Program Manager - National Biodiversity Data Initiatives

Acknowledgement of Country 

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation. 

Role highlights

• Lead nationally significant biodiversity data initiatives in the Atlas of Living Australia that support Australia's environmental research, conservation and data-sharing capabilities.
• Build influential partnerships across government, research organisations and industry to drive collaboration and lasting impact.
• Shape the future of biodiversity data management through strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement and program delivery excellence.

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

The opportunity 

Join CSIRO and play a leading role in delivering the National Biodiversity Data Initiatives program for the Atlas of Living Australia. As the Program Manager, you will oversee a portfolio of nationally important projects focused on biodiversity data management, data quality and strategic partnerships. Working across government, research and industry sectors, you will drive collaboration, influence national approaches to biodiversity data and build enduring partnerships that deliver lasting impact for Australia's environmental future. This role requires a highly skilled program leader with exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication and change management capabilities, together with the ability to navigate complex, multi-organisational environments.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Lead the delivery and ongoing development of the National Biodiversity Data Initiatives program for the Atlas of Living Australia.
• Manage program planning, governance, reporting, risk management and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Provide strategic advice and reporting to executive leaders, steering committees and funding stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with researchers, government agencies, industry representatives and national organisations.
• Facilitate collaboration and resolve complex stakeholder issues to achieve shared outcomes.
• Lead communication, engagement and workshop activities that support program objectives and national impact.
• Provide subject matter expertise relating to biodiversity data management, taxonomy, restricted-access data and industry requirements.
• Influence policy and strategic discussions with government and non-government stakeholders to advance national biodiversity data initiatives.

Role particulars

Location and office arrangements: Canberra, ACT  

Salary: AU$135k – AU$158k per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule:  Indefinite, full time.

Reference: 103642

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential

• Demonstrated success managing complex programs or projects across multi-stakeholder and multi-institutional environments.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build productive relationships and influence senior leaders.
• Proven leadership capability, including the ability to adapt to changing priorities and navigate ambiguity.
• Experience working on national initiatives and collaborating across government environments.
• Strong strategic thinking, planning and program delivery skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and deliver outcomes in complex settings.
• Experience coordinating and facilitating meetings, workshops and engagement activities involving diverse stakeholder groups.

 
For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review the Position Description. 

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please let us know how we can support you.  

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Eligibility 

Applications for this position are open to Australian / New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character clearance requirements.

Child safety 

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy. 

How to apply 

Please apply online and submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close 

Monday 17 August 2026, 11:59pm AEST