Intelligence Policy and Program Officers

Department of Defence; Canberra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Work-life balance

Job summary

Department of Defence’s Defence Intelligence Group seeks motivated APS 6 Policy and Program Officers to shape intelligence policy outcomes and deliver coherent, Defence-wide policy advice. You will work with a diverse team, supporting professional development and flexible arrangements where possible.

Ideal candidates bring strong strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and excellent communication skills to navigate priorities and complex issues within a national security context.

Qualifications

• Experience in policy development or advisory roles.
• Strong written and oral communication.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes.
• Knowledge of intelligence policy and national security context.
• Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Shape and implement intelligence policy outcomes across the branch.
• Provide policy advice to senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver policy solutions.
• Support professional development and promote a positive work culture.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Written and verbal communication

Decision-making

Autonomy and accountability

Collaboration

Education

Policy development experience

International engagement experience

Knowledge of law/governance

National security awareness

Job description

Intelligence Policy and Program Officers

Defence Intelligence Group is looking for motivated, enthusiastic and collaborative APS 6 Policy and Program Officers to fill actual and anticipated vacancies within the Intelligence Policy and Priorities Branch. You will have access to professional development opportunities all while enjoying a rewarding role that contributes to advancing Australia’s national security. The recruitment activity will be used to create a merit pool from which to fill vacancies across the Defence Intelligence Group.

About our Team

As part of Intelligence Policy and Priorities Branch, you will have the unique opportunity to shape and implement intelligence policy outcomes within the dynamic Defence Intelligence Enterprise, and deliver a coherent, Defence-wide approach to achieving intelligence policy outcomes.

We are trusted to provide high quality and insightful policy advice, and deliver against the highest priority strategic issues. We come from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences – and we harness this diversity as a key component of our everyday business.

We are a Branch that supports professional development and growth opportunities for all staff, and a Branch that supports a good work-life balance. This includes exploring flexible working arrangements on a case-by-case basis.

Our Ideal Candidate

To succeed in Defence Intelligence Group, applicants will demonstrate:

• Sound judgement, initiative and decision-making skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities to deliver outcomes.
• The ability to think strategically, problem-solve and navigate complexity.
• The ability to work autonomously and take accountability for outcomes, while still collaborating effectively to achieve team and organisational objectives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to build productive relationships and negotiate solutions to sensitive and complex matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear advice and tailor products for different audiences.
• Resilience, adaptability and a positive outlook when responding to changing priorities and emerging challenges.
• The ability to contribute to a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture.

Highly regarded experience includes in policy development, international engagement, law, governance, data/analytics, and national security or related fields with an understanding of the intelligence cycle or experience as an intelligence analyst.

Security Clearance

Prior to commencement, successful applicants will be required to undergo a psychological assessment and an extensive security clearance process. As a Positive Vetting clearance is required, applicants must be Australian Citizens; be able to account for their personal background for their whole life; and be able to demonstrate suitability to work in a high security intelligence environment.

Getting to know the Department of Defence

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers