Procurement Officer

The Procurement Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the procurement and contract management functions within the Federal Court Entity. This position is responsible for undertaking analytical, reporting, and administrative tasks, ensuring compliance with Commonwealth procurement policies and procedures, and providing advice and support to internal stakeholders on procurement and property related matters.

The Procurement Officer will utilise advanced data analysis and reporting skills to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting obligations mandated by the Department of Finance (DoF) and the Attorney-General's Department (AGD). This includes but is not limited to AusTender reporting, Indigenous Procurement Policy compliance, Senate Order disclosures, Questions on Notice, Compliance Reporting, and contract monitoring. The role also involves managing contract expiry and segmentation, contract publishing, and ad hoc reporting requests from senior management and external stakeholders.

In addition to reporting responsibilities, the Procurement Officer will provide procurement support for low-value acquisitions, ensuring value-for-money procurement outcomes while maintaining compliance with Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs). The position requires a strong ability to analyse procurement data, assess trends, and develop strategic recommendations that align with organisational and government procurement objectives.

This role is part of a small but highly specialised procurement team, requiring collaboration across various departments and external agencies. The Procurement Officer must demonstrate strong initiative and sound judgment in applying procurement policies and best practices, ensuring that procurement activities are conducted with integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

The Procurement Officer's duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Procurement Reporting & Compliance Management

1. Prepare and submit all mandatory procurement reports as required by the DoF and AGD on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, including:
2. Questions on Notice responses
3. Procurement-related compliance reporting
4. Other reporting obligations as directed
5. Ensure accurate and timely reporting by conducting thorough data validation and analysis, ensuring compliance with legislative and policy requirements.
6. Conduct audits and reconciliations of procurement data to identify discrepancies, potential risks, and areas for improvement.
7. Manage ad hoc procurement reporting requests from senior management, government agencies, and external stakeholders.

Data Analysis & Procurement Insights

1. Extract, analyse, and interpret procurement data to identify key trends and insights related to:
2. Procurement spending patterns
3. Contract segmentation and expiry tracking
4. Risk exposure in procurement activities
5. Use advanced Excel functions and data analytics tools to visualize procurement trends and generate meaningful reports.
6. Provide strategic recommendations based on data-driven insights to support procurement planning and decision-making.
7. Ensure contracts above $10,000 are published in AusTender within the 42-day requirement as per Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs).
8. Maintain accurate procurement and contract records, ensuring all contractual information is properly recorded, monitored, and updated.
9. Support contract administration activities, including contract renewals, amendments, and variations.
10. Monitor supplier performance and escalate contract-related issues as necessary.
11. Assist in the development of contract management plans to enhance procurement governance and oversight.

Procurement Advisory & Stakeholder Engagement

1. Provide expert advice, information, and guidance on procurement-related matters to internal stakeholders across the agency.
2. Support staff in understanding procurement policies and best practices, ensuring compliance with government procurement regulations.
3. Engage with suppliers and external agencies to facilitate procurement processes and negotiations.
4. Validate business needs, assess risks, and conduct market research to support procurement planning and sourcing decisions.

Sourcing & Procurement Activities

1. Conduct low-value procurement activities in accordance with Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) and agency guidelines.
2. Assist in supplier engagement, tendering processes, and sourcing activities to identify value-for-money procurement solutions.
3. Participate in negotiations and contract discussions, ensuring favourable terms for the agency while maintaining compliance.
4. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement processes, governance, and efficiency.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be assessed based on the following selection criteria:

1. Demonstrated expertise and experience in producing procurement reports (monthly, quarterly, and annual) in compliance with DoF and AGD requirements.
2. Strong analytical skills and advanced Excel proficiency (Power BI experience preferred but not required).
3. Experience using procurement systems such as AusTender and Finance One (preferred).
4. Proven ability to manage low-value procurements and support end-to-end procurement activities.
5. Knowledge and understanding of Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) and compliance frameworks.
6. Ability to review, draft, and amend contract documents in line with business needs and risk considerations.
7. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain stakeholder relationships and provide procurement guidance.
8. Well-developed oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly.

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

1. Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship.
2. 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.
3. 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.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job.

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.