About us:
The Department of State Development is working to shape South Australia's future by driving economic growth. Our role is to ensure that South Australia capitalises on the opportunities before us, to ensure that we are well-positioned to take advantage of the state's significant economic opportunities.

As a newly created agency in 2024, we continue to drive our state forward and we want you to join us on this journey. Working at DSD will provide you with an exciting opportunity to contribute to the delivery of some of the government's major economic initiatives, and importantly, make a lasting positive difference and contribute to the prosperity of our state.

We take pride in being an employer of choice and providing a work environment that is vibrant and rewarding for people of all levels.

Help us shape our state's economic future and position South Australia on the national and global stage.

For more information about our agency, please visit:

Department of State Development | statedevelopment.sa.gov.au

About the role:
The Commercial and Governance Team provides commercial advice on contracts or other agreements, governance, general compliance and administrative policy matters, coordinates legal advice from Crown Solicitors office (CSO), and delivers the Department's risk management, performance reporting, and Enterprise Planning functions.

As the Principal Adviser, Grants and Contracts, you will provide expert advice on grant guidelines, contracts, eligibility, compliance, and risk management relating to the Department's grant programs. You'll work closely with internal teams and external legal advisers to ensure programs are delivered effectively, ethically, and in line with government policy.

More specifically, you will:

Develop and advise on grant program guidelines, contracts, terms and conditions, and compliance protocols.

Provide strategic advice on applicant eligibility, contract management, and legal interpretation.

Liaise with the Crown Solicitor's Office and other legal services to draft and review documentation.

Lead complex matters including contract variations, risk assessments, and fraud investigations.

Undertake due diligence and performance reviews to ensure contractual obligations are met.

Deliver high-quality customer service to internal and external stakeholders.

Key Competencies:

To succeed in this role, you will be a trusted adviser, able to demonstrate:

Extensive experience in contract management and commercial advice.

A strong understanding of legal practices and ability to interpret complex legislation.

The proven ability to produce high-quality written advice, reports, and submissions.

Strategic thinking with sound judgement and decision-making skills.

Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage sensitive issues.

High-level integrity, discretion, and customer service orientation.

Qualifications:
Desirable: Tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in law, business, management, or governance.

Remuneration:
Competitive salary will be offered as $121,107 to $125, 679 pa plus superannuation

Benefits:
Bringing your talent to the Department of State Development will see you rewarded with a wide variety of benefits such as:

A variety of leave arrangements.

Contemporary office space with end-of-trip facilities

Work-life balance with a flexible hybrid work arrangement.

Access to great customised training and career development opportunities.

Qualifications:

Essential: Tertiary qualifications, or related experience, in relevant discipline.

Desirable: Nil

Special Conditions:

This position will be offered as up to full-time (37.5 hours per week), short term contract position until 30 June 2025.

A Satisfactory Department of Human Services Criminal History Check or National Police Check (NPC) will be required prior to employment.

Enquiries:
For confidential enquiries or further information about the role, please contact Linda Norman, Director Commercial and Governance via [email protected].

How to Apply:
All applications must be submitted through the I Work For SA website.

Applicants are required to submit the following:

Cover letter demonstrating the suitability for the role by addressing the key competencies (2 pages max)

Curriculum Vitae (4 pages max)

Prepare 3 referees (at least one should be current or recent line manager), to be provided on request.

Pre-employment Declaration Form - find the attachment on the job advert.

Applications close: 17/08/2025 at 11:00 PM

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.