About the Team
Major Capability Planning are looking for Cost Estimation Analysts to perform and achieve complex cost estimation work within an integrated workforce. They should possess knowledge of Commonwealth financial compliance and legislative frameworks to support government decision-making while aligning with ASD's mission and policy requirements. The role will require significant stakeholder engagement across the organisation as well as externally to understand the costings associated with the capability requirements. The successful candidate(s) will be required to work with project and technical staff members.
You would be joining a dynamic team spread across Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne – offering a positive work culture, opportunities for development, and a shared commitment to achieving results. The role will require the successful candidate to work in the office full time.
About the Role
ASD 6 Project and Program Cost Estimation Analyst
An ASD 6 Project and Program Cost Estimation Analyst is accountable under broad direction to perform and achieve complex cost estimation work within an integrated workforce. They are accountable to ensure they have knowledge of Commonwealth financial compliance and legislative frameworks to support government decision-making while aligning with Defence's mission and policy requirements.
An ASD 6 Project and Program Cost Estimation Analyst will work independently with the opportunity for reasonable autonomy and accountability for the achievement of outcomes of their work. They will exercise both initiative and judgement in the interpretation of policy and the application of financial procedures and policies and exercise an ability to address non-compliance. They will research, interpret and apply legislative requirements in relation to complex accounting work and contribute to strategic planning, program and project management and policy development.
An ASD 6 Project and Program Cost Estimation Analyst may lead a team and be accountable to set work priorities manage workflows and the associated people and financial responsibilities to achieve work unit outcomes. They are expected to be capable of building team capability through coaching, feedback and developing the quality of work undertaken by others within a work unit.
An ASD 6 Project and Program Cost Estimation Analyst will have considerable level of stakeholder engagement and will liaise with stakeholders in relation to complex issues. They will be required to identify, anticipate and respond to stakeholders' needs and expectations to achieve work unit and Defence outcomes. They will be accountable to contribute towards ongoing self-improvement and professional development.
Key Duties:
* Construct cost estimates and undertake analysis of Defence resources to support decision making, milestone reviews and government approvals.
* Collect, organise and analyse data to build quantitative models, to support cost estimate development, independent review and analysis of cost estimates and program reviews.
* Undertake Analysis of Alternatives, tender evaluations, assessing project impacts (scope, schedule, risk and uncertainty) on cost estimates, and value-for-money.
* Understand and apply the Government and Defence strategic objectives, initiatives within Defence when undertaking development or analysis of cost estimates.
* Communicate with team members and key stakeholders in the development and analysis of cost estimates to provide assurance to senior management.
* Work collaboratively within strategic direction and organisational policy and processes to focus team members to achieve required outcomes.
* Analyse and evaluate cost estimates and provide advice to senior management to support the decision making process.
* Interpret and implement cost estimation policy, processes, methods, tools, training and take the initiative to provide feedback and recommendations.
* Analyse, report, advise and communicate financial information specific to the business area.
EL1 Project and Program Cost Estimation Manager
An EL1 Project and Program Cost Estimation Manager will exercise a considerable degree of independence and perform a subject matter expert role. They will exercise sound decision making and judgement to provide expert policy advice. They will have in-depth knowledge of the Budget, Costs and Financial Analysis function and are responsible for the development, implementation, compliance and review of policies and procedures relevant to their work within that function, and an ability to address non-compliance. They will engage in very complex problem solving and issues management and may coordinate and perform detailed or sensitive projects that impact on strategic, political or operational outcomes for Defence.
An EL1 Project and Program Cost Estimation Manager may be a team coach or lead a project or administrative team and will be accountable for the outcomes of the team's work and the appropriate use of resources to produce and achieve outcomes. They are expected to be capable of building team capability through coaching and feedback and reviewing and developing the quality of work undertaken by others within a work unit. They may exercise the associated people and financial responsibilities to achieve work unit outcomes.
An EL1 Project and Program Cost Estimation Manager will be responsible for actively managing key stakeholder relationships and will be required to identify relevant stakeholders' expectations and concerns to develop and communicate methodologies and practices to achieve outcomes. They will be accountable to contribute towards ongoing self-improvement and professional development of their work area.
Key Duties:
* Develop independent cost estimates and undertake analysis for Defence resources to support decision-making, milestone reviews, government approvals and independent cost assessments.
* Manage program reviews of whole of life cycle costs for Defence resources including program evaluation, interdependencies and relationships between projects.
* Research and maintain information for use in data analysis and normalisation, to support cost estimate development, independent review and analysis of cost estimates and program reviews.
* Review, implement and translate strategic objectives and initiatives within Defence when undertaking development or analysis of cost estimates.
* Influence and guide team members and key stakeholders to deliver business outcomes for the development and analysis of cost estimates.
* Communicate strategic direction and organisational policy and processes to focus team members to achieve required organisational outcomes.
* Analyse and evaluate cost estimates and advise senior management to support the decision making process.
* Evaluate and provide recommendations on cost estimation policy, guidance, processes, methods, tools and training to improve cost estimation and analysis.
The key duties of the position include:
Our ideal candidates will have:
* Proven experience establishing and maintaining highly productive working relationships with stakeholders.
* Accountable under routine direction to perform and achieve key priorities within tight timeframes.
* Proven experience in delivering outcomes for cost model exercises.
* Ability to be flexible and work as part of a dynamic, dispersed, fast paced and high performing team.
ASD is seeking applicants to fill current and anticipated vacancies and to create a merit pool for future vacancies. In line with the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Direction 2022, upon completion of the recruitment activity, the merit pool will be available to locations across Australia.
Eligibility
Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with ASD, applicants must be an Australian citizen.
Health Assessment - The preferred applicant may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the Agency's preferred medical provider.
Organisational Suitability Assessment - To be eligible for employment within ASD, the preferred applicant will be required to undergo an Organisational Suitability Assessment (see Organisational Assessment section).
Security Clearance - The preferred applicant will be required to successfully undergo a security clearance vetting process at the Top Secret Positive Vetting clearance level. The preferred applicant MUST be willing to disclose all relevant and required information.
It is a condition of employment that applicants are willing and able to obtain and maintain the Top Secret Positive Vetting security clearance for the duration of their employment with ASD.
Notes
Desirable Qualifications, Experience or Training
The below qualifications or experience are desirable, however not required for each position being filled:
* Relevant bachelor's degree in finance, business, economics or a related field.
* 5+ years' experience.