DFAT looking for a new CIO

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has begun the search for a new chief information officer after former tech chief Tuan Dao was moved from the role late last year.

Dao had spent around four years in the CIO's chair before being requested by the departmental secretary to lead an undisclosed IT project described by the department as being "of strategic importance" in September last year.

Tim Spackman was handed the reins as acting CIO as a result.

iTnews understands Dao is now no longer employed by DFAT. The agency declined to comment on his departure, citing "privacy obligations".

DFAT similarly declined to comment on Spackman's future once a permanent CIO is hired, calling it "speculation". 

According to its job ad posted last week, DFAT wants its new CIO to overhaul management of the department’s ICT and information assets.

"The CIO role oversights the delivery of the international communication network (ICN) program, a five-year program of work to modernise, replace and improve the core systems and infrastructure of DFAT’s global communications network,” a spokesperson said.

The network connects over 140 sites in Australia and overseas on a 24/7 basis, which includes 95 diplomatic posts, ministerial and state offices, along with more than 45 Australian government partner agencies.

The department put the first piece of work under the $216 million program up for works in August last year, inviting tenders for a new IT service desk and support integrator.

Aside from a new CIO, DFAT is also looking for an assistant secretary of ICT services and an assistant secretary of business applications, along with level two ICT/technical directors for its information management and technology division.

The assistant secretary of business applications is tasked with leading DFAT’s systems, applications and overseas infrastructure development teams, while the assistant secretary of ICT services will be responsible for leading the day-to-day operation of DFAT’s global communications network.