The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), is Australia’s premier national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse public sector research agencies in the world.

The organisation employs close to 6,500 staff on 55 sites across Australia and is involved in a wide range of projects with other major research organisations in Australia and around the world. The CSIRO’s annual budget, derived from both government and industry, exceeds A$1 billion.

CSIRO, through the development, maintenance and deployment of a strong capability in scientific research and development, provides science and technology aimed at assisting Australian industry and furthering the interests of the Australian community. Its major focus is on delivering solutions to current and emerging national challenges and opportunities that impact the economic, environmental and social well being of Australia.

CSIRO is seeking a new Chief Executive to succeed Dr Geoff Garrett, who will successfully conclude his term at the end of 2008. He or she will continue to drive CSIRO’s position and success as a world-class scientific research organisation. They will have outstanding leadership, strategic and management skills.

Experience in applied scientific research, technology transfer and business management at a senior level is essential as are proven skills dealing with a broad diversity of stakeholders.

LOCATION

To be determined, but likely to be in one of CSIRO's major centres in Australia, eg. Canberra, Sydney or Melbourne.

COMPENSATION

An appropriate remuneration package will be offered in order to attract, motivate and retain an outstanding Chief Executive.

THE POSITION

The Chief Executive is responsible to the Board for the overall development of strategy, management and performance of CSIRO. He or she manages and leads the organisation in accordance with the strategy, plans and policies approved by the Board to achieve agreed goals. The Chief Executive is assisted by an Executive Team currently comprising 11 executives and an Executive Management Council which comprises this group and all Divisional Chiefs, Flagship Directors and a number of other senior managers.

CSIRO is governed by a Board comprising nine non-executives and the Chief Executive. The Board is responsible for determining policy and ensuring the efficient functioning of CSIRO. The non-executive members of the Board are appointed by the Government and the Chief Executive by the Board.

The key challenge facing the Chief Executive will be to ensure that the CSIRO continues to be a world-class research organisation vital to Australia’s future. The Chief Executive must ensure outcomes which provide benefit to Australia’s industry, economy and environment and support to Australian national and international objectives, through excellence in science, technology, advice and services. A key part of the role is to ensure that Australian industry and, via the media and other channels, the public at large is aware of and supportive of the quality work carried out by CSIRO.

This position offers a unique opportunity to lead Australia’s premier research enterprise.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Experience

The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader, manager and researcher, who is well respected in his or her chosen fields of science, engineering or technology and more broadly throughout the international research community. He or she will hold suitable tertiary qualifications in a discipline relevant to the organisation’s activities and management. They will have demonstrated outstanding leadership and business management skills. A sound understanding of basic and applied research and the ability to identify and act upon commercial opportunities is essential as is the willingness to act as the organisations chief advocate in the wider world. Past responsibility for large budgets and teams will also be highly regarded.

Competencies

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated key competencies in a number of areas including:

Team Leadership competencies as shown by:

• Demonstrated ability providing leadership and management to a highly educated and technically literate workforce and identifying and encouraging outstanding performers and dealing appropriately with under-performers
• Demonstrated success fostering a high performance culture in a substantial research related organisation through an inclusive management style which has resulted in clear definition of accountabilities, implementation of appropriate management systems and successful performance management
• Proven capacity communicating an organisation’s mission and vision both internally and externally, defining and achieving a set of objectives across a large organisation by delegating to key and competent staff members, and building and leading a team committed to their achievement

Commercial skills as shown by:

• Proven ability in successfully negotiating alliances with third parties based on win-win outcomes and experience in completing successful commercial negotiations across a variety of different industries
• Actively drawing insights from a wide variety of internal and external sources, generating new ideas and opportunities for the organisation
• Driving and encouraging commercial behaviour, as appropriate across the organisation identifying opportunities for the transfer of research findings and new technologies into commercial benefits
• Creating new commercial opportunities by building cross-division or organisation or industry partnerships

Collaboration and influencing skills as shown by:

• Bringing people together across boundaries to achieve results as a team and by sharing best practices
• Actively engaging colleagues to make joint decisions
• Using understanding of others and self to work more effectively together and actively resolving conflicts
• Taking calculated risks to advance a collaborative relationship, foregoing personal objectives for the benefit of the group if necessary
• Dealing effectively with diverse stakeholders including governments, industry and other research bodies as well as the public

Strategic skills as shown by:

• Having a clear view of where the organisation needs to go beyond five-year timeframe
• The ability to spot previously unidentified business opportunities
• Framing strategic options for the organisation
• Implementing a successful strategy that challenges the organisation, its stakeholders and collaborators

THE ORGANISATION

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is Australia’s national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse public sector research organisations in the world. It is Australia’s premier research organisation providing scientific solutions to industry, governments and communities. Established in 1926, CSIRO is an independent statutory authority operating under the Science and Industry Research Act 1949. It is the largest employer of scientists in Australia, with close to 6,500 people conducting and assisting scientific research at 55 sites in Australia involved in a wide range of projects with other major research organisations in Australia and around the world.

CSIRO, through the development, maintenance and deployment of a strong capability in scientific research and development, provides science and technology aimed at assisting Australian industry and furthering the interests of the Australian community. Its major focus is on delivering solutions to current and emerging national challenges and opportunities that impact the economic, environmental and social well being of Australia.

CSIRO defines its purpose as “by igniting the creative spirit of our people, we deliver great science and innovative solutions for industry, society and the environment.” Its core roles are:

• Advancing frontiers of science,
• Creating new or significantly transforming industries,
• Solving major national challenges, thus improving quality of life and/or reducing national costs,
• Delivering incremental innovation for existing industries, and
• Science based solutions for the community.

Organised into 17 divisions to harness multidisciplinary capabilities, CSIRO’s focus includes nine National Research Flagships. Examples of the Flagships’ areas of interest include: energy, food, metals, health, water, oceans, climate adaptation, niche manufacturing and minerals.

Key stakeholders include Australian business and industry, Commonwealth and State governments and their agencies, the Australian community, and the international scientific community. In the 2007 financial year, CSIRO’s total income was A$973 million of which 63% was provided directly by Government. The balance was generated largely through jointly funded research projects and the provision of research services to the Australian private sector, government and overseas entities. CSIRO also generates revenue from the licensing and sale of intellectual property.

A Strategic Plan covering 2007 through 2011, sets CSIRO’s broad directions, and is about building momentum and increasing impact of CSIRO’s research for Australia. The strategy positions CSIRO for the new century, being relevant to the broader community and organisation alike, by focusing on three interdependent elements:

• Addressing national challenges and opportunities, faster and better
• Focusing and strengthening our core science capability and delivery
• Strengthening our enterprise and enhancing operational excellence

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are invited to submit a cover letter accompanied by a detailed resume attentionto:

Dr John Stocker AO, Chairman CSIRO via mel.search@ezi.net.  

Applications close Monday 31 March 2008.

DO NOT apply online.  Please email your application direct to mel.search@ezi.net

CONTACTS

For further information about this unique opportunity please contact:

Dean Ireland, Egon Zehnder International on +61 3 9629 6444, dean.ireland@ezi.net

Chris Thomas, Egon Zehnder International on +61 3 9629 6444, chris.thomas@ezi.net