Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program - Interim Governance Directors

Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program - Interim Governance Directors

Position Status: Initial period of up to 12 months
Position Type: Non-Ongoing
Location: Remote 
Closing Date: 5 May 2024
Hours: 0.1 FTE
Remuneration: $760/day or $95.04/hr

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is establishing an interim governance arrangement to support delivery of the Murray—Darling Basin Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program. The interim governance arrangements will support the purchase of $100 million of water entitlements to increase water ownership for First Nations Peoples in the Murray—Darling Basin.

Interim governance will be made up of an independently recruited advisory group and directorate. They will play a vital role in enabling well-informed decision-making that integrates cultural and commercial factors in the procurement and management of water entitlements.

DCCEEW is working with First Nations Peoples to establish an enduring water holding arrangement. When this is ready, the water purchased under the interim governance arrangement will be permanently transferred to the enduring water holding arrangement

The Role

The directorate will work with the department to make commercial and water purchasing decisions in the best interest of Basin First Nations.

Directors will be chosen for their expertise and ability to meet technical requirements/criteria. Directors will not speak on behalf of their own Nation or a state or territory government.

As part of the directorate, you will make decisions and provide leadership to implement the interim strategic direction of the program, with respect to the water investment portfolio. To do so you will be required to:

• oversee the strategic direction of the program by procuring and managing the water investment portfolio in line with Basin First Nations expectations and aspirations as set out in the interim policies, protocols, principles developed by the advisory group
• make final decisions regarding the commercial and purchasing decision of the water investment portfolio
• analyse complex information to provide written and verbal briefings and advice to the department, the advisory group, Basin First Nations, and the Australian Government minister responsible for water
• undertake complex analysis and interpretation and apply significant judgement in decision making, for example valuation reports on proposed purchases
• oversee financial and procurement processes including tender documentation, contracts, and budgets

Essential Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• identify and be accepted as a Traditional Owner of the Murray- Darling Basin
• have experience navigating the water market, including expertise in procuring water entitlements, trading, and leasing allocations
• possess experience in board and governance, highlighting leadership skills, strategic decision-making, and a strong understanding of organisational governance structures
• have a comprehensive understanding of the Murray—Darling Basin Plan and the Water Act 2007 (Cth) legislative framework.

To apply:

1. Prepare a statement of claims (limited to 1-2 pages), addressing the skills and capabilities, with reference to the following criteria:
• Identification and acceptance as a First Nations person with place-based knowledge of the Basin.
• Experience navigating the water market, demonstrating expertise in procuring water entitlements, trading, and leasing allocations.
• Experience in board and governance, highlighting leadership skills, strategic decision-making, governance, risk management, and compliance.
• Experience in financial and investment in water related matters.
• Understanding of the legislative framework of the Murray—Darling Basin Plan and the Water Act 2007 (Cth).
2. Attach your current resume/CV and contact details of two referees.
3. Applicants must identify and be accepted as a Traditional Owner of the Murray- Darling Basin

Further Information

For further information, including to obtain a copy of the formal position description, the Directorate Terms of Reference, or further information on the Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program, please contact Dan Wilson at First Grade Recruitment on daniel.wilson@firstgrade.com.au
or visit www.dcceew.gov.au/aboriginal-water-entitlements-program/recruitment