Lead Data Architect

Lead Data Architect

Australian citizenship required. No PR or Work Visa holders. Must be able to obtain Baseline security clearance.

What to Submit

1. A tailored resume in docx format

2. A one page (5000 character) summary response to the selection criteria below.

RFQ Details

• RFQ ID: LH-05675

• Agency: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

• Closing Date: Tuesday, 03 March 2026 – 11:59pm (Canberra time)

• Estimated Start Date: Wednesday, 01 April 2026

• Initial Contract Duration: 12 months

• Extension Term: 12 months

• Number of Extensions: 2

• Experience Level: Lead – EL2 equivalent

• Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain Baseline

• Location of Work: ACT, NSW

• Working Arrangements:

  Hybrid. Preference for candidates located in Canberra, ACT or Sydney, NSW.

  Successful applicants will be required to work from the CDC office for a minimum of 2 days per week.

  A Working from Home Agreement must be formalised with the Buyer representative before commencing flexible work arrangements.

  The Labour Hire Worker must adhere to the annual closedown as defined in the Buyers Enterprise Agreement and public holidays.

• Maximum Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Details

The Department of Health and Aged Care (the department) seeks a highly experienced Senior Data Architect (particularly with knowledge and experience in KRR/knowledge graph, semantic reasoning and data ontologies) to support the development and implementation of the National Public Health Surveillance System (NPHSS) supporting the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

This pivotal role involves supporting the design, assessment, and implementation of data technology solutions critical to the CDCs mission of managing communicable diseases and public health emergency response whilst adhering to the departments architecture design and security principles.

We are looking for creative problem-solvers with strong analytical and technical expertise.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The key responsibilities for this position include:

Data Architecture

• Design and implementation of the enterprise data architecture to support the programs objectives.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive data models and architectures to ensure data consistency, reliability, and security across the organisation.

• Align solutions with the CDCs ICT and Data strategy and business objectives.

• Guide the activities of solution architects and technical specialists to ensure that solutions meet the organisations requirements.

Data Management and Integration

• Oversee data integration processes, ensuring seamless data flow between systems and platforms.

• Implement/support data governance frameworks and best practices to maintain high data quality and integrity.

• Collaborate with IT and business stakeholders to identify data requirements and provide solutions for data acquisition, storage, and retrieval.

Technology and Innovation

• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and tools to enhance data architecture and management capabilities.

• Lead initiatives to adopt emerging technologies, such as AI and machine learning, to improve data analytics and decision-making processes.

Collaboration and Leadership

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including data scientists, analysts, and IT professionals, to ensure data solutions meet organisational needs.

Compliance and Security

• Ensure data architecture complies with relevant regulations and standards, including data privacy and security guidelines.

• Implement robust security measures to protect sensitive health data from unauthorised access and breaches.

Deliverables

The Deliverables for the Data Architect include, but are not limited to the following:

• Data Management Framework: Collaborate with the CDCs operational data teams and the departments architecture, security, platform, data, and other operational teams to develop and implement CDCs Enterprise Data Management Framework.

• Solution Design: Design and develop business data technology solutions that align with the CDCs objectives and requirements while complying with the departments architecture and security frameworks and practices.

• Architecture Documentation: Create and maintain detailed data architecture documentation, including diagrams, technical specifications, and guidelines for the implementation and integration of solutions.

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Engage with stakeholders, including CDC business units, the departments operational teams, program and project managers, and IT & security teams, to understand requirements and translate them into effective, scalable, and secure data technology solutions.

• Technology Evaluation & Selection: Assess and select appropriate technologies and platforms that best suit the specific data needs of the business while complying with the departments design and security frameworks under a Shared Services arrangement.

• Integration & Interoperability: Propose data solutions that seamlessly integrate new systems with legacy systems, promoting interoperability and data exchange between different platforms and applications.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Ensure proposed data solutions meet internal and external design and security policies, standards, and frameworks and have the appropriate approvals as per internal governance practices and procedures.

• Advisory & Support: Provide technical guidance and support to both the Australian CDC and the department throughout the lifecycle of the projects.

Previous Employment and Skills

• In-depth understanding of software development methodologies, system design, and integration practices.

• Comprehensive knowledge of ICT regulatory and compliance requirements.

• Demonstrated experience in facilitating workshops with a range of participants, including senior management, technical staff, and business users.

• Proficiency in data/architecture frameworks and enterprise design tools.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Technical Skills

• Bachelor degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field (masters degree preferred).

• Certification in Enterprise Architecture (e.g., TOGAF certification).

• Experience in cloud architecture and big data solutions, in a healthcare context.

• Experience in semantic, ontological and graph solutions.

• Familiarity with government or public sector organisational structures and processes.

Selection Criteria

The buyer has specified that each candidate must provide a one page pitch to address all criteria specified. This is equal to 5000 characters.

Essential criteria

1. Minimum of 10 years of experience in data architecture, data management, or related roles

2. Proven track record of designing and implementing enterprise data architecture solutions in large organisations.

3. Experience with semantic modelling and graph technologies essential.

4. Strong knowledge of architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF) and methodologies.

5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.

6. Proficiency in data/architecture frameworks and enterprise design tools.

Desirable criteria

1. Experience in the health sector or public health surveillance systems is highly desirable.

2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.