Project/Research Officer Job Information Package Page 1
CONTENTS POSITION SELECTION CRITERIA... 3 POSITION DESCRIPTION... 4 JOB INFORMATION ADVICE... 7 ABOUT REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA ORANA (RDA ORANA)... 7 Regional Development Australia Orana Region... 8 APPLICATION GUIDE... 9 SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION... 10 APPLICANT CHECKLIST Have you:... 12 Page 2
POSITION SELECTION CRITERIA PROJECT/RESEARCH OFFICER ESSENTIAL SELECTION CRITERIA Demonstrated experience initiating, developing and implementing projects involving multiple stakeholders; Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills; Ability to coordinate and conduct consultative meetings with community groups, stakeholders or agencies; Excellent writing and presentation skills with great attention to detail. Some research and analysis skills, with an understanding and the ability to use ABS Data and REMPLAN to support research. Some project management experience or an understanding of project management concepts. Some experience in preparing well-written policy related documents, such as briefs, submissions, discussion papers, reports and project plans. Proficient in the use of office software eg. Microsoft package Word, Excel, Power-point and Outlook, Websites and social media; Ability to work cooperatively with others in a small office environment, and adhere to RDA Orana s workplace policies and procedures; A valid class C driver s licence and ability to travel the region and overnight stays. DESIRABLE SELECTION CRITERIA Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline Experience in working with Boards and / or Committees Page 3
POSITION DESCRIPTION Position Title: Project Officer, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana NSW Full Time - Contract Award: The full time position is appointed under the terms and conditions of the Clerks-Private Sector Award 2010 and subsequent Award variations. Position reports to: Executive Officer, Regional Development Australia Orana, NSW. About RDA Orana Regional Development Australia Orana is part of a national initiative charged with growing economic development across our regions. This is achieved through building partnerships and ensuring that all governments and stakeholders are responsive to local priorities and needs. It acts as a conduit between Local, State and Federal Governments, community, business and industry in order to achieve improved economic outcomes for the region. RDA Committees such as RDA Orana are non-profit community-based organisations. Committees comprise dedicated members of the region and represent the community, business and local government. Each RDA Committee has a broad and diverse skills base and demonstrated networks and alliances. Each RDA Committee includes members from local government. Based on the current Orana Regional Plan, RDA Orana s key priorities for regional development are: Economic growth and diversification Workforce development Infrastructure Business investment Whole of Government/integrated policy and planning Page 4
The Regional Development team deliver their work guided by the following core values: Deliver what s promised Deliver work of a high quality, set goals and meet them, be creative and negotiate roadblocks to get the job done no matter what Act ethically Act as a team, respect your team, partners and customers and hold yourself and the organisation to professional and community standards Lead the way Act at a strategic level, be proactive, demonstrate leadership individually and as an organisation and celebrate and build leadership in the community Be a bridge builder Build partnerships, be a conduit of information, create the links needed and look for alternate pathways to get the job done Purpose of the position The purpose of the role is to initiate and facilitate regional economic development projects. The Project Officer will stay abreast of opportunities for the region and the organisation, engage and consult with stakeholders and develop and progress regionally significant projects guided by the current Orana Regional Plan and business plan. The Project Officer is a key staff position for RDA Orana Committee. The Project Officer works under the supervision of the EO, and has regular interaction with other staff and supervising staff where directed. Whilst there is structure in this role and the organisation, the Project Officer has the ability and influence to drive change to shape the organisation and the region. The Project Officer will be required to facilitate several projects at any one time. This requires a high level of organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work. Well-developed communication skills are essential, in particular, managing stakeholder relationships and writing abilities, as a significant component of the role requires high level writing (including funding applications, research reports and other project documents). These projects may also contain elements of stakeholder engagement (across all levels of government, business, industry and community), event management and media liaison. Page 5
MAJOR ACTIVITIES OF THE ROLE Develop, implement and facilitate agreed projects and activities that drive economic development in the region Research and report on regional development issues in line with RDA Orana priorities, in order to develop and progress projects Develop written materials to support projects and the organisation as required Assist with funding applications and proactively seek external funding or sponsorship for projects Coordinate, convene and manage meetings and events relating to projects and other regional activities which may include out of office hours events Liaise with local Government and business stakeholders in organising and undertaking RDA Orana information sessions, meetings, forums and expos Assist and in many cases lead the implementation of activities to address the key priorities in the current RDA Orana Regional Plan and Business Plan Prepare reports on the role s activities for regular RDA Committee meetings as required Maintain accurate databases of clients stakeholders, services and contacts Page 6
JOB INFORMATION ADVICE Thank you for your interest in applying for a position with Regional Development Australia Orana (RDA Orana). Our Job Information Package is designed to provide you with more information about our Organisation. The Job Information Package will also assist you to complete your application. RDA Orana is an equal employment opportunity employer and applies merit based selection techniques. Information you have provided in your application is used to assess how you meet each of the selection criteria. If you have any specific inquiries about the advertised position, please email megan.dixon@rdaorana.org.au or call 02 68851488 and ask for the Megan Dixon. RDA Orana s website www.rdaorana.org.au may also assist you with further information. Good luck with your application. ABOUT REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA ORANA (RDA ORANA) Regional Development Australia Orana is part of a national initiative charged with growing economic development across our regions. This is achieved through building partnerships and ensuring that all governments and stakeholders are responsive to local priorities and needs. It is a conduit between government and local communities, and a provider of information. The Regional Priorities are: Business Investment Economic Growth and Diversification Workforce Development Infrastructure Whole of Government approach to Policy and Planning RDA Committees such as RDA-Orana are not-for-profit community-based organisations. Committees comprise committed members of the region and represent the community, business and local government. Each RDA Committee has a broad and diverse skills base and demonstrated networks and alliances. Each RDA committee includes members from local government. RDA-Orana has an office located in Dubbo. For further contact details see the Contact us page: http://www.rdaorana.org.au/contact-us.htm Our Mission To become a leading regional economy that strives to achieve positive and sustainable economic growth. Our Vision Page 7 By 2020, elevate the value of the Orana region, advance economic development and embrace new opportunities to create communities where people want to invest and live.
Regional Development Australia Orana Region The RDA-Orana region stretches across the Central West and Western region of NSW. The region is the largest and most diverse region in the State, covering an area of almost 199,078sq kms, services a population of almost 115,000 people and encompasses 13 Local Government areas. Its major towns are Dubbo, Mudgee and Cobar. Page 8
APPLICATION GUIDE When applying for a position with RDA Orana the key to gaining an interview is your written application. As many positions will attract a number of applicants, you need to ensure you make your application clear, concise, well presented and explain how you meet all the selection criteria and specific position requirements. Information about the position Gather all the information about the position that you can, all vacant position information can be found on RDA Orana s website www.rdaorana.org.au under About Us RDA Orana Job Opportunities. Ensure that the position description and advertisement is read carefully to fully understand what the position is about. To obtain additional information about the position you can contact the position convenor on (02) 6885 1488. Completing your Application Key components to be included in your application are: Cover letter Address of selection criteria Copy of Resume Your cover letter should include all your current contact details, reference to the position you are applying for and brief details of your current employment situation and any personal detail you wish to include. Your selection criteria should be well set out and presented. Each page should have your name, position title and page number. To be eligible for consideration as an applicant for a position a person must meet all essential selection criteria and address desirable criteria listed in the position description. Short listing of applicants to attend an interview is based on how well your skills, knowledge and experience meet the selection criteria. As an applicant it is your responsibility to demonstrate in your written application, to the Selection Panel, how well you meet the selection criteria. When preparing your written application use statements that describe how you meet each selection criteria listed and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience wherever possible. You should include details of your licenses, certificates and other qualifications that are relevant to the position. When you are putting your application together remember that all applications are assessed against the selection criteria using only the information supplied by you. Please try to keep your responses to no more than half a page per criteria. Page 9 Please ensure your resume includes current daytime contact details. If you give work telephone numbers you will be contacted with discretion. Please include mobile telephone numbers, e-mail addresses or phone numbers where messages may be left if applicable.
Your application should be accompanied by your resume. You may include additional documentation including copies of qualifications, certificates of attendance at training etc. Please do not attach original documents as these will not be returned. Presentation folders are not necessary and will not be returned. Simply staple documents together. Check your Application Read your application again, make sure that all the selection criteria have been addressed Ensure each page of your application has your name, position title and page number (could be inserted as a footer) If attaching qualifications, certificates and any other relevant information ensure these are copies as originals will not be returned. Sign and date your application Send your application to the address specified by the closing date. Date and time of receipt will be recorded when your application has been received. Late applications will not be accepted. SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Midnight Tuesday 6 June 2017 Applications can be mailed to: Megan Dixon Executive Officer Regional Development Australia Orana PO Box 1357 DUBBO NSW 2830 Applications can be emailed to: megan.dixon@rdaorana.org.au Applications can be delivered in person to: Regional Development Australia Orana Suite 4, Level 1, 47-59 Wingewarra Street DUBBO NSW 2830 Page 10
Short Listing of Applications A Selection Panel is given the responsibility for selecting the successful applicant and making a recommendation to the Chair. After the closing date the Selection Panel will assess the applications as received. Applications will be ranked against the selection criteria and only the top ranked applicants will be shortlisted and invited to attend an interview. All applications will be acknowledged in writing following the position closing date. If you are successful in being invited to attend an interview, you will be contacted by telephone and a letter will follow confirming the details of the interview. If you are not successful in being invited to attend an interview you will also be notified via letter. The Interview All interviewees will be asked the same series of questions. These questions will have been developed from the selection criteria and position requirements and are designed to help the Selection Panel assess how well your skills, knowledge and experience match the position requirements. Selection Panel members may wish to seek additional information or ask questions to clarify and confirm your experience, skills or employment history to ensure the fullest information has been gathered. As well as attending an interview with the Selection Panel, you may be required to complete other activities / tests that help the panel to assess applicants against the selection criteria for the position you are applying for. You will be advised in your confirmation of interview letter of any testing / activity or presentation that you should prepare for. Reference Checks Telephone reference checks are carried out on the preferred applicant(s) for the position after the interviews have been conducted. Normally at least two referees will be contacted and asked questions relevant to the selection criteria and the position requirements and they will be asked to validate information provided in the written application and at the interview. Please advise the Selection Panel if you wish to be contacted prior to them contacting your referees. Special Requirements If you have any special requirements such as disabled access, the provision of translation services, including signing for people with hearing impairment, please advise us when you are invited for interview so that the necessary arrangements can be made in advance and you will not be disadvantaged in any way. Page 11
Notification of Decision The successful applicant will be contacted by telephone and a verbal offer of employment will be made. A written offer including conditions of employment will then be forwarded by mail. If you attended an interview and you were unsuccessful, the convenor will phone you and you will be forwarded written notification within 10 working days of the interview. Feedback All applications are dealt with strictly on the merits of the information provided which is compared to the selection criteria and position requirements outlined in the position description. Unsuccessful applicants seeking post interview feedback may be provided with a response from the Convenor of the Selection Panel. APPLICANT CHECKLIST Have you: Read the job description and the selection criteria. Researched the position thoroughly. Included a cover letter. Addressed the selection criteria and provided examples where required. Included your resume. Provided two business referees. Dispatched your application to ensure it will arrive prior to the closing date. Ensured your application is presented in a clear and concise manner. Ensure you retain the advertisement, job description and the general application information package for future reference in relation to your application. Prepared original supporting documentation and evidence of your identification and qualifications to bring to interview. Page 12