Project Officer

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS) has an international reputation in biotechnology, molecular and cellular biology, and microbiology, including proteomics and genomics, gene regulation, metabolism, environmental microbiology and infectious diseases. BABS teaches approximately 2,000 full-time equivalent students. In 2019, the School employs 34 academics, 28 postdoctoral research associates or fellows, approximately 20 other research staff, 12 technical officers, and 4 administrative staff and supervises 152 higher degree research students. The School’s yearly operational budget is approximately $11M, with available research funds of approximately $9 million annually.

The Project Officer is responsible for providing effective and efficient project management support and administrative and office management services to the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences.

About the role

• $87K - $92K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading (pro rata)
• Fixed Term – 10 months
• Full time (35 hours)

The role reports to the School Manager of BABS.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Drive the delivery of School based projects, initiatives and other ad hoc programs on behalf of the School Manager and Head of School to achieve operational and strategic goals.
• Establish and manage project plans on behalf of the School Manager and Head of School.
• Identify and coordinate project resources.
• Analyse and report on the effectiveness of projects through development and delivery of progress reports and evaluations ensuring that projects are achieved on time, on budget, to quality standards and within agreed scope.
• Actively identify, recommend and implement relevant projects and business improvement activities to streamline processes and facilitate administrative efficiency in relation to procedures and systems.
• Coordinate and manage School events such as academic retreat, conferences, student research symposiums, and student awards including creating event registration webpage, organising student prize payments, and external facilitators as required.
• Oversee effective office operations and provide superior executive support to the Head of School including confidential reception, diary/calendar and email management, coordination of meetings and management of all travel and accommodation arrangements.
• Manage the financial requirements of the office of the Head of School and other staff members including tracking expenditure.
• Integrate information from various sources to draft documents and correspondence for the Head of School including letters, emails, invitations, reports, presentations and briefing notes.
• Actively ensure the Head of School is appropriately prepared for all meetings and completes any assigned follow-up items, providing assistance as appropriate and/or represent the School at meetings and report on outcomes to relevant stakeholders.
• Act as first point of contact for advice to School staff and students regarding UNSW and School policies and guidelines.
• Interpret, apply and advice on UNSW and faculty guidelines and processes to all activities as appropriate.
• Provide any other support and activities as determined and directed by the School Manager and Head of School.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Relevant degree with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through another combination of education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated project management experience delivering projects within agreed timeframes and budget.
• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills including ability to communicate with and influence diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional time management, office management and organisational skills, ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines and delegate as required (if relevant).
• Demonstrated initiative, sound analytical and problem-solving skills and proven experience in business improvement activities.
• Extensive experience working on confidential and sensitive matters and demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and tact as required.
• Strong computer skills in particular Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, the use of internet, relevant data bases and web maintenance software (if relevant).
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

For informal queries, please see the below contact details.

Otherwise, please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.

Contact:
Michael Bowen
E: [email protected]

Applications close: March 10^th, 2020

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.

UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks, and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).