Salima Estefan, Procurement and Contract Management Profession

‘Through the Procurement and Contract Management Profession, I have built a great professional network and had the opportunity to progress a career that benefits my agency, my team and myself.’

Joining the APS

Describe your entry into the APS

I joined the APS to pursue a career with deeper purpose and broader societal impact in a country I’ve chosen to be my second home. Flexible work arrangements also offered an opportunity to work and pursue a career while meeting my family's needs.

I started as an Executive Assistant to Austrade’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief People Officer, moving into the Senior Advisor role to the Service Legal Agreement team at Department of Finance.

I practised medicine in my birth country, where I held Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery. After migrating to Australia in 2008, I developed new skills to diversify my employment options and build a safe future for my family. I worked in aged care, community health and diplomatic services.

Your professional career

Describe the meaning and importance of being a ‘professional’ in the APS

Being a ‘professional’ means upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability, and committing to continuing education. It means leading with purpose, by example, supporting and collaborating with colleagues and championing values that reflect my own.

‘Professionals’ bring expertise, ethical judgement and commitment to serving the public interest. This is important in daily decision-making, building confidence in the processes and integrity of the APS.

How did you become a ‘professional’ in your field?

In moving to the procurement business partner role, I was challenged to develop new skills and knowledge my division needed. It took a lot of commitment to learn about a topic I wasn’t familiar with.

I did the Department of Finance’s Pathways to Procurement pilot program for new procurement and contract management staff, joining 20 incredible public servants for 16 days of intensive face-to-face training. Through this opportunity, I attained a Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting. This helped me secure my role and led me to the Procurement and Contract Management Profession.

How do you maintain the required qualifications and standards for being a professional in your field?

I stay current by engaging in ongoing professional development, maintaining membership in relevant professional associations and attending community of practice events to grow my network. I consistently apply my expertise with integrity and stay informed of regulatory and policy changes.

What do you value most about being a professional in your field?

Being a professional in various fields has helped me grow my career and respond to challenging situations with confidence. It has empowered me to continue building what I hope will be a long and successful career in the APS, while enabling me to contribute to something greater than myself.

Which professional experiences or achievements are you most proud of?

I am proud of building a new skillset, after leaving behind a career I loved. I am proud of the serious and humble approach I take in every role, maintaining my curiosity and commitment to serving others.

I also proudly co-chaired Austrade’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Network, and was on the steering committee of the MOSAIC program that informed Austrade’s CALD Employment Strategy. I am passionate about reducing obstacles to promotion for APS CALD employees like me.

What professional advice would you give your younger self?

Remember, mistakes lead to learning. This will relieve the unhelpful pressures of perfectionism.
Trust your instincts and be willing to learn new things. This will open doors to new opportunities.

Your involvement in the Procurement and Contract Management Profession

How have you benefited from your involvement in the Procurement and Contract Management Profession?

Through the Procurement and Contract Management Profession, I have built a great professional network and been able to progress a career that benefits my agency, my team and myself. I’ve also had opportunities to assist APS employees to use public resources in an appropriate way.

I’ve acquired internationally recognised WorldCC and Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply certifications, as well as a Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting. I’ve become a better, more confident business partner, with a fresh perspective on how to improve procurement processes.

Looking to the future, I feel confident knowing there are a diverse range of career progression options available to me. 

Find out more

Australian Government (n.d.) Procurement and Contract Management Profession, APS Professions website, accessed 7 July 2025.