Policy Officer

To inquire about office arrangement please contact the below contact officer.
Merit List/Pools and How They Will Be UsedApplicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool.
If the applicant agrees, the results may be shared with other Australian Public Service (APS) agencies for filling similar roles.
Applicants may be offered a future role without the need to reapply.
A merit list or pool may be used for up to 18 months.
This merit list/pool may be used to fill other vacancies anywhere in Australia.
The Role
If you are someone who enjoys a challenge and you want to contribute to the future of Defence, we want to hear from you.
As an APS 5 Policy Officer, you will work in the Transformation, Policy and Technology Directorate within Defence Export Controls Branch (DEC).
DEC plays a key role in protecting Defence capability by contributing to Australia's counter-proliferation efforts and supporting Australian industry through the timely consideration of export permits.
So what does this mean for you?
You will be working on challenging policy activities that have a real impact on the future of Australia's Defence export control system.
The work we deliver is driven by Government priorities and ensures that stakeholders are able to meet their obligations under Australia's export control laws.You will have an opportunity to work with internal and external stakeholders from across government, industry, higher education, and research sectors.You will undertake complex policy research, analysis, and development to deliver informed and timely outcomes for DEC Branch.You will be trusted to use your skills and experience to develop creative solutions to challenging problems (with support from the rest of your team).You will have the chance to do work that will diversify your skills and experience to help set you up for success in future roles in Defence or the APS – we are keen to understand what you want out of the role, and how we can help you get there.The right person for this role will be a confident communicator, with an ability to build and sustain stakeholder relationships.
They will be responsible for actively managing key stakeholder relationships to meet key business outcomes as required.
DEC is part of the Strategy, Policy, and Industry (SP&I) Group within Defence.
SP&I Group is keen to explore opportunities for public servants from all backgrounds.
The work of SP&I Group encompasses an array of roles that will enable you to utilise your abilities to the utmost – and develop new ones that will enrich your future prospects.
Working within SP&I Group is more than just a job; it offers opportunities over the course of a career to work across diverse national and international security and policy matters of national significance.
The successful applicant may be eligible to commence on a Baseline security clearance; however, they must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at "Negative Vetting Level 1."
About Our TeamDefence Export Controls Branch (DEC) is the Commonwealth regulator responsible for the movement of Defence-related goods, technology, and services both within and outside Australia.
DEC supports stakeholders from government, industry, higher education, and research sectors, and private individuals to meet their obligations under Australia's export control laws.
The Transformation, Policy and Technology Directorate's purpose is to deliver business transformation to meet new objectives and adapt to the ever-evolving business landscape.
This encompasses policy, process, and technology changes underpinned by a strong program management and delivery framework.
Transformation also involves a shift in mindset, culture, and operations.
Our mission is to create additional value by collaborating and co-designing with key stakeholders to unlock potential in technology through automation and innovation, optimise processes and policies, maximise the use of employees, and harness data to maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of Defence Export Controls services.
We support the delivery and sustainment of improved ICT infrastructure and data solutions, starting with the My Australian Defence Exports (MADE) system.
Through international collaboration, we aim to build capabilities with maturity and address export control hot issues with agility and precision.
We will maintain the integrity of the Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL), engage proactively with International Export Controls (IEC) and AUKUS initiatives teams, and ensure our data and technology resources are leveraged to their full potential to aid in the delivery of Defence Export Control services.
Our vision is to deliver capability that provides value and guides Defence Export Controls to its desired future state to meet emerging needs.
We aspire to maintain a state of readiness to address emerging challenges, ensuring Defence Export Controls remains at the forefront of Defence policy and technology and is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the export control environment.
We are a small and supportive team of professionals that work closely to achieve outcomes.
Our team is drawn from across Defence – we have diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
We can offer you flexible working arrangements and will ensure you have the opportunity to pursue a range of formal and informal professional development opportunities to support your future career goals.
Our Ideal CandidateOur ideal candidate will preferably have experience in policy development, a can-do attitude, and an overall commitment to providing high-quality support to deliver best practice policy development.
Traits of people that will thrive in the team include:
Highly motivated.
We want someone who is keen to kick goals and takes the initiative to achieve results.Excellent judgement and problem-solving skills.
You will need these when dealing with complex situations or stakeholders.Great at building relationships.
There are many different people who have a stake in the outcomes we are trying to achieve, and you will need to be able to make relationships with them work.Good communication skills.
We want someone who can write short, sharp, and to-the-point, and make sure what they produce makes sense to their target audience.Flexible.
Things will change, and we want someone who is able to shift their approach and be innovative as required.
You will fit best if you are adaptable and resilient in your approach to kicking goals.Desire to learn.
Defence export controls is a unique function and it will take time to learn the existing legislation, regulations, and policy framework.However, if you are excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with the traits listed above, we still want to hear from you.
We are interested in understanding your strengths, what you want to get out of the position, and what unique insights you can bring to the team.
We also know that sometimes it is hard to know what a job will be like from reading this position description alone.
Please feel free to reach out to the contact officer with any questions you might have to help you understand if this role is the right fit.
Security ClearanceApplicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at "Baseline Vetting" level.
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy.
Under the RecruitAbility scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job.
For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability.
Getting to Know the Department of DefenceThe 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.
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