Who we are

The Security Operations team provides protective security for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C;). The team ensures the department, the Prime Minister’s Office, our portfolio ministers and shared service agencies objectives can be achieved without loss, harm, disruption or damage to our people, information, assets and reputation.

The team is responsible for shaping the department’s security culture and the management of personnel and physical security, COMSO services, the department’s Insider Threat Program and security project management.

The key duties of the position include:

What you will do

We are seeking a Personnel Security officer in the Security Operations team. The skills required range across policy implementation, compliance assurance, coordination and liaison. You will be responsible for all aspects of personnel security policies including leading and implementing security personnel in alignment with Government standards and policy.

You will contribute to the development and application of policies, plans, procedures and guidelines that support and address the department’s personnel security obligations in accordance with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).

This role requires sound judgement and discretion, as well as attention to detail, in working with sensitive and privileged information. We are seeking candidates with leadership potential, the ability to manage small teams under direction, identify opportunities for process improvements and a strong understanding of the contemporary challenges within security as well as understanding of the Government’s strategic priorities.

Please note that this role is based in Canberra only and does not offer remote working arrangements.

What you will bring

Some of the skills and capabilities needed for the role include:

- Oversee the management of the department’s personnel security environment,



including educating staff on security awareness policies and procedures through training and awareness initiatives.
- Develop, update oversee and monitor personnel security policies and procedures and monitor the completion of assurance programs to ensure compliance with the PSPF.
- Conduct security risk assessments, audits and implement mitigation strategies to address personnel security vulnerabilities.
- Lead on clearance management and pre-employment screening ensuring employee vetting remains compliant with PM&C;’s vetting authorities.
- Lead a small team, manage allocated resource, set work priorities and manage staff workflows.
- Recommended to hold a Negative Vetting 2 security clearance as well as demonstrated skills and experience in personnel security.
- Knowledge of and application of Australian security standards (PSPF, TS-PA and ISM)

Eligibility

- Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the APS unless the Agency Head has agreed otherwise, in writing. At PM&C; to be eligible for this position you should be an Australian Citizen by the completion of the recruitment process, except under exceptional circumstances.
- The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.
- The successful candidate will be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check,



and will normally be subject to a six-month probation period if recent to the APS or has not yet completed their probation period elsewhere in the APS.

Notes

Ongoing & Non-ongoing (for a period of up to 24 months)

This role is being advertised as both ongoing and non-ongoing, with the employment type to be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate and the PM&C; delegate.

Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for a maximum period of two (2) years. If the initial contract is for less than 2 years, it may be extended or renewed once, up to the 2 year limit.

A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment, however this must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement.

Getting to know the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C;) advances Australia’s national interests through high quality support to the Prime Minister and the operations of Cabinet. PM&C; supports the Prime Minister as leader of the Government and of Cabinet and as leader of the country. This positions us both to provide visibility of Government priorities and influence outcomes across all Commonwealth portfolios, state jurisdictions, the Australian Public Service (APS) as an institution, and on the international stage. Our role is to provide fresh thinking and creative advice to government as stewards for the APS. We contribute ideas on the many and varied issues facing Australia, taking into consideration the views and opinions of a range of stakeholders across the private, public, not-for-profit and community sectors. The PM&C; team provides pragmatic advice and finds solutions to problems so that Government policies can be effectively designed and implemented. We give particular weight to issues that are important to the Prime Minister. Our focus, put in its simplest terms, is to find new ways to improve the lives of all Australians.

📌 Assistant Director, Enterprise Technology and Security Branch (Canberra)
🏢 Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet NZ
📍 Canberra