Principal Program Officer Contract and Engagement

Overview

Become part of the Long-Term Recovery and Resilience (LTRR) team within Community Recovery as a Principal Program Officer responsible for leading a team managing human and social service contracts from start to finish. Community Recovery supports Queenslanders affected by disasters with personal financial aid, emotional assistance, and recovery activities. The LTRR team designs and oversees long-term recovery and resilience initiatives to aid disaster-impacted communities.

Role Responsibilities

Lead a team of program officers to oversee the entire cycle of human and social services contract administration aligned with the Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), ensuring compliance, value, and high-quality service delivery. Provide strategic operational and tactical guidance to the Manager Service Delivery and Engagement by analyzing contract workflows, developing processes to mitigate risks, enhancing governance, and optimizing operations. Maintain accurate and timely contract management data and systems to support reporting, monitor workflows, and facilitate decision-making. Manage competing priorities within the team by enhancing staff capabilities and fostering accountability. Directly manage high-risk and/or high-value contracts, applying strategic thinking and judgment to handle complex challenges and achieve successful outcomes collaboratively with suppliers.

Candidate Profile

While no mandatory criteria exist, ideal applicants will have proven experience in team leadership and supervising, along with comprehensive end-to-end contract management experience—preferably related to human and social services—in the public sector. A sound understanding of contract management principles is essential. The role demands strong financial literacy, capable of interpreting and analyzing financial data. Proactive leadership skills, critical analysis, problem-solving, and risk management proficiency are key. Additionally, the role requires excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, negotiation, and written/verbal skills to thrive in a complex operational setting.

Application Process and Terms

• Applications are accepted exclusively via the designated online platform, accompanied by a resume (maximum three pages) and contact details for two professional referees familiar with your recent work performance.
• Submission of a two-page statement summarizing skills, experiences, and accomplishments against leadership competencies and position responsibilities is mandatory; applications missing this statement and resume will not be considered.
• This is a temporary full-time role until 30 June 2028, with potential extension.
• Hybrid work is supported post onboarding (up to two remote workdays per week after initial four-week on-site orientation).
• Applications remain valid for 12 months.