Operational Management – Client Services Stream
Position Title: Project Officer, Purchasing Policy and Market
Intervention
Classification: APS 6
Reports to:
Assistant Director – Purchasing Policy and Market Intervention Team
Direct Reports:
Agency size:
around 500 FTE at present
Location:
Geelong
Position Overview
As a member of the Purchasing Policy and Market Intervention team you will have effective leadership,
communication and analytical skills in undertaking market research and developing purchasing policy that can
influence provider practices and outcomes for consumers in a dynamic human services environment. Within the
DisabilityCare Agency you will be responsible for working collaboratively with others to deliver improved outcomes
for people with disability consistent with the objects and principles of the NDIS Act 2013 during the period of launch
and with a view to a wider rollout for full Scheme.
Your role is to assist to ensure a dynamic provider market that can fulfil the aspirations of DisabilityCare participants
to enjoy a choice of quality provider services to influence provider behaviour and to deliver positive outcomes for
those participants. You will assist with Agency initiatives to monitor the impact of purchasing policies with a view to
building improved practice in service delivery.
As a member of the team you will be accountable for:
 Working as an effective member of a team within the national office of the Agency to inform and
influence purchasing arrangements;
 Contribute to market research initiatives for the Agency that will deliver on Scheme priorities whilst not
unduly disrupting like purchasers operating in the same markets ;
 Assist with devising cost efficient interventions to identified market and service gaps;
 Developing and managing contractual arrangements with providers, where the Agency Executive has
agreed to a particular intervention strategy, to assure services to DisabilityCare participants deliver
intended outcomes;
 Contributing to the development of educational and informational materials and processes for
participants, providers and Agency staff to optimise the intended effect of pricing and market
arrangements;
 Developing effective networks and strong business relationships that increase the credibility of the
Agency as a major funder of goods and services in the Australian community and that assist the Agency to
deliver intended outcomes for participants and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Duties
As an APS 6 Project Officer in the Purchasing Policy and Market Intervention team you will be responsible for:
 Assisting with leading initiatives in market research and purchasing policies to facilitate providers’ ability
to deliver high quality services consistent with the objects and principles of the Act.
One big difference to lots of lives.
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Establishing the priorities for market interventions and advising the DisabilityCare Board where research
determines a need for Agency responses to a failing market or to overcome deficiencies in service
provision for participants.
Assisting in developing the contract requirements and managing the selection and monitoring
achievement of milestones and outcomes of contracted service providers.
Building networks with influencers in the provider and stakeholder communities to help inform and to
ensure that the intent of resultant Agency market interventions are understood and able to be practically
applied by consumers and purchasers of goods and services.
Assist with establishing effective reporting mechanisms to provide accurate and timely information to
enable the Agency to track provider behaviour and measure the impact of pricing policy on service
delivery and outcomes.
Personal Attributes
The APS 6 Project Officer in the Purchasing Policy and Market Intervention team will have the following attributes:
 Ability to manage market research initiatives to ensure the availability of cost effective, value for money
supports to DisabilityCare participants.
 Experience in development of purchasing policy and the practical implementation of such policies.
 Experience in developing effective reporting mechanisms to monitor the impact of adopted policies
 Experience in determining preferred approaches to market intervention that will deliver quality outcomes
for participants.
 Well-developed communication skills and the ability to develop and maintain networks within the Agency
and with external parties.
 Ability to identify and apply known good practice to inform an improved Agency approach to market
methodologies.
 Leadership skills to mentor and guide Agency teams and external parties in a collaborative and influential
manner.
Main Relationships
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DisabilityCare Australia Managers and internal clients.
Commonwealth and State/Territory agencies.
External clients and agencies.
Qualifications
Essential:
Desirable:
Relevant qualifications in commerce, economics, accountancy or financial modelling in a human
services environment. In addition, post graduate qualifications in management and/or a relevant
discipline.
Relevant qualifications in commerce, economics, accountancy or financial modelling in a human
services environment and post graduate qualifications in management and/or a relevant discipline
combined with significant relevant experience in an Australian Public Service context highly desirable.
In addition, membership of relevant professional associations or institutes will be well regarded.
One big difference to lots of lives.