Governance / Senior Governance Officer

Forbes is a vibrant town nestled on the Lachlan River and has the amazing Lake Forbes running through the centre of town.

In a sought after location, Forbes offers ease of access to Sydney via a 1 hour flight or a 3 hour drive to Canberra. We are also located half way between the busy cities of Melbourne and Brisbane right on the Newell Highway boasting the benefits of country living with young families and couples who may want to work in Mining or construction as well as a thriving agricultural base. 

Forbes Council is a hive of activity, especially in regards to the operational delivery of projects to the community and the diversity within the workforce. With an Organisational Structure with close to 150 identified positions, roles range from Masters and Degree qualified professionals (Engineers, Surveyors, Planners and Accountants) to experienced labourers, trainees, trade qualified operators and a diverse range of officers in administraion, Strategy, environment, economic development and community. Council offers flexible work arrangement, study support and a wide exposure to the legislative operations of Local Government through to community engagement and delivery.

With a $22 million capitol works budget for the delivery of infrastructure and capital projects, Council is currently undertaking exciting projects such as the Lake Forbes Activation Strategy, CBD redevelopment Projects, major works in regards to the Water and Sewer networks, our state of the art Central West Livestock Exchange and a range of other exciting projects. Forbes Shire Council is also currently deliversing major projects in the People and Technology space including Leadership Development programs, online management software and enterprise wide system upgrades - in the aim of being future ready for the dynamic and changing pace of Local Government.

Our future plans are related to the IP&R framework in Local Government and our emphasis is in the areas of preservation, growth and development in Infrasturure and asset management, governance and leadership, community development and environment and heritage. We have ambitious goals set out in our Communtiy Strategic Plan – paving the way for an ever changing and growing Forbes Shire, and Central West hub into the future. Forbes Council values vibrancy and energy, community partnerships, high quality delivery and the safest operations for our staff and the community. Come and be a part of our team!

Privacy

Forbes Shire Council, as part of the recruitment process, will be collecting information about you. This information will be kept confidential and will only be accessible to the HR team and members of the interview panel.

Selection Process

It is important that your application is completed by the closing date, the Panel review committees are not obliged to accept late applications. All applications will be acknowledged.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Council aims to ensure fair, equitable and non-discriminatory consideration for all applicants, regardless of sex, ethnic or racial origin, or physical disability.

Forbes Shire Council's selection process stages are outlined below: 

1. Short-listing. The selection panel (usually 3 members) will assess all applications against the selection criteria contained in the position description. The panel will then decide which applicants best meet the criteria and will call for interview.
2. Interviewing. You will be given at least 2 days notice if you are required for an interview. The interview panel will consist of either 3 or 4 members, one of which will be the HR Facilitator, who will work with the panel to recommend the most suitable person for the position.
3. Reference checks and other checks. Referee checks will be carried out on the recommended applicant/s. Positions that have been identified as child-related, will be required to undergo a Working with Children Check through the Office of Children's Guardian NSW
4. Pre-employment Functional Assessment. The preferred applicant will be required to undergo a pre-employment functional assessment at Council’s expense. This will include a Functional Assessment, urine Drug and Alcohol Testing and a hearing screen
5. Notification of result. The successful applicant will be verbally notified as soon as possible after the interview and will receive a written letter of offer via email and in the post. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email once the offer of employment has been accepted and Council has been formally notified of the acceptance.

To view a copy of the position description, please click HERE

The aim of this position is to provide support for the operations of Council and its committees, overseeing the administration and review of the Council’s statutes and regulations, and oversee Council’s records management and corporate risk frameworks. The Governance/Senior Governance Officer is tasked with ensuring organisational compliance is maintained throughout the year and provides high quality governance support and advice to support best practice governance more generally.

*Please note, this position will be appointed as either Governance Officer, OR Senior Governance Officer dependent on skills, experience and capability relevant to the role.

The Governance/Senior Governance Officer is seen as an expert (or developing expert) within the area of governance and risk management providing expert advice and is a member of the Corporate Business Team.

Desired Skills and Experience

Essential

Tertiary qualifications (diploma or degree equivalent) in governance, legal, policy, risk management or business (or currently undertaking formal tertiary study)

• For Senior Governance Officer a minimum of five years demonstrated experienced in a governance, legal or administration related position.
• For Governance Officer a minimum of two years demonstrated experienced in a governance, legal or administration related position.

Desirable

• Class C (Standard) Drivers Licence;
• Local, State or Federal Government experience in a comparative role.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in governance and risk management practices including policy and procedural development and compliance-related functions in a local government context.
• Experience with the development and review of legal documents including, but not limited to, tenders, contracts, agreements and correspondence.
• Demonstrated strength in legal, industrial, and industry research and collaboration across industry in the development of best practice governance and legal advice.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining sound governance and risk management processes.
• Demonstrated high level written and verbal communication including: interpersonal skills, the proven ability to communicate recommendations clearly and succinctly, and the ability to prepare reports, policies and related documents.
• A working knowledge of the Local Government Act 1993 or other legislation and the ability to interpret as required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take ownership to resolve factors that may influence the delivery of service in a timely and accurate manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a team environment, coordinate and participate in activities and support and assist in leading team members.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiatives, sound judgement, discretion and confidentiality.