About the Positions The Research Programs and Services Branch administers the prestigious research grant application and grant management functions. The Program Branch undertake grant management across the full grant life cycle (promotion/education, application, selection, payments, monitoring and post award management processes) for the ARC's National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP) as well as delivering programs on behalf of other Commonwealth agencies. The Program Design and Engagement sections' focus is on supporting the College of Experts, planning and managing Selection Advisory Committees (SACs), and the development & management of grant guidelines and agreements. This can include engaging with stakeholders, preparing documentation, meeting coordination and secretariat, and other administration tasks that contribute to delivering high-quality outcomes. The Program Design and Engagement section work closely with the Chief Research Office and Executive Directors who are leading academics in their respective fields. There is a high level of collaboration to ensure delivery of world-class research outcomes. This can include building relationships with funded researchers through engagement and outreach activities, contract variation processing, conducting reviews, and reporting. Under the supervision of a Senior Program Officer, you will be expected to undertake tasks to successfully deliver scheme outcomes against tight timelines. The key duties of the position include Duties and Tasks In this position, the Program Officer is expected to: Monitor, implement, and maintain processes that contribute to management of grant scheme/s Obtain and maintain an understanding of relevant legislative, policy and procedural frameworks Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including responding to grant holders, Selection Advisory Committee members and expert reviewers Undertake data checking and development of grant related documents Use the ARC's Research Management System (RMS) and other internal computer systems and software Coordinate and support meetings, presentations as required Provide secretariat support, including the preparation and distribution of meeting agenda and minutes, drafting and/or collation of papers Work flexibly across teams to provide support in the Programs Branch as required Required Skills and Knowledge Skills and knowledge required for this role: High level interpersonal and liaison skills and being a great team member Project and time management skills, including ability to manage tight and conflicting deadlines Strong communication skills with the ability to liaise with a variety of internal and external stakeholders Strong organisational skills and experience in problem solving Ability to quickly gain an understanding of the Commonwealth Grants Administration Framework, policy issues and research training, including the role of the ARC Identifying and interpreting relevant legislation, work practices, procedures and policies and applying these to the work area High level attention to detail Good oral and writing skills Good Microsoft Office Skills and the ability to problem-solve technical issues or escalate to technical areas if required Experience in Grant Management will be looked upon favourably Our Ideal Candidate As a Program Officer, you will be interested in the grants selection and management processes and be comfortable working cooperatively in a small team. You will also be able to manage your time effectively to meet deadlines. We are looking for someone who is: Flexible - able to prioritise tasks, as well as take on tasks at short notice Focused on solutions - able to provide clear answers to questions or options for discussion A quick learner - able to pick up information quickly and apply it to your work A clear communicator - be approachable and polite in personal interactions, with a clear writing style What you'll gain from the experience As an APS5 Program Officer in the Program Design and Engagement team, you'll gain hands-on experience in stakeholder engagement, project coordination and procedure development. Working closely with experienced colleagues, you'll build confidence in managing complex processes across the whole Grants Administration lifecycle, interpreting legislation, liaising with the research community, and delivering outcomes under tight timelines. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Australia's research landscape while growing your professional capabilities within a supportive and collaborative team that values collaboration, clarity, and purpose in everything we do. About our Team The Program Design and Engagement team plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the ARC's grant programs. Our work spans strategic engagement, sector consultations, and outreach activities as well as Grant Guidelines and Grant Agreements. We manage the College of Experts nominations and contracting processes, support Selection Advisory Committees, and contribute to the development of scheme calendars and operational documentation. Our team thrives on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, working closely with program delivery teams across the Branch and external stakeholders to ensure ARC programs are effectively delivered. We are friendly and motivated to help you thrive in this role, offering a supportive environment where your contributions are valued, and your growth is encouraged. Diversity and Inclusion We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds including but not limited to; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people who identify as LGBTIQA, people with a disability, and people from a culturally and linguistically diverse background. The ARC expects all staff to understand workplace diversity, workplace participation, a safe working environment and access and equity principles, and to promote these principles in the development and implementation of policies and programs.