Job Description Position: Senior Government Relations and Strategic Engagement Advisor – Defence and Health Location: Adaptable / Australia-wide Start date: ASAP Duration: Consulting engagement for up to 12 weeks Pay rate: $200–$230 per hour plus superannuation Overview Our client is seeking a highly connected and commercially astute Senior Government Relations and Strategic Engagement Advisor to support its entry and growth across the Commonwealth Defence and Health sectors.
The primary purpose of this engagement is to establish appropriate pathways into relevant Federal Government departments and agencies.
The successful candidate will leverage their senior government experience, professional networks and understanding of Commonwealth decision-making to facilitate introductions, secure meaningful engagement opportunities and position the organisation as a credible government partner.
This opportunity may suit a former Senior Executive Service (SES) officer, senior ministerial or departmental adviser, government relations executive, registered lobbyist or strategic engagement consultant with current and credible relationships across Defence and/or Health.
The successful candidate will understand how to engage with government professionally and ethically while complying with applicable lobbying, probity, confidentiality and conflict-of-interest requirements.
Responsibilities: Develop and implement a targeted government relations and strategic engagement strategy across the Commonwealth Defence and Health sectors.
Establish senior-level engagement pathways and facilitate introductions, meetings and briefings with relevant government decision-makers and stakeholders.




Build and maintain relationships with senior government officials, advisers, capability owners, program leaders and procurement stakeholders.
Identify and qualify government, procurement, commercial and partnership opportunities aligned with the organisation's capabilities.
Advise the CEO, board and executive leadership team on government priorities, stakeholder engagement and market-entry strategies.
Develop stakeholder maps, engagement plans, advocacy messaging and executive briefing materials.
Provide strategic advice on Commonwealth procurement processes, panels, routes to market and potential industry partnerships.
Ensure all government engagement is conducted ethically and in accordance with relevant probity, lobbying, confidentiality and conflict-of-interest requirements.
Experience/requirements: Essential: Significant experience in government relations, public affairs, strategic engagement, lobbying or senior Australian Government leadership.
Strong knowledge of the Commonwealth Defence and/or Health sectors.
Established and relevant professional networks across Commonwealth departments, agencies and related industry sectors.
Demonstrated ability to establish senior-level engagement opportunities and facilitate appropriate introductions.




Proven experience developing government relations, stakeholder engagement or advocacy strategies.
Strong understanding of Commonwealth decision-making, procurement and governance processes.
Experience working with senior government officials, ministerial offices, boards, CEOs and executive leadership teams.
Highly desirable: Previous experience as an Australian Government SES Band 1, Band 2 or Band 3 officer.
Experience as a senior government relations executive, public affairs adviser, ministerial adviser or registered lobbyist.
Established relationships within the Department of Defence, Australian Defence Force, Commonwealth Health portfolio or closely related agencies.
Experience working with Veterans' Affairs, Defence Health, the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group or relevant Commonwealth Health portfolio agencies.
Experience helping private sector organisations enter or expand within Federal Government markets.
Knowledge of Defence procurement, industry engagement and capability development processes.
An existing or recently held Australian Government security clearance.
Experience working across government, consulting and private sector environments.
Apply now or contact SOS Recruitment on ********* for a confidential discussion.
SOS Recruitment is committed to workplace diversity and equity in employment.
We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, women, people with family responsibilities, and individuals from diverse cultural, linguistic, religious and LGBTIQ backgrounds.

📌 Government Relations Advisor - Sos Recruitment (Canberra)
🏢 SOS Recruitment
📍 Canberra