The key duties of the position include:
The Role
The Governance Officer provides advice on complex governance activities and contributes to the coordination and delivery of governance work and policy development. Working under limited direction, you will exercise judgement in interpreting policy and applying frameworks to deliver compliant, high-quality outcomes.
You will support governance functions including assurance and audit activities, risk management, compliance monitoring, and enterprise performance reporting, including inputs to key Defence reporting processes.
You will prepare high-quality governance products such as briefs, reports, internal and external committee papers.
You will work independently while engaging stakeholders across JOC to coordinate governance, risk, performance and assurance activities, anticipating and responding to business needs.
You will also support team priorities, contribute to capability uplift through coaching and feedback, with oportinities for professional development.
About our Team
The Directorate of Group Governance manages a range of governance functions for Joint Operations Command (JOC) including assurance, compliance, performance and risk, and integrates JOC inputs into Defence enterprise governance, assurance and reporting processes.
It also manages and coordinates JOC Group responses and plans relating to both the Defence Transformation and Culture strategies.
The team sits within the Command Support Branch in Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) and consists of an APS workforce that works with and alongside military personnel within a multi-domain environment. Products and policies produced by the Directorate integrate with the Defence enterprise and are used within the group to inform policy across relevant Group activities.
Our Ideal Candidate




Our ideal candidate will have an interest in developing internal communications and change management materials to assist with building the maturity of governance frameworks, group reporting, and group plans within a complex Defence environment.
You will understand the importance of performance reporting and be interested in working with the group and broader Defence enterprise to develop performance measures. You will also have exceptional networking and stakeholder engagement skills including the ability to influence others and coordinate responses from multiple areas.
You will demonstrate:
Solid written and stakeholder engagement skills
Ability to interpret and apply policy, legislation and compliance requirements
Experience supporting governance, risk, assurance or performance activities
Sound analytical skills and the ability to provide clear, evidence-based advice
Ability to provide guidance and improve processes, frameworks and documentation
Ability to produce high-quality briefs, reports and governance artefacts
Experience supporting committees or governance forums (desirable)
You must be able to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 2 Security Clearance.
Eligibility
Security Clearance
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at "Negative Vetting Level 2".
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

📌 Governance Officer (New South Wales)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 New South Wales