EL 2 (S&T8)
$165,431 - $180,991 (plus super) 
Fairbairn, ACT

The Program Leader reports to the Chief Technology Officer National Security and under broad guidance is responsible for leading a large, very complex, multi-disciplinary, multi-divisional and client-focused S&T program of work.  The Program Leader will have developed an international reputation for excellence in a specific field of S&T and have extensive experience, awareness and knowledge across a broad range of science applied to Defence.

A Program Leader will have a comprehensive understanding of the client requirements for S&T, and will recognise customer priorities and transpose these into the science/technology context.  They will have a strong cross-organisational understanding of DST Group’s capabilities, an ability to establish effective collaborative activities, and an ability to integrate research outputs and report high-level outcomes to the client.  In conjunction with the Research Leader they will review program-related reports and publications prepared by staff, and will be accountable for setting the standards for the quality of advice provided to the Program.

A Program Leader will work effectively with relevant MSTC leaders to ensure that the appropriate strategies and work programs are in place to deliver high-impact outcomes to the client.  Using high level liaison and negotiation skills, a Program Leader will contribute to and influence the balance of investment decisions made in relevant Divisions.  They will understand the issues associated with technology transitioning, and with both technology and systems integration, and will factor such considerations into the development of the DST Group work program.

A Program Leader will develop a wide range of internal and external relationships and strategic networks.  Through these relationships, they will influence the scientific community to ensure that necessary skills are developed as part of both the internal and external workforces to achieve current and future Defence requirements.  They will provide assistance to the Chief Technology Officer by sustaining effective client relationships related to the program at the one and two star level.

Duties and Key Result Areas:

1. Develop and maintain effective relationships with senior clients associated with the National Security program and build a very sound understanding of the client priorities and requirements that DST Group and S&T partners from the Australian innovation sector, can support.

2. Consult and collaborate with the appropriate MSTC leaders and their equivalents from the Australian innovation sector, and provide guidance and direction to ensure that all relevant tasks are integrated and that their outputs are aligned with the client’s program requirements.

3. Provide a strong influence to the DST Group tasks to develop a multi-disciplinary research program and cross-MSTC teams that deliver quality outcomes to suit the needs of the program, with a focus on adapting/leveraging Defence-driven S&T to the wider benefit of National Security requirements.  Realising maximum leverage for National Security clients from Defence-directed investment by DST Group will require wide and ongoing engagement with other MSTC leaders.

4. Develop systems and processes to ensure that all knowledge generated by all participants of relevance to the program is captured and retained.

5. Assist NSID leadership in executing the appropriate national and international relationships between DST Group and external science organisations, government agencies and industry, and recognise and exploit opportunities to incorporate scientific knowledge from external sources into the program.

6. Provide strategic science leadership (in collaboration with the Chief, the Chief Technology Officer and Research Leaders) to develop DST Group’s science capability consistent with DST Group strategic planning that balances short, medium and long term research objectives, including the development of major new science initiatives.

7. Collaborate with the Research Leaders to develop and promote a strong culture of scientific excellence including learning and development, and maintain awareness of the state–of-the-art in scientific fields of relevance to the program.

8. Undertake other significant duties as required by the Chief of Division and the Chief Technology Officer (National Security) (for example, take responsibility for aspects of the management of the Division associated with the environmental domain and/or working closely with the Director S&T Program and Scientific Advisor and Counsellor positions).

Application Closing Date: Monday 28th May, 11:30pm   

For further information please review the job information pack, reference DST/00847/18 on www.defence.gov.au/apscareers.