National Project Manager

Position Overview 

The National Project Manager plays a critical role in supporting the strategic and operational priorities of the Federal Court.

This position leads a team responsible for managing projects that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Court’s judicial caseload and its chambers and registry operations which support the judicial work of the Court, while also overseeing governance frameworks and providing high-level executive coordination.

The role works closely with the Chambers of the Chief Justice to deliver outcomes aligned with the Court’s objectives. The role requires strong project management skills, leadership abilities, strategic thinking, and the ability to engage with senior stakeholders including judges. 

Position Duties

• Co-ordinate and assist in managing existing and new projects, including judge-led projects, that support the Court’s strategic and operational goals, ensuring timely delivery, effective implementation, resource management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Coordinate and develop project plans and other project documentation, including scope, timelines, risk assessments, and reporting frameworks.
• Lead and manage project staff, providing oversight over their work and ensuring they are appropriately trained and resourced to effectively complete tasks. 
• Ensure adequate and timely consultation with all external and internal stakeholders for any project.
• Coordinate the preparation of reports, meeting agendas, minutes, follow-up actions and reports for senior leadership committees and project groups – including judge led committees and project groups.
• Assist with implementation of projects and coordinating with all court staff and staff of the FCA Entity, who need to be involved in implementation of projects.
• Where necessary, support the development, implementation, and maintenance of governance frameworks, policies, and processes to promote best practices within the Court.
• Manage procurement activities, contracts and vendor relationships in accordance with Commonwealth requirements.
• Prepare high-quality reports, briefing notes, and recommendations to inform decision-making by the Chief Justice, Court’s senior leadership and/or judges. 

Selection Criteria 

1. Project Management Expertise - Proven experience in managing complex projects, with a strong understanding of project management methodologies, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
2. Governance and Compliance Knowledge - Demonstrated understanding of governance principles, public sector accountability frameworks, and legislative requirements relevant to the Court’s operations.
3. Leadership, Management and Team Collaboration - Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and develop staff. Experience in applying People and Culture policies, procedures and practices, with the ability to foster a positive, collaborative and high-performing team environment, provide clear direction, and support staff development and wellbeing.
4. Executive Coordination, Communication and Judicial Engagement - Strong ability to coordinate executive functions, manage priorities, and prepare high-quality reports, briefings, and correspondence. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with judicial officers, senior executives, and other high-profile stakeholders, exercising sound judgement, discretion and professionalism when managing complex and sensitive matters.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management - Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage and influence internal and external stakeholders.
6. Strategic Thinking and Practical Problem-Solving - Ability to analyse complex issues, provide strategic advice, and drive innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
7. Strong Organisational and Analytical Skills - Ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.

Mandatory or desirable qualifications 

• Demonstrated experience in project management, governance, or executive coordination, ideally within the public sector or judicial environment.
• Experience working with senior executives, government agencies, or legal institutions.
• Tertiary qualifications in law, public administration, business, or a related field (or equivalent experience) are highly desirable.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment

Candidates may use AI tools to assist with their participation in this recruitment process unless otherwise advised. Where AI tools are used, candidates are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted is transparent, accurate, and genuinely reflects their own skills, capabilities, and experience. For more information, see:

Principles for candidate use of AI in Recruitment 

Eligibility

Employment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999, and the following: 

Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship.

Security and character clearance – the successful applicant must satisfy a Police Records Check and may also be required to complete security clearances during the course of their employment.

Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

Interested candidates who have received a redundancy benefit from an APS agency are welcome to apply but note that they cannot be engaged until their redundancy benefit period has expired. 

Diversity and Inclusion

Federal Court Australia is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from People with Disability. First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, mature age workers, as well as young workers and supporting an inter-generational workforce and supporting gender equity and families.

Federal Court Australia will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the inherent requirements of the role.

How to apply

As part of your application, you will be required to submit a written response to the selection criteria listed in the position description (maximum word limit 1500). Please ensure this document is attached before submitting your application.

To apply, please complete the application form on the Court’s careers portal. If you have any issues with applying, please email ***********@fedcourt.gov.au 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.