About the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and Federation Office

The RFDS is a national, federated charitable health organisation delivering primary healthcare and 24-hour emergency medical and health services to those that live, work or travel in regional, rural and remote Australia. Long known as one of the largest aeromedical organisations in the world, the RFDS delivers health care where mainstream health services are not available, using the latest in aviation, medical and communications technology and a broad-reaching ground-service fleet.

The RFDS Federation is made up of 7 companies: 6 Operating Sections (Western Operations (WA), Queensland Section, South Eastern Section (NSW & ACT) , Tasmania Section, Victoria Section and South Australia & Northern Territory Section) and the Federation Office in Canberra. The main priorities for the Federation Office is (1) Excellence in Contract Management, (2) Strategic Commonwealth Advocacy, (3) Brand Promotion and Protection, and (4) Leadership on issues of National Significance for the RFDS Federation.

About the Role

The Head of Government Contracts and Risk Management is responsible for managing the Commonwealth Grant Agreement and supporting robust risk management across the Federation Office.

The Grant Agreement includes services relating to primary evacuations, primary health care, dental services and mental health services. The services are delivered in rural/remote Australia by RFDS Operations/Sections in accordance with the Grant Agreement and supporting Business Rules and Program Operational Guidelines (POGs).

The Grant Agreement 2022–2032 contracting arrangements between the RFDS of Australia (the Federation Office) and the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DoHDA) have resulted in Federation Office assuming the lead role as the contract manager. Subcontracts have been entered into with RFDS Sections/Operations to ensure the Federation Office can meet its legal obligations under the Grant Agreement. This means the Federation Office is responsible for representing the interests of Sections/Operations to the Commonwealth as well as meeting the requirements of the Grant Agreement and supporting, monitoring and managing RFDS Sections/Operations to meet these legal obligations as well.

The Head of Government Contracts and Risk Management is a key leadership role and will report to the CEO in the short to medium term.

Key Responsibilities

Developing and sustaining strong and collaborative working relationships with the Commonwealth Government and RFDS Sections/Operations to support delivery of services under the Grant Agreement.

Managing and monitoring Grant Agreement compliance, and regular performance reporting to the Commonwealth and Sections/Operations.

Coordinating all Grant Agreement deliverables across the Federation to ensure these are submitted on time and to a high standard.

Responding to Commonwealth Government requests and enquires on new service opportunities and seeking views/input from Section/Operation representatives as appropriate.

Leading the service planning and needs assessment processes and assisting in developing funding proposals to expand service delivery.

Leading the development and implementation of robust risk management processes for the Commonwealth Grant Agreement and the broader operations of the Federation Office. \.

Leading on the review of contractual arrangements with the Commonwealth Government and any future negotiations on contractual arrangements including the contract, business rules and Programme Operational Guidelines.

Supporting the upcoming mid-term evaluation of the Grant Agreement and implementation of the new ABF (Activity Based Funding) funding model for the distribution of grant funding.

Overseeing appropriate governance arrangements for the management of the contract.

Experience, knowledge and skills:

Required

Excellent contract management skills, including compliance monitoring and regular reporting. Ideally this experience includes working with sub-contractors and government.

Experience and/or interest in risk management in commercial contractual settings and with the government.

Ability to form productive and collaborative relationships with broad stakeholders including the Commonwealth Government and RFDS Operating Sections

Excellent written communications skills with demonstrated ability to write reports and submissions, and ability to write concisely about complex issues.

Sound problem solving skills, probes for further information or greater understanding of a problem. Develops options and follows a logical process for agreement.

Strong team mindset that reflects the role of the Federation to provide services and leadership on issues of national significance in support of RFDS Operating Sections.

Desirable

Experience and understanding of government processes.

Knowledge of the Australian health system, including rural and remote health.

Work Requirements & Benefits

To be located in Canberra (office located on Northbourne Avenue, Turner)

Initial full time role with the option to reduce to a 4-day week in 2026.

free onsite staff parking

Not-For-Profit tax benefits & salary packaging options available

Christmas leave

On the job coaching, training and support

How to Apply

To Apply: Please send your Resume and 1-2 page Cover Letter addressing the key responsibilities and your suitability towards the experience, knowledge and skills requirements for the role to: [email protected]. For further information about the role, please contact [email protected].

Applications will close COB Monday 30 June 2025.

NB: Applications that do not include a Cover Letter will not be considered.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination. We welcome and embrace diversity and strive to provide a culturally safe and inclusive workplace for all employees.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service acknowledges and pays respect to the past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation.