SouthPAN Procurement Officer

Geoscience Australia; Canberra; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Geoscience Australia is seeking a Procurement Officer (APS6) in Canberra to support the SouthPAN program. You will prepare procurement documentation, coordinate stakeholder input, maintain records, and ensure compliance with procurement rules and agency policies.

Working within the SouthPAN Contracts team, you will manage tender processes, balance competing priorities, and collaborate with internal and external partners to deliver high-quality procurement outcomes for national-scale initiatives.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex procurement processes within a government context.
• Knowledge of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and regulatory requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear documentation.
• Experience monitoring project procurement budgets and keeping records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice on procurement processes, policy requirements, and contract management.
• Prepare procurement documentation and reports requiring minimal revision.
• Contribute to team objectives and planning/scheduling activities.
• Monitor procurement-related risks and support mitigation.
• Ensure procurements comply with Commonwealth rules and GA policies.
• Engage with internal stakeholders and external suppliers for tenders.
• Review procurement activities to identify continuous improvement.
• Support financial monitoring and record-keeping for procurements.

Skills

Procurement management

Government procurement

Contract management

Stakeholder coordination

Documentation

Education

Certificate IV/Diploma in Procurement and Contract Management

Job description

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.

Are you unsure about applying

Did you know that a Hewlett Packard internal report found that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60 per cent of the job requirements? Women and other people from diverse backgrounds tend to only apply when they check every box.

Use of AI in Recruitment

Geoscience Australia may use Microsoft Copilot to support limited administrative and preparatory aspects of the recruitment process. Artificial Intelligence is not used to assess or select candidates, and all decisions are human-led and based on merit.

Candidates must ensure their application reflects their own skills, experience and capabilities. Any use of AI must be responsible, transparent where required, and must not misrepresent their suitability for the role.

Candidates will be asked to disclose their use of AI when submitting an application and may also be asked to do so at various stages throughout the recruitment process.

Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment, as well as the Principles for agency use of AI in recruitment which outline expectations for the responsible, ethical and transparent use of AI when applying for APS roles.

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.

Notes

Technical Assistance: If you require technical assistance, call our Recruitment team on (02) 6249 9*** or email ***********@ga.gov.au

A merit list/pool may be created from this process. If you are successful for the merit pool, your details may be shared with other Australian Public Service agencies unless you choose not to have your details disclosed.

Getting to know the 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.