calculated risks and challenge the status quo whilst acting with integrity. To succeed in this role, you must be an adaptable and resilient individual, show initiative and be a team player who contributes to a respectful workplace. To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate: Ability to be an effective team member and build a positive culture; Highly effective interpersonal written and oral communication skills, including strong emotional intelligence, resilience and adaptability; Demonstrate ability to influence, negotiate and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels; High level of organisational skills, self-drive and initiative; Ability to respond flexibly to changing situations, including using sound judgement under pressure, to ensure the success of key deliverables; Project management experience and ability to develop and interpret project, financial and risk documentation under limited direction (preferably in Defence environment).
