Economic Security Policy Leader

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Canberra-based role

Job summary

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources in Canberra seeks leaders to support the National Security, Strategy and Engagement function. You will drive complex policy work, integrate economic security considerations into DISR policy, and coordinate with the National Intelligence Community and international partners to deliver high‑impact outcomes for Australia’s security and prosperity.

The role offers flexible work arrangements where possible and a Canberra‑based, policy‑driven

Job description

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources – Canberra ACT

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the Department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the team

Australia's prosperity and security are increasingly interconnected. As strategic competition, economic coercion, supply chain disruptions and rapid technological change reshape the global landscape, DISR is at the forefront of helping Australia navigate these challenges while capturing new opportunities for growth.

DISR's work spans some of Australia's most important national priorities, including critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies, science and research, supply chain resilience, and the Future Made in Australia agenda. Our teams work across government, and with industry, the National Intelligence Community and international partners to ensure Australia remains both economically competitive and secure.

Economic security roles in DISR provide a unique opportunity to contribute to work that has a direct impact on Australia's future. You will help shape policies and programs that strengthen sovereign capability, support innovation, improve resilience against economic and national security threats, and position Australia to respond effectively to global shocks and emerging risks. The work is intellectually challenging, fast-paced and highly relevant to some of the most significant issues facing the nation.

We are seeking motivated professionals who are curious, strategic thinkers and keen to work on complex issues at the intersection of economic policy and national security. Whether your expertise lies in policy development, economics, industry engagement, science, technology, resources, strategy or intelligence, you will have opportunities to build specialist knowledge, influence decision-making and contribute to outcomes that matter.

Join a team that is helping shape Australia's economic future, strengthen national resilience and deliver lasting benefits for Australian industry, science and resources.

The opportunity

The National Security, Strategy and Engagement section are looking for talented, motivated, and inspiring leaders to support the following functions (depending on the role):

• Lead the provision of economic security advice, including the uplift and integration of national security considerations in DISR’s policy development process; and drive a range of economic security policy initiatives and stakeholder dialogues.
• Lead policy development and advice on a range of national security issues, including export controls, and counter-proliferation. Officers will also support and lead other team functions, including to:
  • Design and deliver training and facilitate discussions on national and economic security policy issues.
  • Evolve secretariat functions to deliver high-quality products for the Secretary and Deputy Secretaries in their attendance at national and economic security committees; and support the delivery of DISR’s contributions and actions.
  • Engage with the National Intelligence Community, providing strategic briefings and advice on national security issues.

Our ideal candidate

We are seeking candidates with the skills and experience to lead one or more of the following functions:

• Policy development – leading the design and implementation of policy initiatives that address complex and emerging challenges across government and industry.
• Economic security – providing strategic advice on complex economic and national security issues, and supporting the integration of security, resilience and preparedness considerations into DISR policy and program development.
• Secretariat and briefing management – delivering high-quality secretariat support, including preparing clear, concise and influential briefings for senior executives and Ministers on national and economic security matters.
• Intelligence engagement – building and maintaining effective partnerships with the National Intelligence Community to inform policy development and decision-making on national security issues.
• Intelligence integration – translating intelligence assessments and insights into practical policy, operational and strategic advice to support informed decision-making across DISR.

Experience working on economic security policy issues is highly desirable.

The key duties of the position include:

• You will undertake work that is very complex or sensitive and operate under broad direction.
• You will exercise a considerable degree of independence and perform a leadership role.
• You will contribute to strategic direction and undertake work activities with an awareness of possible impact on strategic, political or operational outcomes for the department.
• Lead and foster inclusion and respect, and contribute intentionally to a the positive culture and organisational resilience.

Specifically, you will:

• Support Ministers and Senior executives with clear, concise written briefings and presentations that consider the breadth of the department’s policy equities.
• Drive and deliver complex work programs requiring a plurality of perspectives.
• Conduct research and analysis to inform policy development and implementation.
• Respond to rapidly changing priorities and collaborate closely with Senior Executive offices and other stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships across government, including with the National Intelligence Community and international partners.
• Lead, coach and mentor staff to deliver outcomes and provide constructive feedback and support a culture of inclusivity and innovation.
• Monitor geostrategic and national security developments impacting Australia’s National Interest and provide regular updates to senior executives and Ministers offices.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of operating in a secure environment, and interacting with and managing sensitive information.

Eligibility

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.

Positions require a Positive Vetting or Top Secret-Privileged Access (TS-PA) security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Notes

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.

The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is Canberra based, although some flexible work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Getting to know the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)

The department’s Enterprise Agreement and policies provide for a flexible working environment to assist staff balance their work and home life.

Staff and managers work together to balance the operating needs of the department with the needs of the individual.

Options may include full time/part time working arrangements, working from home or other arrangements.

Our employees say they recommend our department as a good place to work.

Our workplace is one that encourages and supports all employees to have a sense of belonging and a culture that allows them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Our reconciliation vision supports a workforce with opportunities and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The vision allows them to feel empowered and helps to ensure that the department and broader community can benefit from the knowledge and experience of Australia’s First Peoples.

We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, nationalities and backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, mature age, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people of the LGBTIQA+ community and people with disability.

The department wants to give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their full potential during a recruitment process.

We encourage candidates who require any adjustments or support as part of the recruitment process to reach out and discuss them with the job’s contact officer.

Candidates are also welcome to contact our Inclusion team at *********@industry.gov.au for a confidential discussion if you identify from any of these diverse backgrounds and would like to discuss how we can support you.