Assistant Director, Enterprise Technology and Security Branch

About the Role

The Security Operations team at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) is dedicated to safeguarding the department, the Prime Minister’s Office, portfolio ministers, and shared service agencies from any loss, harm, disruption, or damage affecting people, information, assets, and reputation.

The team fosters a strong security culture by managing personnel and physical security, COMSO services, the Insider Threat Program, and various security projects within the department.

Role Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee the personnel security environment, including educating department staff on security awareness policies through training and ongoing initiatives.
• Develop, update, and monitor personnel security policies and procedures ensuring compliance with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).
• Conduct security risk assessments and audits to identify personnel security vulnerabilities and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Lead clearance management and pre-employment screening processes, ensuring adherence to PM&C’s vetting authorities.
• Supervise a small team by managing resources, setting work priorities, and coordinating staff workflow.

Key Requirements and Skills

• Demonstrated experience and expertise in personnel security, along with leadership capabilities.
• Recommended holding a Negative Vetting Level 2 (Top Secret) security clearance.
• Proficient knowledge and application of Australian security standards such as PSPF, TS-PA, and ISM.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive and privileged information.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify opportunities for process improvements within security operations.
• Understand governmental strategic priorities and contemporary security challenges.

Additional Information

This position is based exclusively in Canberra, and remote work arrangements are not available. However, PM&C supports flexible working options such as part-time roles, variable start and finish times, or working from home where operationally feasible. Interested candidates are encouraged to discuss flexibility options with the contact officer.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be Australian citizens by the completion of the recruitment process, unless exceptional circumstances apply as per section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999.
• Candidates must be eligible to obtain or already hold the required Negative Vetting Level 2 (Top Secret) security clearance.
• Pre-employment screening will include a criminal history check, and new APS employees will typically undergo a six-month probation period.

Application Process

Interested applicants are invited to submit their applications online by 11:30 pm AEST on Thursday, 30 July.