Dr Ngoc Nguyen
Watson,ACT
Summary
High-calibre, results-driven and seasoned strategy and policy manager with more than 15 years of career in policy and research environment. Adept at adaptive leadership, strategic planning and stakeholder management skills. Natural analytical problem-solver with an interpersonal communication style.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director
Strategic Policy Outreach, Department Of Defence
02.2024 - Current
- Managed Defence's high-profile project - History of Australian Strategic Policy, meeting deadlines and achieving objectives.
- Conducted risk assessments on the project, identifying potential challenges and mitigating factors early in the process.
- Collaborated with contract team to review client contracts and optimise performance.
- Led cross-functional teams in drafting policy briefs.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop sound policies addressing pressing concerns.
- Evaluated the impact of existing policies on organizational goals, recommending necessary modifications.
- Provided expert guidance to senior leadership on matters related to policy formulation and execution.
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings to gather input on emerging issues, fostering open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving approaches.
- Oversaw budgetary allocations related to specific policy initiatives, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
- Developed strong relationships with external partners for collaboration on key policy initiatives.
- Enhanced policy development by conducting thorough research and analysis on relevant issues.
- Advocated for organizational interests through active participation in industry conferences, workshops, and seminars related to pertinent policy topics.
Senior Policy Officer
AUKUS Advanced Capabilities, Department Of Defence
09.2022 - 02.2024
- Led the drafting and managed whole-of-government consultation of AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Industry and Academia Engagement Plan
- Led the development of trilateral industry engagement approach
- Led the development of briefing material to support senior executives in Joint Steering Group meetings and industry event
- Developed and coordinated ministerial briefs and cabinet submissions
- Developed policy advice to enhance the governance structure and delivery of AUKUS Advanced Capabilities
- Enhanced policy implementation by conducting thorough research and analysis on various issues.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to gather valuable input, ensuring policies were well-informed and comprehensive.
- Meticulously tracked emerging trends in order to incorporate new ideas into future policymaking endeavors.
Policy Officer
Defence Industry Division, Department Of Defence
12.2021 - 09.2022
- Supported the drafting and managed stakeholder consultation of the Robotics, Autonomous System and Artificial Intelligence Sovereign Industrial Capability Priorities Industry Plan.
- Coordinated whole-of-Defence feedback and enhanced readability of draft plan.
- Supported the review of 2016 Defence Industry Policy Statement. Identified opportunities and challenges for future policy development.
- Supported the development of non-traditional financing mechanisms for the Government to invest in critical technologies.
- Conducted an in-depth research into fourteen Sovereign Industrial Capability Priorities Industry Plans and identified the most essential capabilities to Defence.
- Conducted a review of current terms of reference of Sovereign Industrial Capability Priorities Working Group and developed proposals to improve its effectiveness.
- Supported the drafting and release of tender on private financing in defence industry, organised tender evaluation and draft procurement documents.
- Led and coordinated the drafting of briefs, talking points, and speeches for First Assistant Secretary on defence industry policy.
- Monitored and evaluated policy effectiveness, recommending necessary adjustments for optimal results.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks for timely completion of policy objectives.
- Identified, evaluated and developed solutions to remove roadblocks to change.
- Offered strategic recommendations for updates to institutional programs and policies, factoring in current political climate and trends.
PhD Researcher/Research Officer
School Of Humanities And Social Sciences (HASS), UNSW Canberra
07.2016 - 12.2021
- Completed a PhD dissertation on middle power strategies of Australia, Indonesia and South Korea in the Asia Pacific.
- Co-authored a book chapter on the nexus between climate change and security and with Professor Shirley Scott - one of Australia's leading scholar in international law and security.
- Co-led the planning, preparation, and organisation of the first fully virtual Biennial Conference of the Asian Society of International Law, hosted by UNSW Canberra in 2021, with 603 registered participants and 35 discussion panels.
- Provided support to 6 research groups of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Supported research groups in conducting online and in-person events.
- Organised school's webinars and podcasts and designed strategy to enhance audience outreach.
- Maintained relationships with diverse stakeholders within UNSW Canberra and build cooperative partnership to undertake school projects and manage events.
Acting Director
Centre for Archival Research, Institute for Maritime Studies Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam
01.2008 - 07.2016
- Coordinated 12 internal and external research projects, which includes liaising with relevant stakeholders, communicating and tracking milestones, drafting contracts, writing progress reports, organizing workshops and outreach events, assisting with data collection and managing financial records.
- Proposed and implemented annual publishing plan for the Institute. Enhanced efficiency by 30% by streamlining the procedure in writing proposals, reviewing manuscripts, and liaising with authors, editors, and publishing companies.
- Promoted public interest and awareness in South China Sea studies by organising information outreach activities and educational programs for students, journalists and government officials.
- Pioneered and managed a maritime studies research database (for internal and external users).
- Represented the Institute at local and international conferences; conducted research on traditional and non-traditional security issues in the South China Sea
- Managed and supervised the content of three South China Sea Studies websites in three languages (Vietnamese, English and Chinese). Increased reader's view by 40% by refining layout and introducing new columns.
- Developed and supervised staff by providing orientation, training, support and direction.
- Managed daily operations of the Center by overseeing financials, key performance indicators and employee performance.
Education
Ph.D. - Political Science
University of New South Wales
Canberra07.2021
Master of International Affairs -
The Australia National University
2010
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam
2007
Skills
- Leadership and team development
- Stakeholder management
- Strategic planning
- Policy analysis and evaluation
- Policy development and implementation
- Risk analysis management
- Project management
- Problem solving
- Interpersonal and effective communication
- Reflective listening and insightful questioning
- Attention to detail
- Flexibility and adaptability
Languages
Vietnamese
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Assistant Director
Strategic Policy Outreach, Department Of Defence
02.2024 - Current
Senior Policy Officer
AUKUS Advanced Capabilities, Department Of Defence
09.2022 - 02.2024
Policy Officer
Defence Industry Division, Department Of Defence
12.2021 - 09.2022
PhD Researcher/Research Officer
School Of Humanities And Social Sciences (HASS), UNSW Canberra
07.2016 - 12.2021
Acting Director
Centre for Archival Research, Institute for Maritime Studies Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam
01.2008 - 07.2016
Ph.D. - Political Science
University of New South Wales
Master of International Affairs -
The Australia National University
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam
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