Position Information Document

Executive Officer - Murray Darling Association Region 6

Position Incumbent:

Reports to: Executive MDA Region 6

Temporary until 30 June 2021 - 0. 5 FTE, Level 5-1 The position tenure is revised on an annual basis with the potential for further extension depending on funding and operational requirements.

Summary of Responsibilities

 Provide strategic planning, policy advice, project and secretariat support services to Murray Darling Association (MDA) Region 6 including managing communications and implementing actions to support achievement of the strategic objectives of MDA Region 6.

 Support MDA Region 6 to effectively engage with member councils and other stakeholders, and represent the interests of the membership at the local, state and federal level with respect to the management of Murray-Darling Basin water resources.

Job Specification

Strategic Planning & Policy Advice  Assist in development of MDA Region 6 Regional Strategy which identifies local advocacy priorities and aligns with the MDA Strategic Plan 2020-2025.  Monitor, research and provide analysis and advice on emerging issues and trends with respect to the management of Murray-Darling Basin water resources to facilitate informed decision making.  Prepare high level communications and correspondence including letters, briefings and submissions on behalf of MDA Region 6.

Stakeholder Engagement  Assist the Region Chair and Executives to build and maintain strong networks and stakeholder relationships to encourage informed community debate of Murray-Darling Basin water resource management, to leverage support for Region 6’s advocacy priorities, and to increase membership of MDA Region 6.

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 Internal stakeholders: Region 6 Executive and members, MDA Board & Executive, other MDA regions.  External stakeholders: the Murray Darling Basin Authority, Local, State and Federal Government agencies, members of parliament, industry, community organisations, and First Nations People.  Preparation and organisation of MDA Region 6 workshops, symposia and / or site visits.

Secretariat Support  Administrative support for Region 6, including monthly MDA Board meetings, and the preparation of meetings, including the preparation and distribution of agendas and minutes (minimum four meetings per year).  Maintain membership database.  Coordinate timely communication between members, stakeholders and MDA Board and Executive.  Oversee the activities of MDA Region 6 to help ensure governance requirements are met and the region operates effectively.

Other duties, within the classification level, as directed.

Requirements of the Position

Skills  Excellent written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills including: o provision of specialist advice on complex matters; o consultation, negotiation and conflict resolution; o public speaking, presentation and facilitation; and o preparation of a wide range of written materials for a variety of audiences.  Demonstrated problem solving and strategic planning skills involving the identification of goals and problems, analysis of information, and the recommendation of workable solutions.  Excellent time management and organisational skills, including the ability to work on a range of tasks and priorities concurrently, deal with competing demands and deliver timely outcomes.  Sound computer skills including proficiency in using the Microsoft Office suite of products.

Attributes  Self-motivated, with the ability work independently under limited direction.  Ability to engage, motivate and work collaboratively with a diverse range of people and organisations.  Uses political savvy and demonstrates commitment to acting in a professional manner at all times.

Knowledge  An understanding of, or ability to quickly acquire knowledge on: o policy and political issues relevant to the management of Murray-Darling Basin water resources; and

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o the economic, social, environmental and cultural values, interests and aspirations of Region 6 communities.  Working knowledge of relevant legislation and policy.  Sound understanding of contemporary community consultation and engagement principles, techniques and practices  Proven skills, knowledge and experience in one or more of the following: o water resource management o natural resource management o environmental / biological / agricultural sciences o communications and engagement o research and knowledge o water resources modelling and engineering.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential criteria:  Tertiary qualifications in Environment, Environmental Management, Water / Natural Resource Management, Agricultural Sciences, Public Policy, or similar related disciplines.  Experience in strategic planning, policy development and community engagement.  Current driver’s license & willingness to travel within Region 6 or interstate as required.

Desirable criteria:  Experience working in or with Local, State of Federal Government, including knowledge of governmental structures, functions and processes.

Accountability The Murray Darling Association (MDA) is a membership based peak-representative body representing local government and communities across the Murray-Darling Basin.

The MDA comprises 12 regions across Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and . Local governments form the core membership base of the MDA but individuals, businesses, not-for-profit and community service organisations can also become associate members.

Current membership of MDA Region 6 includes , Coorong District Council, Rural City of Murray Bridge, , Southern Mallee District Council, and along with a number of individual members with long-standing interest and experience in local water resource management issues. This position is jointly funded by Alexandrina Council, the Rural City of Murray Bridge and Coorong District Council, and will be hosted by either Alexandrina Council (based in Goolwa), Rural City of Murray Bridge (based in Murray Bridge), Coorong District Council (based in Tailem Bend); or alternative work location upon negotiation with the successful candidate.

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The position will be allocated a line manager within either Alexandrina Council, the Rural City of Murray Bridge and Coorong District Council, but overall reporting responsibility will be to the Executive of MDA Region 6.

Requirements of the Employee (in relation to the auspicing Council)

Health Welfare and Safety Responsibility Under the WHS Act 2012, Section 28 Duties of Workers, a worker is anyone who works for a PCBU as an employee, self-employed person, outworker, contractor, subcontractor, apprentice or trainee, work experience student, employee of a labour hire company placed with a ‘host employer’ or a volunteer. Whilst at work a worker must: a) Take reasonable care for his or her own health and safety b) Take reasonable care that his or her acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons c) Comply, so far as the worker is reasonably able, with any reasonable instruction that is given by a person conducting the business or undertaking to allow the person to comply with the Act d) Co-operate with any reasonable policy or procedure of the person conducting the business or undertaking relating to health and safety at the workplace that has been notified to workers

Information Management  Contribute to the corporate Records Management system by complying with Council’s Information Management policy and procedures.

Performance Development Planning

 Performance Development Planning shall occur in accordance with the principles of Council’s Performance Development Planning Program and the terms of the employment contract. The system involves regular performance feedback based upon progress against agreed performance development criteria and key performance indicators. The criteria will be negotiated between the employee and their supervisor within three months of appointment and will include the duties contained in this job description

Special Conditions  Some out of hours work will occasionally be required, predominantly to enable attendance at community events.

Review  This job description is subject to regular review and amendment as required.

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PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Primary Responsibility Target / Indicator Strategic Planning & Policy Advice  Adoption of MDA Region 6 Regional Strategy.  Participation of MDA Region 6 membership in relevant consultation opportunities.  Well informed policy advice, reports and submissions are delivered to and made on behalf of MDA Region 6. Secretariat Support  Timely provision of secretariat services.  Membership database maintained.  Governance requirements met. Stakeholder engagement  Improved relationships & greater collaboration between MDA Region 6, other SA regions, MDA Board/Executive, the Murray Darling Basin Authority, Local, State and Federal Government agencies ,members of parliament, industry, community organisations, and First Nations People.  Cooperative and collaborative working relationships with external stakeholders developed and maintained.  Membership of MDA Region 6 stable/increased.

Indicators and Responsibilities to be reviewed on a regular basis and are subject to change.

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Job and Person Description authorised by Glenn Rappensberg CEO

Signed______

Date / /

Job and Person Description agreed by

Signed______

Date / /

Date appointed to position / /

Date position description last reviewed / /

Next review date / /

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