Northern Connections
Department of Planning and Local Government
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
1. POSITION DETAILS
TITLE OF POSITION
DEPARTMENT
Department of Planning and Local Government
(DPLG)
DATE APPROVED
CLASSIFICATION
SAES Level 1
REPORTS TO
Deputy Chief Executive
LOCATION
Elizabeth
DIVISION
POSITION NUMBER
Director, Northern Connections
Northern Connections
TERM
ONGOING
TEMPORARY CONTRACT
0-5 YEAR CONTRACT
2. POSITION CONTEXT
The Organisation
The Department of Planning and Local Government (DPLG) is recognised as the central agency responsible
for planning sustainable growth, better communities and economic outcomes. DPLG provides leadership in
shaping the sustainable use of land and the built environment, and to ensure appropriate governance
arrangements for the delivery of positive economic, environmental and community outcomes for all South
Australians. In support of the South Australian Strategic Plan Objectives of growing prosperity, improving
wellbeing, attaining sustainability, building communities and expanding opportunity DPLG delivers against a
number of strategic priorities. Our culture enables us to deliver outstanding outcomes in these areas, whilst
maintaining credibility, integrity and trust with all stakeholders.
The Role (rresponsibilities)
There are four key focus areas:
 In close collaboration with all relevant stakeholders ensure the strategic priorities and governance
frameworks are in place for the Northern Region
 Provide high level, strategic advice and recommendations to the Minister for the Northern Suburbs,
the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive of DPLG
 Facilitate stakeholder engagement and enhancing relationships, collaboration and information
sharing between a range of Government, not-for-profit and business stakeholders
 Provide leadership and direction to Northern Connections staff and financial management of
funding.
Reporting/Working Relationships
The role reports to the Minister for the Northern Suburbs and the Deputy Chief Executive, DPLG. Key
external relationships and interactions will be with various State Government agencies, particularly DPLG,
Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Department for Trade and Economic Development, Department for
Transport, Energy and Infrastructure and the Department for Families and Communities. Other key
relationships will occur with Local Government Councils within the relevant area including Playford,
Salisbury, Tea Tree Gully, Gawler, Barossa, Light and Mallala. The role will also work collaboratively with
local businesses and not-for-profit organisations.
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Northern Connections
Department of Planning and Local Government
3.
KEY RESULT AREAS
KEY RESULT AREA
1.
DELIVER REGIONAL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Critical Tasks
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Contribute towards the identification, development and ongoing
promulgation of the vision for the Northern Suburbs in collaboration
with various high level stakeholders
Contribute to the development of the strategic priorities and regional
governance structures for the region
Provide an overarching role to collaborative initiatives between
Government, business and non-government organisations
Identify strategic initiatives, opportunities and issues for the area and
proactively facilitate resolutions and up-take
Drive and facilitate collaborative responses to major issues facing
the Northern Suburbs
Maintain, extend and share information on a broad range of
economic and social factors for the region
Extend efforts to improve the image and public perception of the
Northern Suburbs
Advocate for and actively promote the Northern Suburbs
KEY RESULT AREA
2.
STRATEGIC POLICY ADVICE
Critical Tasks
>
Provide timely and high level expert advice on a range of economic,
social and structural issues to the Minister for the Northern Suburbs
and Deputy Chief Executive DPLG
>
Facilitate effective Cabinet decision making by providing informed,
balanced and timely advice directly to the Minster for the Northern
Suburbs
>
Lead research and analysis to assess and respond to complex policy
issues
>
Report on the impact of the Government’s environmental, social and
economic development plans for the Northern Region
>
Make recommendations relating to key strategic approaches for
medium to long term issues of relevance to Government
responsibilities in the Northern Region
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Northern Connections
Department of Planning and Local Government
KEY RESULT AREA
3.
Critical Tasks
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STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Lead and participate in high level inter-agency and intergovernmental working groups
Facilitate and enhance effective liaison between a diverse range of
high level stakeholders with differing views and priorities
Establish partnerships, strategic alliances and networks across all
tiers of government, the business sector and the community to
connect with other regional initiatives
Promote the values and imperatives of a whole of government
approach
KEY RESULT AREA
4.
LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
Critical Tasks

Exercise full financial management accountability for the funds
allocated to the office
Provide leadership, direction and support to other staff within
Northern Connections
Undertake the implementation of EEO, OHS&W and best practice
human resource management initiatives including performance
management and development processes
Engage in and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives and
ensure high standards of quality
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Northern Connections
Department of Planning and Local Government
4.
CORE ORGANISATIONAL COMPETENCIES
COMPETENCY
AREA
Shapes Strategic
Thinking and
Change
TYPICAL
BEHAVIOURS
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Forges
Relationships
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Drives Business
Excellence
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Achieves Results
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Exemplifies
Personal Drive and
Professionalism
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Creates a shared vision and mission for the business unit and organisation
Involves others in the decision-making process to build ownership of important
decisions
Displays strategic thinking and planning to ensure the organisation moves towards
it’s vision
Considers the broader impact of decisions on others and the organisation
Has a clear perception of the political context & reality & acts accordingly
Approaches negotiations with a strong grasp of key issues
Identifies a common ground to facilitate agreement & acceptance of mutually
beneficial situations
Effectively manages internal and external networks and relationships with
stakeholders
Provides leadership within Government and Industry
Turns ideas into action
Makes well informed, effective & timely decisions even when information is
incomplete & ambiguous
Holds self and others accountable for actions & for achieving quality, timely &
transparent outcomes
Encourages self & others to strive for improvement & implement better ways to
achieve the organisation’s objectives
Looks for new solutions to problems
Anticipates and plans for future organisational needs
Provides motivation and drive to achieve
Proactively consults & engages customers & the community to achieve positive
organisational outcomes
Works to strike a balance between social, economic and environmental needs
Carefully manages internal & external resources to ensure they are used effectively
to meet the organisation’s objectives
Modifies approach, processes & procedures either to fit a specific situation or in
responding to a changing organisational climate
Generates ideas for self improvement/development
Keeps promises and follows through on commitments
Sets and works towards challenging personal and professional objectives
Demonstrates appropriate discretion and maintains confidentiality when dealing with
issues of a sensitive nature
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Northern Connections
Department of Planning and Local Government
5.
EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
The skills and experiences outlined below are required to be considered for the position:
 Demonstrated experience in high level public policy and/or qualifications in a discipline related to either:
social or economic, business or management, planning policy, public administration or legal qualifications
(D)
 A big picture thinker able to articulate the vision at all levels (E)
 Proven ability in a leadership role combining outstanding strategic and technical skills with drive and
passion
6.
VALUES
The incumbent will be required to demonstrate and align with the established values of DPLG. These values are:
 Teamwork - we work together as one team to achieve our shared goals and aspirations
 Professionalism - we are committed to doing the right thing in accordance with our values and code of ethics;
 Respect and Service Excellence - we are courteous and open in our dealings with others ensuring that we
understand our customer expectations
 Honesty and Integrity - we work to build a culture of trust between our people and our business
 Accountability - we hold ourselves accountable for everything that we do.
7.
APPROVAL
Employee signature:
_____________________________________________
Date:
_____________________________________________
Manager signature:
_____________________________________________
Date:
_____________________________________________
Delegate Approval:
_____________________________________________
Date:
_____________________________________________
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