Program Leader - Antarctic Climate

Description:

Who we are
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. As primary agency for Australia's Antarctic Program (AAP), the AAD is responsible for achieving the Australian Government's Antarctic goals.
These goals are to:

• maintain the Antarctic Treaty System and enhance Australia's influence within it
• protect the Antarctic environment
• understand the role of Antarctica in the global climate system
• undertake scientific work of practical, economic and national significance.

The AAD also has responsibility for administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
The AAD Science Branch leads, conducts and supports a world class program of scientific research and environmental management, consistent with national priorities through the Australian Antarctic Science Decadal Strategy (https://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-us/strategy-and-plans/australian-antarctic-science-decadal-strategy-2025-2035/). The branch provides research and advice to support Australia's Antarctic policy objectives, including participation in the Antarctic Treaty system and other international committees, commissions and intergovernmental panels. It manages and administers the Australian Antarctic Science Program (including project requests, assessment, and reporting) and provides scientific and research advice to support regulatory and management decisions. The branch provides scientific advice for Antarctic capability projects, conducts impact assessments and develops strategies to address environmental legacies and undertakes targeted outreach promoting the value of Australian Antarctic science.
The Antarctic Climate Program undertakes scientific research involving observational and modelling studies to better understand physical processes and change concerning the Antarctic ice sheet, and the surrounding sea ice zone and atmosphere, and the associated implications for Australia and the rest of the globe. The work supports the Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan, and involves strategic research collaborations in the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership and other national and international programs.
The key duties of the position include

• Leading the AAD Antarctic Climate Program, providing management and support of staff, preparation and oversight of budgets and the delivery and enhancement of scientific outputs and outcomes that are aligned with the AAD's Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan.
• Responsibility for highly complex or sensitive Antarctic climate-related projects or work programs that have strategic, scientific, political and/or operational significance.
• Providing high level advice to the AAD Executive and Ministers establishing and maintaining strong relationships with the key internal and external stakeholders of the Australian Antarctic Program.
• Working as a member of the Science Branch Executive to influence and develop strategy, policies, priorities and operational practices in support of agency objectives based on strategic decision making and judgement.

For detailed information about the job-specific capabilities for this role, please view the Job Description which can be downloaded from our website - the Apply Now link will take you there.