Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Michael Dundas

Canberra,ACT

Summary

Detail-oriented compliance and policy professional with experience in regulatory assessment, investigation, and stakeholder engagement within Australian Government programs. Proven ability to assess complex, high-risk cases, identify discrepancies, and produce clear, evidence-based reports to support decision-making. Strong communicator experienced in managing difficult stakeholder interactions and resolving issues in high-pressure environments. Long held passion for sustainability and interested in pursuing a career in the environmental sector. Seeking to transition into a frontline regulatory role where investigative capability, environmental knowledge, and community engagement support effective compliance and enforcement outcomes.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assessment Officer

Climate Active
11.2023 - Current

Career Break / Sabbatical (Jan 2026-Current) - Undertaking personal and professional development.

Led the assessment of approximately 15 high-risk and moderate-risk certifications per month, ensuring compliance with program standards through detailed quality assurance processes.

Identified discrepancies in certification data and conducted investigations, engaging with delivery partners and stakeholders to resolve issues and improve the accuracy of public-facing information.

Prepared detailed assessment summaries and maintained accurate records to support program integrity and decision-making.

Managed multiple workstreams autonomously, prioritizing tasks effectively while navigating challenging stakeholder interactions to achieve compliance outcomes.

Program Officer

Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder
04.2025 - 10.2025

Investigated data sources and prepared executive-level briefs and reports, synthesising insights to inform decision-making.

Coordinated procurement processes, identifying and addressing complex procedural challenges to enhance market approaches and secure successful contract outcomes.

Collaborated with stakeholders to prioritize competing demands while ensuring regulatory and administrative compliance.

Conducted end-to-end user acceptance testing for new portfolio management system, ensuring operational and compliance alignment.

Program Officer

Department of Industry, Science and Resources
01.2023 - 11.2023

Assessed high volumes of grant applications, conducting detailed eligibility checks and due diligence to ensure compliance with program requirements.

Analyzed financial and program data to identify trends and inform strategic decisions, producing clear and concise reporting outputs.

Engaged with stakeholders to resolve issues and clarify requirements, supporting efficient program delivery.

Intern

International Institute of Environmental Law
09.2022 - 11.2022

Prepared a detailed report on carbon sequestration to inform organisational strategy and decision making.

Developed funding strategy by analysing donor streams and identifying new opportunities for financial sustainability.

Program Officer

Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
01.2022 - 07.2022

Developed standardized post-project documentation and analysed historical program data to improve reporting processes and data quality.

Created consolidated datasets to support improved decision-making and program oversight.

Policy Officer

Critical Minerals Facilitation Office
02.2021 - 01.2022

Prepared ministerial correspondence and policy briefs aligned with legislative and policy frameworks.

Conducted research and analysis to support policy development, translating complex information into clear and actionable outputs for decision-makers.

Assessment Officer

Services Australia
08.2021 - 10.2021

Processed a high volume of COVID-19 claims, applying strict eligibility criteria and compliance checks to ensure accurate and lawful outcomes.

Investigated discrepancies and resolved issues efficiently while maintaining high levels of accuracy under pressure.

Graduate

Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
02.2020 - 02.2021

Completed a structured graduate program involving rotations across policy and program areas, developing foundational skills in research, stakeholder engagement, and government processes.

Conducted stakeholder interviews and contributed to the delivery of the Graduate Major Project, collaborating with team members to produce final outputs.

Undertook research and analysis tasks and presented findings to internal audiences, building strong communication and problem-solving capabilities.

Education

Master of Sustainability - Environmental governance, regulatory frameworks, sustainability systems

University of Sydney
Australia
01-2019

Bachelor of Commerce - Accountancy

University of Wollongong
Australia
07-2013

Skills

  • Autonomy and Decision-Making
  • Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement
  • Investigations & Evidence Gathering
  • Report Writing & Documentation
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Environmental Policy & Legislation
  • Attention to Detail & Accuracy
  • Data Analysis & Interpretation
  • Time Management & Prioritisation
  • Collaboration

Certification

  • Current ACT Full Driver’s Licence
  • White Card (General Construction), Canberra Institute of Technology, 2025
  • First Aid Certification, Australia Wide First Aid, 2025

Additional Information

Australian Citizen

Open to relocation to Northern NSW

Willing to obtain Certificate IV in Local Government (Regulatory Services)

Timeline

Program Officer

Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder
04.2025 - 10.2025

Assessment Officer

Climate Active
11.2023 - Current

Program Officer

Department of Industry, Science and Resources
01.2023 - 11.2023

Intern

International Institute of Environmental Law
09.2022 - 11.2022

Program Officer

Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
01.2022 - 07.2022

Assessment Officer

Services Australia
08.2021 - 10.2021

Policy Officer

Critical Minerals Facilitation Office
02.2021 - 01.2022

Graduate

Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
02.2020 - 02.2021

Master of Sustainability - Environmental governance, regulatory frameworks, sustainability systems

University of Sydney

Bachelor of Commerce - Accountancy

University of Wollongong
Michael Dundas