EL 1 - Deputy Director Emerging Capabilities Projects and Coordination

Full job description
$120,303 - $135,701 + up to 15.4% Superannuation
Campbell Park - ACT


The Role
The Office of the Defence Seaworthiness Regulator (ODSwR) is proactively working to support the integration of emerging capabilities such as Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) and nuclear powered submarines (NPS) into the Defence Seaworthiness Management System - the key maritime safety regulatory framework that applies to defence vessels.

To help us achieve this we are seeking an experienced project manager with a technical, policy, legal or regulatory background and a passion for working on emerging technology related projects.

The Deputy Director Emerging Capabilities Projects and Coordination will establish and lead a small team responsible for supporting the planning and delivery of strategic deliverables, business as usual tasks and ad hoc activities by the Directorate via:

Project management and coordination activities;
Support for consultation and stakeholder engagement activities;
General support, including with technical research and writing, and stepping in for other Deputy Directors as required;
Provision of broad subject matter expertise in RAS and NPS development, test and trial, operation, and regulation; and
Building and maintaining in-depth knowledge of RAS and NPS development and use in a defence context, together with identification and assessment of new or changed circumstances or issues impacting ODSwR or the regulated community and providing requisite advice, guidance, and actions.

This broad role is a key enabler for the success of the Directorate, and will require a proactive, collaborative, organised, problem-solver, with excellent communication and engagement skills and the ability to achieve results in an ambiguous, resource-constrained environment.

This role will work closely with internal stakeholders in ODSwR, the Australian Naval Classification Authority (ANCA) and Maritime Integrated Capabilities (MIC), and external stakeholders such as Nuclear Powered Submarine Regulatory Design (NPSRD), the soon to be established Australian Naval Nuclear-Power Safety Regulator (ANNPSR), the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, and other peer regulators.

This role, like all roles in ODSwR, will also be supporting the whole-of-ODSwR project building and implementing a refined seaworthiness regulatory framework.

If you have the expertise we are looking for, and are ready for a challenging but rewarding role, where you can apply your leadership and project management skills, expertise, and judgement to support effective regulation of emerging capabilities, this could be the role for you.

About our Team
The Office of the Defence Seaworthiness Regulator (ODSwR) provides the Defence Seaworthiness Authority (Chief of Navy) with independent assurance that maritime mission systems (warships, naval auxiliaries, and defence vessels) across the Defence Enterprise, comply with the Regulations as outlined in the Defence Seaworthiness Management System.

Led by the Director-General Seaworthiness, ODSwR comprises of five Directorates and embraces the principles of a data driven regulator to identify, analyse, report on and resolve the impact of emerging hazards and risk to Seaworthiness in Defence.

The core functions of ODSwR are to:
Promulgate and Administer Regulations;
Gather and Analyse Safety and Environment Data;
Monitor and Assess Compliance;
Provide Continual Assurance;
Engage, Educate and Communicate with the Regulated Community and Peer Regulators;
Deliver Internal Business and Enabling Support.

ODSwR is a unique workplace with a mix of APS and ADF personnel that is focussed on nurturing a positive workplace culture and continuous improvement.

Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate will be an experienced project manager with a background working in a technical, policy, legal or regulatory capacity and a passion for emerging capabilities. We are looking for candidates who are organised, agile, love collaborating and are excellent communicators.

Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:
Team leadership with a focus on building a positive and productive culture;
Strong project management and coordination skills;
A background working in a technical, policy, legal or regulatory capacity with emerging capabilities such as RAS or NPS or a closely aligned field;
A strong understanding of the applicable regulatory and operational environment;
Strong collaboration and communication skills;
Experience conducting consultation and stakeholder engagement activities;
The ability to create and convey analysis, advice and guidance to different audiences using different mediums; and
The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities, limited resources, and rapid change.