Program Leader - Antarctic Climate

The Australian Department of Climate Change is seeking a Program Leader for the Antarctic Climate Program. This senior role involves leading scientific research, managing staff, overseeing budgets, and providing strategic advice. The position focuses on complex Antarctic climate projects aligned with national goals, requiring collaboration with stakeholders and influencing agency strategies. The job is located in Kingston, TAS, Australia, and is not remote.
Senior Principal Research Scientist (EL 2) - $205,270 - $228,877 per annum plus superannuation
Australian Antarctic Division
Kingston, TAS

Who we areThe 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 AAD Science Branch leads, conducts and supports a world class program of scientific research and environmental management, consistent with national priorities through the Australian Antarctic Science Decadal Strategy. The branch provides research and advice to support Australia’s Antarctic policy objectives, including participation in the Antarctic Treaty system and other international committees, commissions and intergovernmental panels. It manages and administers the Australian Antarctic Science Program (including project requests, assessment, and reporting) and provides scientific and research advice to support regulatory and management decisions. The branch provides scientific advice for Antarctic capability projects, conducts impact assessments and develops strategies to address environmental legacies and undertakes targeted outreach promoting the value of Australian Antarctic science.
The Antarctic Climate Program undertakes scientific research involving observational and modelling studies to better understand physical processes and change concerning the Antarctic ice sheet, and the surrounding sea ice zone and atmosphere, and the associated implications for Australia and the rest of the globe. The work supports the Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan, and involves strategic research collaborations in the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership and other national and international programs.
The JobUnder broad direction of the Chief Scientist, the main duties, tasks and responsibilities of the role include:

leading the AAD Antarctic Climate Program, providing management and support of staff, preparation and oversight of budgets and the delivery and enhancement of scientific outputs and outcomes that are aligned with the AAD’s Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan
responsibility for highly complex or sensitive Antarctic climate-related projects or work programs that have strategic, scientific, political and/or operational significance
providing high level advice to the AAD Executive and Ministers establishing and maintaining strong relationships with the key internal and external stakeholders of the Australian Antarctic Program
working as a member of the Science Branch Executive to influence and develop strategy, policies, priorities and operational practices in support of agency objectives based on strategic decision making and judgement.

What you'll gain from the experience

An opportunity to lead a world class Antarctic climate science program.
Delivering climate science outcomes with impact.
Participating in the Australian Antarctic Division leadership team.
Working with national and international research partners across government, research institutions, and National Antarctic Programs.
Applying your research and leadership experience to a dynamic and strategically important science program.

What we are looking for

A strong track record in scientific research relevant to the AAD’s interests in climate science, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
An ability to provide strategic scientific and operational leadership to AAD’s Antarctic Climate Program.
A track record of effective people and resource management and a history of fostering positive, high performing and inclusive team culture.
Experience providing complex and sensitive advice and information within a government setting, and communicating scientific outcomes to stakeholders and the general public.
Experience working within an executive team to determine strategic scientific and operational priorities and resourcing to achieve organisational objectives.
Well developed networks and a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collaborative scientific partnerships and relationships.

EligibilityCitizenship - 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 checks - 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.
For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

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