NHMRC is seeking to fill the position of Executive Director, Technology and Data – Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Data Officer (CDO). As a smaller agency this is a unique opportunity to lead a portfolio of responsibilities that spans across chief information and technology officer roles, including information security, as well as incorporating a newly created Chief Data Officer role to focus on the strategic use of NHMRC’s data assets to achieve agency objectives.

 

Our ideal candidate will be a digital leader with experience in harnessing technology and new ways of working to manage information and deliver services efficiently and effectively. You will have led business and digital transformation programs. You will use data strategically to address concerns, challenges, risks and opportunities. You will be able to provide strategic advice on the use of various tools and technologies to achieve agency outcomes, including AI, machine learning, the cloud, IoT, advanced analytics and other business intelligence tools. You will have both ICT and human-centred capabilities and the proven ability to design and deliver digital services that simplify the experience for users, while meeting the security and information needs of government and minimising red tape.

 

The successful candidate will focus on improving technology, processes and efficiency within the agency, as well as on serving the needs of researchers, industry, the health system and the community by providing a client-centred and efficient digital solution to administering Australia’s two largest medical research grant programs (worth $1.5 billion in new grants each year). You will also be responsible for data governance and management and work collaboratively across the agency to leverage the value of NHMRC’s data assets and analytics to design and evaluate how research funding is allocated to ensure the quality and impact of health and medical research. You will also be the agency’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) responsible for protecting systems and assets, including maturing the agency’s cyber security resilience.

 

The key duties of the position include:

The position has leadership and managerial responsibilities across a range of professional and specialist roles in information management, technology and digital services and data analytics and reporting. The position works collaboratively with other senior leaders within the agency to achieve outcomes, including to harness technology and use data effectively to improve policy and program outcomes.

 

Job specific duties include:

• Provide valuable insights on digital, technological and data issues to the agency’s Executive Board and support other senior executives to anticipate and manage risks and issues
• Oversee ICT strategy and implementation to ensure all systems and infrastructure necessary to support NHMRC’s operations are in place and deploy digital solutions to problems
• Ensure information and data security within the agency, including ensuring effective information and cyber security policy and procedures
• Oversee the quality of solution architecture work and provide strategic/technical leadership in the design and implementation of systems and software to achieve agency goals and deliver significant operational outcomes
• Establish data governance strategies, practices and requirements, champion data quality and resolve complex data issues, facilitate data access and transparency wherever possible, and ensure data protection and privacy where required
• Work collaboratively across the agency and facilitate business intelligence and data analytics, and support evaluation and business improvement activities across the agency
• Create a client-centred culture within the Technology and Data Branch, coach and support directors to lead and manage large technical teams and to develop and implement operational plans to support agency-wide objectives
• Foster and build digital and data capability across the agency as a whole
• Maintain an understanding of the legislative and regulatory environment in which the NHMRC operates, including all applicable government policies and requirements for the role
• By personal example and other appropriate means, promote the APS Values, the APS Employment Principles and compliance with the Code of Conduct.

 

The core capabilities and experience required for this role are:

• Strong leadership credentials, including being a flexible and collaborative leader with the ability to contribute to the strategic direction of the agency and take calculated risks
• Professional expertise and knowledge in a relevant field, including maintaining active awareness of developments in the field and external factors in the operating environment
• Capability to be responsive to stakeholder needs and engage stakeholders during times of change, resolving conflict and managing sensitivities within constrained timeframes
• Ability to share and seek information and to communicate technical information effectively
• Strong financial and business acumen, including the ability to manage major programs/projects within budget and to deliver business improvement and efficiency
• Ability to adapt or develop new methods, systems or policies to simplify user experiences while achieving business objectives and meeting all security and compliance requirements
• A high level of integrity, self-awareness, professionalism and accountability
• An understanding of the agency’s direction and role within government, including a knowledge of relevant legislation and policies affecting the agency’s operations.

 

Experience managing ICT contracts, including complex multi-vendor arrangements and sensitive contract negotiations, would be an advantage.

 

Eligibility

 

This position requires, as a condition of employment, the applicant to possess or be willing to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance.

 

Aligning your responses with the job specific duties and capability requirements, provide:

• An explanation of how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role (no more than 1000 words).
• As part of your application you will also need to provide:
  • Current resume
  • Contact details of two referees (including your current supervisor/manager if possible).

 

Access the application form online via NHMRC’s online recruitment system, eRecruit. Submit your online application through the NHMRC Careers page.

 

To be eligible for a position at NHMRC, you must submit your application with your resume prior to the closing date and time, and:
1.    Be an Australian citizen and be able to provide evidence of this
2.    Provide the required documents and authorisation for the Document Verification Service* (DVS) in order to verify your identity.

 

*DVS is a national online system that allows the agency to take information from your identity documentation and compare it against the corresponding record held by the document issuing agency. If you are offered a role, you will be required to provide the relevant documentation for the purpose of confirming your identity.

 

For more information go to our website https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/

 

Applications Close: 11:30PM AEDT 29 November 2023.