NICOLE GERMANEY
Summary
Self-directed and resourceful Executive Officer with 10+ years of experience successfully organising, managing and delivering cross-functional outcomes. Serving as an air traffic controller for Senior Leaders and their leadership teams; as an integrator connecting work streams that would otherwise remain siloed; as a communicator linking the leadership team and the broader organisation; as an honest broker and truth teller when wide-ranging views without turf considerations are needed; and as a confidant without an organisational agenda. Influential at the executive-level, structuring and executing complex analyses to support strategy in fast-paced and evolving environments. Building Relationships with a growth mindset and strong communications skills to summarise and present complex topics effectively to internal and external stakeholders. Adaptive work style ensures information arrives at the right point in the decision-making process, the right people are part of the conversations, and systems work efficiently and effectively to support strategic, operational and tactical outcomes.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Officer, Public Sector Reform
Department Of The Prime Minister And Cabinet
12.2022 - Current
- Supported Deputy Secretary Public Sector Reform to execute strategic, operational, and cultural agendas calling for considerable change within the APS Reform Office (ARO) and across the Australian Public Service (APS).
- Modelled the culture Deputy Secretary Public Sector Reform sought to create; and a sophisticated mix of emotional intelligence, judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and political acumen, to interact with Ministerial Offices, Secretary, APS Commissioner, SES and other internal and external stakeholders.
- Helped the Deputy Secretary and Senior Leadership team navigate uncertainty and risk across the Governments ambitious reform agenda including four priority reform areas and eight reform outcomes, involving hundreds of initiatives leads and several lead agencies.
- Delivered expert administration and led a high-performing team to simplify complexity, contribute and execute strategic plans, anticipate and avert problems, comprehend and add value to the ARO's strategic direction, and navigate internal and external politics.
- Coordinated special projects and drafted presentations and other materials for meetings with the Minister, Secretaries Board meetings, COO Committee, Conferences, and employee events.
- Managed multiple priorities and triaged the Deputy Secretary's workflow, assisting with briefings, emails, and other correspondence.
Assistant Director, Governance and Performance
Department Of The Prime Minister And Cabinet
11.2021 - 12.2022
- Provided strategic and technical expertise to ensure the Department complied with the legal obligations under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) and Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014 (PGPA Rule).
- Supported a high standard of enterprise wide planning, measuring and reporting on the performance of department and government activities; and documented the Department's operating environment, organisational capability and risk.
- Aligned the Department's performance information in the Portfolio Budget Statements, Corporate Plan, Divisional Business Plans, Individual Performance Agreements; and the Annual Performance Statement.
- Delivered meaningful information to the Parliament, the Department, Audit and Risk Committee, and the public about what Department does and the results achieved.
Executive Officer, People Branch
Department Of Industry, Science & Energy Resources
09.2021 - 10.2021
- Supported the National Manager and EL2 cohort to implement the existing HR and People Strategy.
- Provided support to the Branch and broader Department by understanding Branch priorities, keeping projects on track, managing key stakeholder relationships, simplifying complexity and contributing to planning and executing outcomes.
- Developed materials including briefs, correspondence and speeches to support the National Manager and EL2 at COO Committee, Executive Committee, People Committee, the Consultative Committee, Conferences and employee events.
- Managed ad-hoc HR projects including a reporting system to monitor progress against the HR and People Roadmap. This reporting fed into key briefings and correspondence, including those required for Senate Estimates.
A/g Director / Assistant Director Secretariat
Services Australia
10.2020 - 09.2021
- Effective management of Enterprise Governance Committees to make the best use of everyone's expertise and time, support decision-making, and connect members and stakeholders to work together on common goals.
- Translated the Corporate Plan, strategic priorities, capability and risk into actionable forward work programs to facilitate accountability, risk oversight and compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
- Supported group Chair's by offering sound and trusted advice on governance, policy, and administrative issues, and identified nuances associated with issues under consideration.
- Helped stakeholders prepare effective and timely papers and presentations for committee consideration and facilitated the execution of committee actions and outcomes.
- Supported practical results that achieve goals and objectives, and ensured transparency while monitoring confidentiality.
- Acted thoughtfully about group members' and stakeholders' time and needs.
- Delivered on time, every time.
A/g Director/ Assistant Director Governance
Department Of Defence
11.2019 - 10.2020
- Provided strategic governance and administrative advice to the First Assistant Secretaries, SES and EL2 cohort.
- Developed, implemented, and evaluated administrative practices, systems, and procedures.
- Lead the development and coordination of the Division's business planning and Enterprise reporting.
- Managed divisional contributions to strategic committees, hearings, and inquiries.
- Coordinated divisional responses to requests for information such as ministerial correspondence, media enquiries, finance/ HR requests, and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
- Maintained effective relationships within Defence, the national security agencies, and Ministers Offices.
A/g Director, Shipbuilding Security
Department Of Defence
02.2020 - 02.2020
- Researched and prepared strategic advice, information and reports on diverse and complex Shipbuilding Security policy and operational matters.
- Worked independently and led a small team to complete and manage tasks and provide practical solutions to problems through liaison.
- Applied attention to detail and asked appropriate questions to promptly deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
Assistant Director, Special Project
Department Of Home Affairs
08.2019 - 11.2019
- Research and prepare strategic advice, information and reports on diverse and complex Visa policy and operational matters in relation to Crown Casino and junket operators.
Executive Officer, Executive Group/ Division
Department Of Home Affairs
07.2018 - 08.2019
- Led the Department of Home Affairs 2019 Incoming Government Briefs project.
- Coordinated the Portfolio's response to the Senate Inquiry into the ‘Allegations concerning the inappropriate exercise of ministerial powers, with respect to the visa status of au pairs, and related matters'.
- Led the development of the Division's business plan, business continuity plan, risk assessment, internal communication plan and budget.
- Prepared high-level correspondence including briefings, reports, and submissions.
- Provided stakeholder liaison and managed requests to coordinate responses.
- Implemented and monitored reporting on strategic, operational and project plans.
- Prepared strategic advice, information, and reports.
- Developed, implemented, and evaluated administrative practices, systems, and procedures.
Assistant Director Ministerial Coordination
Department Of Home Affairs
04.2018 - 07.2018
- Provided high-level secretariat and governance support to four Ministers and the Senior Executive.
- Provided strategic and operational advice and assistance regarding governance requirements and the preparation of agenda items, to ensure that Committees consider high-level, concise papers.
A/g EL1/ Senior Financial Policy Officer
Department Of Human Services
02.2016 - 03.2018
- Developed and implemented the new Accountable Authority Instructions, and 75 administered payment risk profiles, annual sign-offs, and CFO representational letters.
- Provided complex legislative and policy advice and delivered financial management training to staff.
- Administered the Financial Management and Compliance System (FMCS).
- Coordinated the DHS Accountants Network Seminars, CFO Division Study Framework, and administered payment assurance process.
- Managed departmental financial compliance activities and prepared the section 83 disclosure note to the financial statements.
- Undertook desktop quality assurance checks, compliance reporting and breach reviews in line with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (PGPA) Act 2013.
- Managed the Comcover process including excess, premium, and claims management.
- CFO Division Significant Achievement Award, Department of Human Services, 2018 for the Financial Policy Teams implementation of the revised Accountable Authority Instructions.
- CFO Division Significant Achievement Award, Department of Human Services, 2016 for the Organisation of the DHS Accountants Network.
Budget Coordination Officer
Department Of Human Services
09.2014 - 02.2016
- Provided advice on the Budget Process and Operational Rules and assisted with the comebacks list.
- Maintained the Budget measures list for coordination of Budget Communication Products.
- Assisted with the development of the budget letter, new policy proposals, budget and cabinet submissions, and other budget related documentation.
- Coordinated all Parliamentary Budget Officer requests.
Executive Assistant, Internal Budgets Branch
Department Of Human Services
04.2014 - 09.2014
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimise time.
- Organised and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
Customer Service Representative
Alinta Energy
12.2013 - 02.2014
- Handled customer inquiries and suggestions courteously and professionally.
- Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
- Answered constant flow of customer calls with minimal wait times.
- Answered customer telephone calls promptly to avoid on-hold wait times.
Customer Service Representative
Centrelink
05.2013 - 08.2013
- Handled customer inquiries and suggestions courteously and professionally.
- Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
- Answered constant flow of customer calls with minimal wait times.
- Answered customer telephone calls promptly to avoid on-hold wait times.
Medical Receptionist
Wentworth Avenue Family Practice
03.2012 - 05.2013
- Adhered to strict HIPAA guidelines to protect patient privacy.
- Checked patient insurance, demographic, and health history to keep information current.
- Helped patients complete necessary medical forms and documentation.
- Coordinated patient scheduling, check-in, check-out and payments for billing.
Executive Assistant
Department Of Human Services
08.2013 - 11.2013
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimise time.
- Organised and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
Office Manager
Beauty On The Go
04.2010 - 06.2011
- Maintained computer and physical filing systems.
- Created, maintained and updated filing systems for paper and electronic documents.
- Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
Conference Assistant
Conference Coordinators
01.2009 - 08.2009
- Oversaw multiple daily duties of mail, ordered supplies, delivered correspondence and oversaw inventory.
- Oversaw conference rooms, directed visitors, managed reservation system, answered questions and coordinated with vendors.
- Facilitated communication between teams handling catering, audio visual and room setup.
- Operated multi-line phone system to receive, screen and redirect calls.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Business Management Joint Accounting
Charles Sturt University
Bathurst, NSW06.2024
Diploma - Accounting
Australian Business Academy
2015
Diploma - Human Resources Management
Australian Business Academy
2013
Diploma - Business Management
Australian Business Academy
2012
Skills
- Executive Leadership and Accountability
- Job Context and Environment
- Independence and Decision-making
- Stakeholder Management
- Cross-functional management
- Program and Project Management
- Interpersonal Communication
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Governance and Administration
- Enterprise Planning and Coordination
- Performance Monitoring and Evaluation
- Organisational Systems and Business Improvements
- Oversee Administrative Functions
- Change Management
Accomplishments
- Provided political context and advice to aid the Assistant Minister Gorman's decision making on Public Sector Reform after they were sworn in as Assistant Minister for the Public Service and needed to rapidly familiarise themselves with the Government's ambitious APS Reform Agenda.
- Developed a policy paper on Psychological Safety in PM&C and strengthening pro‑integrity to manage enterprise risk, and create a workplace where staff can confidently and constructively check and challenge each-other.
- Developed the PM&C 2022-2026 Corporate Plan and the 2021-2022 Annual Performance Statement to help deliver government and strategic priorities, and align external reporting.
- Developed the COVID-19 Business Continuity Plan for the Defence Security and Vetting Services Division to enable the secondment of 50+ employees to Services Australia, whilst keeping staff safety and wellbeing at the forefront of planning.
- Coordinated the Department of Home Affairs response to the high-profile inquiry into Allegations concerning the inappropriate exercise of ministerial powers. This required tact and discretion, as several impacted employees were on posting overseas whilst this was reported on in the Australian media.
- Developed of the 2019 Home Affairs Incoming Government Briefs.
- Developed the revised set of Accountable Authority Instructions for the Department of Human Services, taking a risk-based approach, and rationalising a 160-page document to 20-pages.
Timeline
Executive Officer, Public Sector Reform
Department Of The Prime Minister And Cabinet
12.2022 - Current
Assistant Director, Governance and Performance
Department Of The Prime Minister And Cabinet
11.2021 - 12.2022
Executive Officer, People Branch
Department Of Industry, Science & Energy Resources
09.2021 - 10.2021
A/g Director / Assistant Director Secretariat
Services Australia
10.2020 - 09.2021
A/g Director, Shipbuilding Security
Department Of Defence
02.2020 - 02.2020
A/g Director/ Assistant Director Governance
Department Of Defence
11.2019 - 10.2020
Assistant Director, Special Project
Department Of Home Affairs
08.2019 - 11.2019
Executive Officer, Executive Group/ Division
Department Of Home Affairs
07.2018 - 08.2019
Assistant Director Ministerial Coordination
Department Of Home Affairs
04.2018 - 07.2018
A/g EL1/ Senior Financial Policy Officer
Department Of Human Services
02.2016 - 03.2018
Budget Coordination Officer
Department Of Human Services
09.2014 - 02.2016
Executive Assistant, Internal Budgets Branch
Department Of Human Services
04.2014 - 09.2014
Customer Service Representative
Alinta Energy
12.2013 - 02.2014
Executive Assistant
Department Of Human Services
08.2013 - 11.2013
Customer Service Representative
Centrelink
05.2013 - 08.2013
Medical Receptionist
Wentworth Avenue Family Practice
03.2012 - 05.2013
Office Manager
Beauty On The Go
04.2010 - 06.2011
Conference Assistant
Conference Coordinators
01.2009 - 08.2009
Bachelor's Degree - Business Management Joint Accounting
Charles Sturt University
Diploma - Accounting
Australian Business Academy
Diploma - Human Resources Management
Australian Business Academy
Diploma - Business Management
Australian Business Academy
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