Description

Federal Gov’t Department client is seeking Senior Test Analysts (APS6 level) to determine and then carry out testing activities to validate the design and behaviour of systems and services. APS6 Test Analysts ensure that ICT solutions improve quality, performance, architectural and functional requirements and are fit for business purpose. APS6 Test Analysts ensure that all test effort activities are effectively completed and carried out in accordance with agreed test guidelines.

APS6 Test Analysts work under the limited direction of senior staff. They exercise both initiative and judgement in the interpretation of policy and in the application of practices and procedures. Decision making is dependent on judgement, skills and knowledge. APS6 Test Analysts manage and organise their own work in the context of competing priorities, including contributing to business planning, changes in workplace practices and innovative improvement strategies.

APS6 Test Analysts may manage a team.

Estimated start date Tuesday, 01 July 2025

Initial contract duration 12 months

Experience level Senior – APS6 equivalent

Location of work ACT, QLD, SA, VIC

Working arrangements type Hybrid

Working arrangements

The agency requires the services at the agency’s premises in Brisbane, Canberra or Melbourne and Adelaide. Other locations will not be accepted. The expectation is to work from the RFQ location on a full-time basis for the first 6 weeks. Work-from-home arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis however it is a standard requirement to work from the RFQ location for a minimum of three days per week.

Security clearance Must be an Australian Citizen and able to obtain Baseline

Key duties and responsibilities

APS6 Test Analyst

• Create and execute complex test cases on appropriate testing platforms using own in-dept technical analysis of specifications
• Create complex test data within external software vendor environment
• Review test cases from team members to ensure quality
• Develop and review test plans, test cases, task cards and supporting test data, working to the specifications provided
• Apply in-depth technical analysis, practices and procedures when designing, executing and creating test cases
• Assist with defining requirements for the test environments
• Record and analyse test results, and report any unexpected or unsatisfactory outcomes
• Contribute to team improvement initiatives and projects, including team tools, process changes, and test automation
• Identify, analyse, manage and document all defects, programming errors and operational characteristics that are inconsistent with stated requirements and design specifications
• Conduct testing to ensure the ICT Service functions as per requirements
• Create test data in vendor environment
• Monitor and manage time and effort to ensure test cases are running to project schedule and escalate any issues
• Manage a small team including setting local priorities, managing resources, and assisting with the development of work plans
• Manage and support a team including managing performance, attendance, health and wellbeing
• Develop staff capability through coaching, mentoring and training
• Ensure work aligns with business processes and overall delivery outcomes
• Collaborate with stakeholders to resolve issues and ensure effective and timely implementation of projects
• Provide advice and assistance to external software vendors in regards to testing and development of software
• Resolve or escalate issues as required and suggest alternative approaches
• Perform cost analysis activities as required
• Exercise appropriate delegation in accordance with legislation and guidelines

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

• Acceptance testing: Level 4 (SFIA) Develops acceptance criteria related to functional and non-functional requirements, business processes, features, user stories and business rules. Designs, specifies and executes test cases and scenarios to test that systems, products and services fulfil the acceptance criteria and deliver the predicted business benefits. Collaborates with project colleagues and stakeholders involved in the analysis, development and operation of products, systems or services to ensure accuracy and comprehensive test coverage. Analyses and reports on test activities, results, issues and risks including the work of others
• Methods and tools: Level 4 (SFIA) Provides advice and guidance to support the adoption of methods and tools and adherence to policies and standards. Tailors processes in line with agreed standards and evaluation of methods and tools. Reviews and improves usage and application of methods and tools.
• Quality assurance: Level 3 (SFIA)Contributes to the collection of evidence and the conduct of formal audits or reviews of activities. Examines records for evidence that appropriate testing and other quality control activities have taken place. Determines compliance with organisational directives, standards and procedures and identifies non-compliances, non-conformances and abnormal occurrences.
• Testing: Level 5 (SFIA) Plans and drives testing activities across all stages and iterations of product, systems and service development. Provides authoritative advice and guidance on any aspect of test planning and execution. Adopts and adapts appropriate testing methods, automated tools and techniques to solve problems in tools and testing approaches. Measures and monitors applications of standards for testing. Assesses risks and takes preventative action. Identifies improvements and contributes to the development of organisational policies, standards, and guidelines for testing.
• User experience evaluation: Level 3 (SFIA) Evaluates design options and prototypes to obtain user feedback on requirements of developing systems, products, services or devices. Tests the usability and accessibility of components and alternative designs. Administers a range of evaluations, recording data and feedback. Analyses evaluation data and recommends actions. Identifies areas for future user research. Checks systems, products, services or devices for adherence to applicable standards, guidelines, style guides, and legislation. Evaluates the usability of existing or competitor systems to provide benchmark values and as input to design.

Desirable criteria

• Business situation analysis: Level 3 (SFIA) Investigates straightforward business situations to identify and analyse problems and opportunities. Contributes to the recommendation of improvements. Follows agreed standards and techniques to investigate, analyse and document business situations. Engages with stakeholders under direction.
• Quality management: Level 4 (SFIA) Assists in the development of new or improved practices and organisational processes or standards. Assists projects, functions or teams in planning the quality management for their area of responsibility. Facilitates localised improvements to the quality system or services.
• Specialist advice: Level 4 (SFIA) Provides detailed and specific advice regarding the application of their specialism to the organisation’s planning and operations. Actively maintains knowledge in one or more identifiable specialisms. Recognises and identifies the boundaries of their own specialist knowledge. Where appropriate, collaborates with other specialists to ensure advice given is appropriate to the organisation’s needs.

Additional Requirements

1. A security clearance may be required for this role. Does the candidate have the ability to obtain and maintain a Baseline clearance if required?

2. To identify potential conflicts of interest, is the candidate a director/owner/account manager/partner of a Seller registered on BuyICT? If so, provide the Position Title, Seller Name and Seller ABN

3. Provide details (e.g. manager, branch) of candidate’s previous worked history either as a contractor or employee for the Client including its former agencies such as the Department of Human Services.

4. Provide the email contact details of 2 x referees for each candidate. Must include 1 x current or recent manager.