Policy and Program Officer/s

Job Req ID

Home Affairs - 

Location

ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA 

 Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time / Part-time 

Classification

APS Level 6 - $94,563.00 and $107,713.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Contact Officer

Luke Davoren -   

Office Arrangements

Flexible; Hybrid; Onsite  - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.
 

Applications close on 19/10/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill mulitple position/s. 

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA.
 

About our team

Cyber & Infrastructure Security | Critical Infra Partnership & Policy | Critical Infra Security Policy | Critical Infra Strategy & Guidance

The Critical Infrastructure Security Policy Branch has a focus on driving two way collaboration with industry through the Trusted Information Sharing Network, with international partners including through the Critical 5, and through various communication methods. This strong focus on collaboration and engagement ensures critical infrastructure entities have the tools, advice and intelligence they need to make their networks and entities secure. The Branch leads some elements of critical infrastructure policy issues on behalf of the Group, including driving wide ranging reforms to the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 and delivering the Critical Infrastructure Resilience Strategy. We are very focussed on partnerships with industry and we work hand in hand with the owners of Australia's critical infrastructure to ensure resilience.

Positions may be across one of our five Sections:

• The Critical Infrastructure Strategic Policy Section leads policy reform and the implementation and administration of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act). It leads critical infrastructure policy issues on behalf of the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Centre and assists stakeholders to implement their obligations under the SOCI Act, including the development and maintenance of guidance material.
• The Independent Review into the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 Section will be managing the engagement of an Independent Reviewer to examine the operation, effectiveness and implications of the SOCI Act and establishing and managing a secretariate to support the reviewer.
• The Critical Infrastructure Strategy and Guidance Section is responsible for strategic engagement with expert advisory groups for forums, provides policy guidance for industry on the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018, and manages some tools and programs related to critical infrastructure.
• The Communication and Coordination Section designs and delivers communication material to support critical infrastructure owners and operators effectively manage risk to their systems, assets, and operations. The section is also responsible for engagement with international partners on critical infrastructure policy, including through the Critical 5.
• The Trusted Information Sharing Section engages with industry and manages the platform to support government-industry collaboration, through the Trusted Information Sharing Network (TISN) which is the Australian Government's primary industry engagement mechanism to enhance the security and resilience of critical infrastructure.

Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force

Our ideal candidate

• Ability to quickly acquire knowledge of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018.
• Ability to develop and deliver complex policy advice. Or the ability to develop, manage and deliver programs of work and projects including assisting with the identification of its requirements, scope and objectives.
• Experience in managing stakeholder engagement and stakeholder networks.
• Well developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to respond to evolving national security challenges in a changing environment.

Duties and responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of a position will be dependent on the section that successful applicants are placed into, but broadly the duties and responsibilities of an APS 6 in the Branch include:

• Support engagement with industry partners, building and maintaining strong relationships.
• Manage the delivery of programs, projects and other activities relevant to policy priorities.
• Manage engagement functions such as secretariat duties, the management of stakeholder forums and stakeholder communications.
• Contribute to the development of policy to reform the SOCI Act, which may include developing legislative amendments, drafting new rules and providing advice on how the SOCI Act should be applied in practice - predominately in the Strategic Guidance and Strategic Policy sections.
• Proactively engage with client facing areas at a local level and support them by providing advice and guidance.

Additional information

Desirable but not essential - legal background/qualifications are desirable for roles offered in the Strategic Guidance and Strategic Policy sections.

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 19/10/2025 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEDT  – Late applications will not be accepted.

As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit a one-page applicant response document in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

• How your skills, knowledge, and experience will be relevant to this role
• Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us
• Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – in the document footer.

​​​​​​​Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (AGSVA) security clearance, and:
 

• ABF Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
• Home Affairs Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Onboarding Check.
   

In certain circumstances, an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) may be required in addition to, or in lieu of, an Onboarding Check, which will be determined by the delegate as necessary.  

Diversity and inclusion

The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply.

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:

Technical assistance

For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance:

• Email:
• Phone: (within Australia) or +61 (outside of Australia)

Please include any applicable screen captures, a response will be provided during business hours.

Notes

The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position. The Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Value Proposition (EVP) highlights the top reasons our employees enjoy working in the APS.

The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement.

Information about employment and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department’s website at

Candidates should be aware that in roles where vaccination against COVID-19 is required by public health orders/directions or other legislation proof of vaccination will be required. If a candidate is not fully vaccinated or is unwilling to be vaccinated within a reasonable time period, they may not be offered that role.