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The Opportunity

• ​​​​​​Play a key part in delivering Earth observation solutions with a significant impact
• Join an agile team at the nexus of research, industry and government
• Initial 12-month contract with a full‐time or part‐time (minimum 0.8 FTE) offering

At the CSIRO Centre for Earth Observation (CCEO) we are seeking an Acting Director for an initial 12-month period to support maternity leave of the Centre’s Director. The Acting Director will also assume the role of Group Leader with a number of direct reports.

The background and the programs

The CCEO is part of the CSIRO Space Research Program, and supports Earth observation science and applications across CSIRO and nationally; it facilitates access to novel space-based Earth observation data, operates satellite calibration infrastructure and the Australian share of the NovaSAR-1 satellite. The CCEO also provides a point of contact for, and contributes to strategic coordination on, Earth observation matters with fellow government agencies and departments, and with international space agencies.

The CCEO’s operation of satellite calibration and validation (cal/val) activities/infrastructure underpin CSIRO (and Australia’s) international relationships with Earth observation data providers and engagement with upcoming satellite missions. 

The EASI DataCube technology is enabling a growing portfolio of internal and external projects including >230 CSIRO users and numerous external partners.

The role

As the Acting CCEO Director/Group Leader, you will provide strategic leadership for two of the CCEO’s key capabilities – the EASI DataCube analytics technology, and satellite calibration and validation – and support operations of the Centre, including financial management and coordination between cross-BU teams.

Your duties will include:

• Setting direction for and managing a world-class science team and national scientific Earth observation facilities, including the NovaSAR-1 national facility and the EASI DataCube.
• Providing high-level management and advocacy for EASI, including driving growth of the activity in collaboration with other CSIRO Enterprise Services teams, and overseeing the uptake of EASI by external customers including launch of the EASI Subscription Service.
• Providing high level management, representation and advocacy for the CCEO’s satellite calibration and validation (cal/val) activities.
• Implementing mechanisms to increase recognition of the role and value of Earth observation data and CSIRO’s data analytics and cal/val expertise across government programs and industry.
• Contributing to science impact planning for the Space Research Program.
• Managing Group projects including prioritisation, allocation and delivery.
• Ensuring science quality through quality assurance processes like ePublish reviews.
• Identifying new opportunities for science delivery, impact and adoption, including collaborative opportunities within CSIRO and across the national and global innovation systems.
• Contributing to building the pipeline of contracts and external revenue for the Program.
• Fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture within the CCEO as the leader of a multi-disciplinary and geographically dispersed team in support of CSIRO’s scientific objectives.
• Managing the financial resources of the Group.
• Monitoring and reporting on financial and project performance as appropriate.
• Tending key relationships, and representing the CCEO and CSIRO in internal, national and international forums as required.

Location: Kensington (WA) / Adelaide (SA) / Canberra (ACT) / Marsfield (NSW)

Salary: AU$146,207 to AU$161,767 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 12 months

Reference: 95792

To be considered you will need:

Essential

• Established reputation and credibility in leading relevant science and/or impact domain with evidence of effective world-class science, research and/or innovation leadership.
• Evidence of successful development and leadership of a pipeline and portfolio of science, research and/or innovation at the scale of the Research Group, and management of financial and project performance.
• Demonstrated team leadership and people management skills, including demonstrated ability to empower, develop and retain staff, manage conflict, promote wellbeing and foster cohesion and creativity in teams. 
• Evidence of strong engagement skills and relationship management that grows new science opportunities and supports commercial outcomes.
• Proven strong written communication skills, for example, generating briefs, reports, strategic plans or similar. 

Desirable

• Ability to obtain and maintain a baseline security clearance. 

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens or Australian Permanent Residents only. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

11th February 2024, 11:00pm AEST/AEDT

Shortlisting for this role may take place as applications are received. We therefore reserve the right to close this vacancy once a suitable candidate has been appointed. Please consider applying as soon as possible.