Program Analyst - Workforce

Arenatechnologies; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Health & wellbeing support

Professional development

Career progression

Job summary

SPA Australia in Canberra is seeking a high-performing Analyst to join our defence-focused team. You will contribute to workforce planning, training analysis, and policy-driven decisions, collaborating closely with Defence, government, and industry partners on national security initiatives.

You will interpret quantitative and qualitative data, develop strategic analyses, and produce executives' briefings and reports for senior decision-makers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Experience in defence, government, or complex operational environments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with senior leaders.
• Proficiency in MS PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Support workforce planning, modelling, and organisational design activities.
• Analyse training systems, workforce requirements, and readiness challenges.
• Collect and interpret qualitative and quantitative data for recommendations.
• Prepare reports, briefings, and presentations for senior stakeholders.
• Facilitate workshops and stakeholder engagements across Defence and government.
• Contribute to design and implementation of workforce solutions.
• Support project planning, risk management, and delivery in complex environments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to achieve program outcomes.

Skills

Workforce planning

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Report writing

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

PowerPoint

Word

Excel

Job description

Systems Planning and Analysis Australia Pty Ltd (SPA Australia) provides senior decision makers within the Australian Department of Defence with timely and objective assessments affecting their capability employment and investment strategies. Our team of former military professionals and operations research analysts integrate military expertise with advanced analytic methods including force generation modelling, agent based tactical simulations, and operational mission analyses to deliver trusted decision support that directly contributes to national security outcomes.

Together with SPA Australia, our AUKUS, Submarines, and Industrial Base Group (ASIG) provides timely, objective, analytic assessments that integrate technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis to NAVSEA Team Submarine program offices and key stakeholders surrounding submarine platform construction. Team Submarine unifies submarine platform procurement activities, which includes the Columbia class SSBN program (a Major Defense Acquisition Program and the US Navy’s top acquisition priority), the Virginia class SSN program and the new SSN X program (developing the next generation attack submarine), to bring improved capabilities to our undersea forces. Analysts and Engineers supporting Team Submarine will continue SPA’s decades of support to the SSBN force, as well as supporting oversight of cutting edge attack submarine construction, assisting in developing the design requirements for the SSN platform of the future, and helping plan and execute new and innovative strategies to strengthen the critical submarine shipbuilding industrial base. These are high profile, major acquisition and manufacturing programs of significant importance to the future capabilities of the US Navy in an era of renewed strategic competition.

The AUKUS COMSUBFOR team within ASIG is charged with delivering high quality, timely tracking, analysis and policy solutions to a variety of challenging problems in the man/train/equip (raise/train/sustain) space. We work in a dynamic environment with new information and bureaucratic realities often forcing adjustments in approach and priorities. Current chartered lines of effort include workforce modelling and future workforce development, policy development, training strategy implementation, knowledge transfer, and operational process development.

Overview

We are seeking a high performing Analyst to join a growing Australia based team supporting one of the most significant Defence capability initiatives in Australia.

Working within a multinational AUKUS environment, you will contribute to the development and transition of workforce and training solutions, initially aligned to U.S. Navy training systems and evolving to incorporate U.K. Royal Navy training frameworks. This is a unique opportunity to work on complex, nationally significant programs that will help shape Australia's future Defence capabilities.

Responsibilities

As a trusted member of the project team, you will work closely with Defence, government, and industry stakeholders, producing high quality analysis, reports, briefings, and recommendations that inform senior decision makers. This role is ideally suited to someone who enjoys solving complex problems, working within multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to meaningful national outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Support workforce planning, modelling, and organisational design activities that enable Defence capability outcomes.
• Analyse training systems, workforce requirements, and workforce readiness challenges to identify risks, gaps, and improvement opportunities.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data to support evidence based recommendations.
• Develop reports, executive briefings, presentations, and other professional documentation for senior stakeholders.
• Facilitate workshops, interviews, and stakeholder engagement activities across Defence, government, and industry organisations.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of workforce and training solutions aligned with Defence objectives.
• Support project planning, risk management, and delivery activities within a complex stakeholder environment.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary and multinational teams, both virtually and in person, to achieve program outcomes.

We are looking for a motivated and mission focused professional with the following attributes:

• Experience in workforce planning, organisational design, training analysis, operational analysis or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, including the ability to work through complex issues and competing stakeholder requirements.
• Excellent written communication skills, with experience producing professional reports, briefings, and recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to work effectively with senior leaders and subject matter experts.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within high performing teams.
• A genuine interest in Defence capability development, workforce transformation, and major national programs.

Qualifications

Essential Requirements:

• Ability to work on site in Canberra, ACT, including full time attendance where required by client needs.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, or Trade training of 5 years’ experience with Navy operations and training preferred, alternatively, STEM education or background may be suitable
• Experience in Defence, government, consulting, or other complex operational environments.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with senior leaders; strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience supporting Defence workforce, training, or capability development programs.
• Experience working with Defence personnel and stakeholders.
• Navy operations, training, or workforce experience.
• Submarine or undersea warfare experience.
• Australian citizenship and an active NV2 security clearance or higher. More information on eligibility for an Australian security clearance can be found at: https://www.defence.gov.au/security/clearances/about/vetting-assessment#eligibility.

The SPA Australia Difference

We believe work should be a positive part of your life. It should challenge, engage, and support you in equal measure. By joining SPA Australia, you will enjoy:

• Flexible working options
• Health and Wellbeing support
• Professional development
• Career progression pathways supporting your development and career goals
• The chance to give back to your community by working with our not for profit partners

Why SPA Australia

We offer a competitive salary package with options to earn on the job awards and bonuses, a collaborative team environment, a swag of benefits to support you and your colleagues, and the opportunity to do high impact, meaningful work. We are looking for someone that is able to start ASAP.