Theme Leader, Marine Nation

CSIRO's National Research Flagship (NRF) program is one of the largest scientific initiatives ever mounted in Australia. An outstanding opportunity currently exists within the Wealth from Oceans Flagship for an experienced individual to fill the role of Theme Leader, "Marine Nation: Regional Marine Development and Growth". The Marine Nation Theme is at the forefront of international work examining social, economic and environmentally sustainable regional marine growth and development.

Sustainable development based on Australia's huge marine and coastal ecosystems is a major opportunity, and also a responsibility for the coming decades. Achieving sustainable economic, social and environmental benefits from ocean-based development will require a new approach to ocean management and the science that guides it.

The new approach takes a systems view of the multiple human uses of ecosystems and their management. It recognises that the requirements of sustainable multiple-use management and planning are different from the requirements to manage individual uses in isolation, and that the biophysical and human systems are closely coupled so both need to be considered in any solution.

As Theme Leader you will have the opportunity to shape and drive this research program, working together with partners from Federal and State governments through to community groups, to produce science that is at the forefront internationally, and outcomes that have visible and enduring consequences for Australia's marine and coastal environments.

You will have direct responsibility to the Flagship Director for successful implementation and management of the Theme, recommending strategic direction and overseeing the integration and delivery of the science. The Theme Leader will need to be strongly client and outcome focused, with a demonstrated ability to lead strategic science projects, and be highly innovative in complex environments. You will have experience interacting with people from a wide range of disciplines across all levels, proven ability in building partnerships and have excellent communication, organisational and coordination skills. You will have demonstrated senior level expertise in a science environment and have a reputation for achieving results.

The preferred locations for Theme Leader - Marine Nation are Perth (Western Australia) or Hobart (Tasmania), however, other CSIRO locations may be considered.

Position Description:

As Theme Leader, you have direct responsibility to the Flagship Director for successful execution and management of the Theme. You will recommend the strategic direction of the Theme and will oversee the integration and delivery of the science. Additionally, you will have a key role in designing and facilitating successful delivery and adoption of the science in line with the Theme goal. To be successful in this position you will:

• Have strategic science leadership experience relevant to the objectives of the Theme;       
• Be a team player with well developed self-awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses and strong inter-personal skills;       
• Be innovative, imaginative excel in complex environments where your leadership and influence will grow via effective performance and earned respect rather than managerial control;       
• Have demonstrated experience in interacting with people from a wide range of institutions and backgrounds, and have excellent strategic, organizational, communication and coordination skills; and,       
• Have sound business acumen, and demonstrated experience in working with industry, government agencies, universities, and other institutions that will be instrumental in delivery of the goals of the Theme.

As a Theme Leader you will be part of a Flagship management team that will interact with participating CSIRO Divisions, and determine the strategy, portfolio, budget and business plan of the Flagship and component Themes.

Selection Criteria:

Applicants must address the selection criteria.

Essential

1. Demonstrated experience in leading large, complex and multidisciplinary science initiatives / teams with emphasis on fostering an environment that leads to a high level of cooperation within and between teams       
2. Strategic science leadership experience relevant to the Theme objectives.       
3. Demonstrated competence in conceiving, developing and implementing integrated research and/or business plans in a research environment, including a track record in generating and then coordinating the necessary human commitment and financial resources.       
4. Demonstrated ability to establish and deliver on major collaborative partnerships with external research providers in a timely and professional manner       
5. Demonstrated experience and effectiveness in building partnerships with end-users of research with a view to successfully designing and securing pathways for adoption of the Theme's outcomes.  This will include familiarity with the processes involved in communication of complex scientific ideas to industry stakeholders, the general public and government.       
6. Demonstrated capacity to operate effectively as part of a senior management team, clearly and consistently communicating the vision and goals, managing up and across the team and championing team decisions, with an emphasis on negotiation and influencing skills.

Applications:

CSIRO prefers applications be lodged online via their careers site.

You are required to include two documents, (1) addressing the "Selection Criteria" and (2) a "Resume or CV".

Note:  Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.

If you experience difficulties applying online call us directly and someone will be able to assist you.  Outside business hours, please send email.

If you are unable to lodge your application online, please fax your application (quoting reference number) or alternatively post to:

CSIRO Careers Online
PO Box 225
DICKSON ACT 2602
Australia