Assistant Secretary, Transport Investments Branch

at  Department of Finance

• Commercial Group / Commercial Investments Division / Transport Investments Branch
• Ongoing | Full-time
• Canberra, ACT or Melbourne, VIC

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Department is seeking a talented commercially savvy leader to join our team at the SES Band 1 level in the Transport Investments Branch, Commercial Investments Division.
This is a unique opportunity to work in the Commercial Investment Division at the interface between the public and private sector. You will be leading a team representing the Minister for Finance in providing oversight and strategic policy guidance to GBEs which are constructing and managing nationally significant infrastructure such as Western Sydney Airport, the Inland Rail Program and modern intermodal precincts.
Working on these significant GBEs and their commercial transactions will enable you to shape investment decisions impacting the Commonwealth’s balance sheet, risk appetite and approach to partnering with large Australian and international businesses to deliver policy outcomes for the Australian Government. We have complex relationships and collaborate with other Australian Public Service departments (and external experts) to provide strong shareholder oversight, assess investment proposals, advise on structuring and financing transactions, negotiate legal and commercial agreements and evaluate risks.
To be a strong contender for this important and challenging role you will need to demonstrate the capability to lead and motivate a team while being commercially strategic, forward thinking, self-motivated, resilient and adept at building relationships in a complex and fast paced environment. You will also contribute to and communicate the strategic direction of the Division and Department.
Your strong leadership credentials and ability to engender trust and respect will be complemented by sound judgement, a strong focus on results, and the ability to solve complex issues.
You will actively promote the ongoing transformation of the Department, and drive and implement reform in a rapidly changing public sector environment.

In addition to this, you will:

• determine and be accountable for objectives, priorities, resources and task allocation;
• strengthen organisational capability, including through managing and leading people;
• work alongside colleagues across the Division to build and maintain a whole-of-department strategic capability to provide advice on emerging priority issues;
• formulate proposals and advice for Ministers and the Secretary on policy and management issues which are the responsibility of the branch;
• represent the Department in high-level discussions and negotiations with key stakeholders / outside organisations, and work closely with the Department’s Executive; and
• drive a positive workplace culture by designing and delivering approaches to embed desired behaviours across the organisation.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are seeking a candidate who:

• engages proactively with the primary government entity responsible for delivery with a strong focus on analysing their operations and their environment, and consulting with stakeholders;
• possesses the flexibility to lead teams in adapting to change and emerging priorities whilst contributing to a positive team environment;
• be highly motivated with a curiosity for how government works and interacts with GBEs and shareholder departments;
• ensures robust and sound governance frameworks are in place with the responsible delivery entity and key stakeholders, by initiating change and contributing to policy development;
• be able to exercise sound judgement, promote and manage internal and external stakeholder relationships and work collaboratively with other areas of the department;
• provides advice and innovative solutions to the Minister for Finance and departmental senior staff on a range of policy and commercial issues, in addition to potential financing and funding arrangements regarding GBEs;
• drives policy and legislative reforms (including through Ministerial and Cabinet Submissions);
• leads stakeholder engagement and represents the department in engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including with specialist advisors and government entities;
• manages and responds to media and Freedom of Information inquiries affecting the branch’s functions.
• shows sound judgement in the consideration, treatment and reporting of key risks to operational performance and financial forecasts;
• demonstrates sound analytical capabilities and judgement on policy matters, with an ability to negotiate practical solutions; and
• displays drive and initiative to apply themselves to complex tasks and successfully manages competing deadlines, including when providing supervisory support to junior staff and building team capabilities and depth.

Regular travel to Canberra will be required for Melbourne based candidates.
As part of our commitment to ensuring we appoint the right leaders whose behaviours are consistent with the APS values and Secretaries Charter of Leadership Behaviours, you may be asked to provide to the selection panel a copy of your most recent performance appraisal and/or 360o feedback or equivalent (where applicable).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with strong experience in the planning and delivery of large capital works programs will be highly
regarded.

• Australian Rail Track Corporation is the operator of Australia’s interstate freight rail network and, through its subsidiary Inland Rail Pty Ltd, is constructing the nation-building Brisbane to Melbourne Inland Rail project to increase resilience and improve the productivity of Australia’s supply chains.
• The Government has invested over $1 billion for National Intermodal Corporation to assess the feasibility of and to construct intermodal terminals to enhance the efficiency of Australia’s rail freight network and to deliver enhanced competition, environmental and social outcomes.
• Western Sydney Airport Corporation is in peak construction phase for the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and is expected to have created more than 11,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction. Once completed in 2026, the airport will generate significant economic and social benefits to Western Sydney and the Australian economy