Assistant Director

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – Mildura VIC The Inspector–General of Water Compliance (Inspector–General) is an independent statutory role and an identified integrity agency, supported by staff provided by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment & Water (the Department). Inspector–General's vision: Water management and use within the Murray-Darling Basin is lawful, transparent, and accountable, and the Australian public is confident in the integrity of Basin Plan delivery. Inspector–General's purpose: The Inspector–General ensures various government bodies, water managers and users in the Murray-Darling Basin (the Basin) comply with their obligations under the Water Act 2007 (Cth) (Water Act) and the Basin Plan 2012 (Cth) (Basin Plan) and drives governments and water managers to uphold high standards of integrity and performance. The Inspector–General's role includes oversighting the performance of government agencies in the management of Basin water resources, as well as ensuring compliance with various commitments under legislation. The Inspector–General currently has offices located in Adelaide, Albury, Brisbane, Canberra, Dubbo, Goondiwindi, Mildura and Sydney. The Department also has a state office in Melbourne. The Inspector–General can support regional relocation to one of our Basin communities. Highlights You will work within an independent integrity agency in a complex legislative environment and undertake work that is complex in nature. You will work under broad direction with the opportunity for considerable autonomy and accountability. You will exercise both initiative and judgment in the interpretation of regulatory policy and in the application of procedures and frameworks. You will engage in complex problem solving and issues management and may coordinate and undertake detailed or sensitive projects that impact on strategic, political, or operational outcomes for the agency. You may have public contact in relation to difficult or sensitive issues and may consult with a range of stakeholders in a representational role. You are responsible for actively managing key stakeholder relationships within and outside the agency and may manage one or more work teams. Your work may involve management responsibilities requiring the setting of priorities and managing workflows, building capability in a team environment, providing feedback, and encouraging career development. Flexible working arrangements are available at all levels. Work Area The Compliance Monitoring team leads the delivery of a range of programs and projects to inform the Inspector–General's monitoring and decision-making responsibilities under the Water Act 2007 (Cth) and Basin Plan. The Team is responsible for leading and managing: Compliance issues and risk assessment. Data and information analysis demonstrating the level of compliance with the Basin Plan and water management arrangements in each state and territory. Compliance and enforcement guidelines and frameworks. Knowledge Collaboration Strategy to provide the most up-to-date and accurate knowledge, data, and evidence available for making informed compliance decisions. The Job The Assistant Director assists the Director, Compliance Monitoring to develop and deliver a program of works that enables the Inspector-General to monitor for compliance and make evidence-based, informed decisions and actions for regulatory non-compliance in support of the Inspector-General's regulatory objectives. The role will: Support and assist the Director, Compliance Monitoring. Lead and undertake detailed or sensitive projects and programs that impact on strategic, political, or operational outcomes for the agency. Prepare high quality and influential written documents on highly complex and nationally significant matters, often of a sensitive nature, under broad direction. Collate evidence-based facts and provide detailed technical or professional advice regarding complex water management issues. Exercise sound decision making and judgment in interpreting and applying legislation, practices, and procedures, and providing high-quality regulatory advice and application of risk and harm management practice. Assist in strategic planning, collaborating with expert consultants, project management and policy development. Allocate and manage resources and manage the performance of employees in accordance with legislation, Australian Public Service and agency policies and instructions. Identify and progress opportunities for practice and/or process improvements. Actively manage key stakeholder relationships within and outside the agency, across a geographically dispersed area and with diverse interests. What we are looking for Knowledge and experience The successful applicant should be able to demonstrate a range of the following: Knowledge of water legislation: Comprehensive knowledge of relevant water management legislation and regulatory frameworks, with expertise in compliance monitoring. Natural resource management experience: Extensive experience in leading projects related to natural resource management, particularly in water resources, sustainability, or environmental protection. Project management skills: Extensive project management skills, including the ability to plan, execute and oversee complex projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and effective resource management. Data analysis and reporting: Comprehensive skills in advanced data analysis and interpretation with the ability to generate insightful reports that inform decision making and compliance assessment. Proficiency in Excel and Power BI favourable. Stakeholder communication: Demonstrated ability to engage and collaborate with the diverse range of stakeholders including government agencies, community groups and industry representatives to address compliance issues and foster cooperative relationships. Writing skills: Exceptional writing skills with the ability to produce high quality reports, briefing notes, policy documents, and communications tailored to various audiences including technical and non-technical stakeholders. Demonstrated experience including governance, coordination, project management, reporting, procurement and recruitment. Demonstrated experience working in an agile agency environment, with the capacity to manage high priority work programs and navigate change effectively. Experience working within or leading a geographically dispersed and/or regional team. Some knowledge and/or experience in conducting compliance audits. Skills and capabilities The successful candidate will be able to: Apply critical and analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex policy, regulatory and compliance issues to provide high-level strategic advice. Deliver outcomes in line with the objectives of the Inspector–General's annual workplan. Understand team priorities and adapt when those priorities change, take responsibility for their workload, and understand when to escalate issues. Demonstrate advanced skills in prioritising competing demands, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and strategic initiatives. Manage and coordinate complex and sensitive projects using a harm-based approach. Manage time exceptionally well, with a track record of balancing multiple projects and meeting strategic deadlines. Demonstrate strong leadership in promoting a collaborative and cooperative culture, effectively facilitating teamwork, and guiding team members towards common strategic goals. Work collaboratively and cooperatively as a member of a team, contributing to ideas, coordinating projects, suggesting improvements and leading and developing other team members, as appropriate. Identify and analyse information trends, developing advice and/or solutions which demonstrate sound judgement and an awareness of the context in which they are operating. Be highly organised with the ability to implement systems and processes that enhance project efficiency and team productivity. Effectively cope with change, handle risk and uncertainty, and make decisions based on evidence and data. Manage complex stakeholder relationships through the delivery of sensitive and multi-faceted projects. Work within a geographically dispersed and/or regional team. Mandatory qualifications Relevant educational or professional qualifications, or industry experience in areas related to water, environmental or natural resource management, hydrological modelling, public administration, and law. Hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers' licence. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr