Senior Project And Planning Officer

About the Division The Tech Schools and Performing Arts Branch sits within Statewide Programs and Tech Schools Division of the Department of Education and has a central role in ensuring schools can access the programs and supports they need so that all students including cohorts who may need additional supports - can excel at school.
The Tech Schools and Performing Arts Branch has oversight on Victoria's existing 10 Tech Schools and the delivery of the next 6 new Tech Schools as part of the Victorian Government's $116 million commitment in the 2023-24 State Budget.
Tech Schools provide high-tech, hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) programs to secondary school students in their local areas.
Through the 18 Tech Schools and other STEM centres across Victoria, the Tech School branch design and implement a unique model of schooling to deliver applied STEM learning students need to inspire them to create a better future today.
Innovation for the 6 new Tech Schools is not only embedded in education programs but also in the design of the buildings to inspire young minds and provide visibility to potential career pathways.
About the Role An exciting opportunity exists within the New Tech Schools Delivery team to facilitate the delivery of government's $116 million investment to build 6 new Tech Schools.
The Senior Project and Planning Officer plays a key role in working with project teams, in partnership with universities and TAFEs, to design, develop and deliver Victoria's 6 Tech Schools in Brimbank, Dandenong, Frankston, Hume, Wangaratta and Warrnambool.
The Senior Project and Planning Officer will have a key role in three main stages of delivering the Tech School infrastructure - project planning, design development and management of projects that are allocated.
In these stages, the Senior Project and Planning Officer will demonstrate knowledge of project delivery and management, design review, budget, governance, risk, reporting and stakeholder engagement.
The Senior Project and Planning Officer together with the Manager, will: * be the primary points of contact for universities, TAFEs and Tech School Directors and continuously manage the delivery of the allocated Tech School infrastructure, which will involve regular check-ins, site visits and identifying any risks to delivery.
* review design proposals and take part in design and visioning workshops to ensure Tech Schools achieve design excellence and deliver the intended STEM education outcomes.
The Senior Project and Planning Officer will advise project design teams of the requirement to ensure Tech Schools are designed in accordance with the Tech Schools Design Guidelines.
* review project plans against delivery timeframes and budget to ensure that projects are being delivered on time, on budget and on scope.
* participate in Project Control Groups (PCGs) for Tech School infrastructure delivery and, as members of the PCG, support the Manager in executing its function.
* work in collaboration with team members within the Branch, as well as Tech School Directors, universities and TAFEs to ensure that infrastructure of the new Tech Schools are able to support the proposed STEM programs to be delivered * have good project management skills and preferably be proficient in the use of Excel * undertake project reporting to ensure senior leadership at the department are across the progress of the new Tech Schools.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of one of Victoria's most innovative education initiatives that brings together design, infrastructure, industry, schools, TAFEs, universities and communities to inspire students to shape a better future today.
The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of planning complex initiatives, budget management, stakeholder engagement capabilities, and values-driven approach to working collaboratively.
Attributes Project planning * Report on, monitor and oversee project plans with relevant stakeholders and build capability and understanding of delivery timelines and schedules, in collaboration with stakeholders * Identify and document project risk, quality standards and tolerances * Clear understanding of project scope, objectives, deliverables, and milestones.
* Manage work effectively and report to Manager to meet project goals * Identify dependencies, critical paths, and constraints to ensure realistic scheduling.
Design development * Review proposed schematic and conceptual designs proposed for Tech Schools * Conduct a thorough analysis of the initial schematic and concept designs to ensure their feasibility and compliance with design guidelines, project requirements and budget * Partake in visioning and design workshops with architects and PCG members as well as the project team to refine the design of Tech Schools.
Risk and issue management * Conduct risk assessments and provide risk updates and reports where necessary * Develop risk mitigation and treatment strategies * Provide guidance on risk identification and prioritisation to support effective decision-making.
Stakeholder engagement * Influence and negotiate with stakeholders to contribute to the achievement of common goals * Manage relationships with and between program or project stakeholders.
Budgeting and cost management * Work with existing systems to monitor and report on project forecasts and actuals.
* Develop project budgets and align them with funding.
Program/project governance and compliance * Take part, and support the manager in, Project Control Groups and interdepartmental committees * Establish and monitor consistent project/program reporting and communicate this to relevant parties and decision-makers * Make objective decisions on whether to continue or close projects, in accordance with a considered evaluation of a project's ability to meet business needs * Manage complex interdependencies between projects/programs and make decisions accordingly.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience * Required: Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline.
* Desirable: Graduate/Postgraduate qualification in planning, design, architecture and/or project management.
How to Apply Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter summarising their skills and experience (no more than two pages).
If appointed from outside the department, successful applicants will be required to complete a pre-employment health declaration.
A probationary period of up to 6 months may apply for a person appointed to an ongoing position from outside the Public Service or the Teaching Service.
Further Information For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Shura Shukor - Manager via ****** Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks.
Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on Friday 25 October 2024.