Skip To Content Skip To Navigation

About the programme

DEWR’s IACMDP was originally developed in 2002 as part of the department’s Indigenous Australian Recruitment and Career Development Strategy.  The first two intakes, in 2003 and 2004, engaged a total of 29 participants across three APS Agencies, 72% of whom successfully completed the programme.

Although the programme was not conducted in 2005, 2006 saw 50 participants commence on the programme across eleven APS Agencies.

The IACMDP aims to:

  • increase the representation of Indigenous Australians within the APS;
  • increase the numbers of qualified Indigenous Australian contract managers; and
  • position participants to undertake a sustainable career in contract management within the APS, initially as ongoing employees at the APS 3 level.

The IACMDP is scheduled to commence on 2 July 2007 and runs for a period of twelve months.

The three main components of the IACMDP are:

  • completion of a Diploma of Government (Contract Management);
  • 12 months practical work experience incorporating on the job training; and
  • complementary training courses and development activities.

Whilst individual elements of the programme may be accomplished within this time frame, participants must remain in an approved full-time work placement for twelve months in order to be eligible to graduate.

As an IACMDP participant you will be provided with substantial training, mentoring and coaching throughout the programme to assist with your career development.

What is Contract Management?

Many APS agencies elect to contract third party providers to deliver particular goods or services either to the agency or on their behalf.  Contract Managers are responsible for ensuring that these third party providers deliver the specified goods or services at the quality, quantity and cost specified within their contract to ensure that the Agency’s outcomes are achieved.

The IACMDP provides participants with practical experience in contract management related activities such as:

  • sitting in on contract negotiations;
  • drafting initial correspondence for supervisors to check;
  • having supervised contact with contracted providers;
  • reading and understanding departmental contracts, performance information etc;
  • participating in team planning days;
  • participating in project work;
  • taking meeting minutes, arranging events; and
  • researching and reporting.