The key duties of the position include:

The Role

As an APS 5 Strategic Policy Officer in the Directorate of Strategy and Policy, you will support the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic policy and reform initiatives that improve outcomes for Defence personnel and their families. Working within the Family and Domestic Violence Team, the role contributes to the delivery of the Defence Strategy for Preventing and Responding to Family and Domestic Violence 2023-2028, implementation of Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide recommendations, and broader Directorate priorities as required. The position undertakes research and analysis, develops policy advice, prepares briefs and correspondence, coordinates projects and governance activities, and engages with stakeholders across Defence, government and external organisations.

The successful candidate will be a collaborative and adaptable professional with strong judgement, communication and organisational skills. They will be comfortable managing competing priorities in a energetic environment, contributing to continuous improvement, and delivering high-quality outcomes with limited supervision. The role offers the opportunity to work across a diverse range of policy and strategic projects that support the wellbeing, safety and resilience of Defence personnel and their families.

About our Team The Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) team leads the implementation of the Defence Strategy for Preventing and Responding to Family and Domestic Violence 2023-2028. The team is responsible for developing and reviewing evidence-based policy, coordinating governance, reporting and evaluation activities,



implementing actions arising from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, and engaging with stakeholders across Defence, government, academia and civil society. Through prevention, early intervention and response-focused initiatives, the team works to strengthen support for Defence members and families and promote a safe, respectful and inclusive Defence community.

The FDV team sits within the Directorate of Strategy and Policy (DSP), part of Defence Member and Family Support. DSP leads strategic policy, reform and program initiatives that strengthen outcomes for Defence personnel and their families. In addition to family and domestic violence policy, the Directorate is responsible for family wellbeing initiatives, childcare programs, strategic family support policy, and implementation of key recommendations arising from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

DSP also provides strategic advice on emerging workforce, wellbeing and family support issues, contributing to Defence's broader people, culture and capability objectives.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate is a motivated and adaptable team member who enjoys solving complex problems and delivering meaningful outcomes.

They will have experience in policy, project, program or stakeholder management environments and be capable of researching issues,



analysing information and preparing clear written advice for decision-makers. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as the role requires collaboration with stakeholders across Defence, government, academia and the community. The successful candidate will be organised, proactive and able to balance competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail.

An interest in workforce, wellbeing, family, social policy or family and domestic violence would be highly regarded. Most importantly, they will demonstrate professionalism, sound judgement, and a commitment to supporting initiatives that improve outcomes for Defence personnel and their families.

Eligibility

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

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 https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers

📌 Strategic Policy Officer (Australian Capital Territory)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Australian Capital Territory