SouthPAN Procurement Officer in Canberra

Geoscience Australia values the lands, water and sky as we work to deepen a shared understanding of Country and Earth. We respect First Nations peoples and their enduring connection, contribution and obligations to Country. Reflecting on our shared history, we are committed to listen and learn.

About us: Geoscience Australia brings together science, data and technology to provide geoscience insights that inform decision-making by government and industry, support innovation, and contribute to Australia's safety, resilience and prosperity. Our work spans the Australian continent, marine jurisdiction and Antarctic territory, from space to the Earth’s core. We deliver national-scale data, services and infrastructure and work with partners to deepen understanding of Australia and respond to the opportunities and challenges facing our nation.

Our culture: Our strength lies in our people, including our diversity in backgrounds, skills and experiences, and the way we work together to respond to the emerging needs of our work. We value diversity in gender, backgrounds, culture, and experiences of our employees and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace culture that ensures everyone has equal opportunity to contribute, participate and progress. Applications from people who reflect this diversity are encouraged.

What we can offer you: At Geoscience Australia, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant science, data and technology that makes a difference to Australia. You’ll work alongside people with diverse expertise and experience, with opportunities to learn, develop and contribute to work with real-world impact. We offer competitive employment conditions, flexible working arrangements and a range of benefits that support the wellbeing and development of our people.

Our team: The Australian and New Zealand Governments are collaborating to deliver improved position, navigation, and timing services across both countries through a Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS). Named the Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN), this capability will be utilised by sectors such as transport, resources, agriculture, spatial, and utilities. The SouthPAN project is a joint undertaking between Geoscience Australia and Land Information New Zealand. The project team works closely with the prime systems integrator during the establishment phase and will continue to manage sustainment over its 15-year operational period.

The role: The Procurement Officer (APS6) works under limited direction to provide procurement expertise to support successful delivery of SouthPAN objectives. This includes preparing and managing procurement documentation, coordinating stakeholder input, maintaining accurate records, monitoring procurement plans, and ensuring compliance with legislative and policy frameworks. The Procurement Officer works collaboratively within the SouthPAN Contracts team and reports to a Contract Manager. The role requires strong communication and organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide specialist advice on procurement processes, policy requirements, and contract management to project staff and stakeholders.
• Prepare accurate procurement documentation and reports requiring minimal revision prior to approval.
• Contribute to the development of team objectives and provide input into planning and scheduling activities.
• Monitor procurement-related risks, report issues, and support mitigation strategies in line with agency frameworks.
• Ensure procurements are planned and executed in compliance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and Geoscience Australia policies.
• Engage with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to coordinate tender processes, clarify requirements, and manage correspondence.
• Review procurement activities to identify opportunities for continuous improvement based on best practice approaches.
• Support financial monitoring and related record-keeping for assigned procurements.

To be successful in the role you will have:

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex procurement processes within a government or related context.
• Sound knowledge of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and associated regulatory requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and accurate documentation.
• Experience in monitoring project procurement budgets and managing associated records.
• Proven organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and adjust work to meet changing requirements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Required skills, knowledge, experience and/or qualifications:

• Relevant certification and/or qualifications in procurement and contract management (e.g., Certificate IV/Diploma in Procurement and Contract Management) highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in approach-to-market documentation, tender evaluation support, and contract administration.
• Experience applying procurement policy and delivering advice in a complex program or large-scale project environment.

Eligibility:

• Be an Australian Citizen at the closing date of application.
• The successful applicant must be able to obtain, hold and maintain a security clearance of an appropriate level relevant to this role.
• Commencement of employment is subject to the successful applicant undergoing and satisfying pre-employment screening, which includes a police history check.

Getting to know Geoscience Australia: Geoscience Australia is an Australian Government listed entity within the Industry, Innovation and Science portfolio. Geoscience Australia is Australia's pre-eminent public sector geoscience organisation. We are the nation's trusted advisor on the geology and geography of Australia. We apply science and technology to describe and understand the Earth for the benefit of Australia. We apply our diverse professional expertise, our deep and trusted knowledge, our national-scale Earth observation infrastructure and our strong partnerships, to the opportunities and challenges that face our nation. We value diversity in gender, backgrounds, culture, and experiences of our employees and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace culture that ensures everyone has equal opportunity to contribute, participate and progress. Applications from people who reflect this diversity are encouraged. We are committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and offer a flexible and diverse workplace.