The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is the Australian Government's primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety. Our purpose is to protect the Australian people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation, through understanding risks, best practice regulation, research, policy, services, partnerships and engaging with the community.

The Governance and Strategic Engagement Section leads ARPANSA’s governance and strategic engagement functions. It supports the agency’s relationships with broader Government, international partners, industry and other key stakeholders. The section also oversees enterprise risk, quality management, corporate planning, performance monitoring, project governance and mandatory reporting, including reporting to Parliament.

It provides policy advice and coordination across the agency, supports engagement with ARPANSA’s Minister and their Office, and serves as the primary liaison with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing on matters relating to its policy oversight of ARPANSA and the ARPANS Act.

Why work for us?

- Opportunities to engage with national and international stakeholders
- Inclusive and diverse workplace
- Competitive salaries with 15.4% superannuation
- Generous leave conditions
- Flexible work practices
- Modern amenities and free parking at both our Yallambie and Miranda sites.

Primary purpose of the role In this role, your primary responsibility will be contributing to the delivery of the Agency’s International engagement strategy; liaison with national and international counterparts; and facilitating the agency’s involvement in international radiation protection, nuclear safety and security matters.

You will be expected to prepare a broad range of highly complex and sensitive policy documentation including international strategies, stakeholder engagement plans, and ensure that ARPANSA meets its obligations under relevant international safety and security frameworks.

While it is preferable that the role is based at our Melbourne office (Yallambie), consideration will be given to candidates who could work from Sydney or Canberra.

Key accountabilities

- Plan, manage, coordinate and undertake the delivery of ARPANSA’s international engagement strategy.
- Drive ARPANSA’s engagement with international partners and ensure they produce value for ARPANSA and cements ARPANSA’s reputation as a best practise regulator of radiation protection and nuclear safety.
- Support the co-ordination of major international agreements where ARPANSA is the lead agency, such the Convention on Nuclear Safety, the Joint Convention, and the Codes of Conduct.
- Liaise with the relevant Australian Government departments and agencies in a manner that progresses ARPANSA’s objectives.




- Coordinate and provide expert advice to stakeholders on matters related to the protection of people and the setting from the harmful effect of radiation.

Our ideal candidate - job specific capabilities

Our ideal candidate is someone who has a passion for engaging international stakeholders as well as working with other Commonwealth Government Departments and Agencies. While it isn’t essential to have a background in the field of radiation or nuclear safety, ideally, you will have experience working with technical experts to communicate effectively with a non-technical audience.

To be considered for this position, you will need a relevant degree from an Australian tertiary institution or comparable overseas qualifications and/or substantial related experience appropriate to the role and duties of the position. You will possess highly developed liaison, consultation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to cultivate and maintain productive working relationships while undertaking strategic or operational negotiations with other Australian agencies.

You must demonstrate the ability to undertake research and analysis to provide high-level advice to senior management and broader government stakeholders. Additionally, you will exhibit highly developed written communication skills and be able to communicate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, including the Minister's Office, Department officials, and scientific and technical colleagues.

You must hold Australian citizenship and be prepared to travel interstate from time to time as required. ARPANSA requires all new employees to obtain and maintain a national security clearance as a condition of engagement. You must also meet required pre-employment checks as necessary.

Selection criteria The selection criteria for this role are:

1. Demonstrated ability to provide high-level advice to senior management in order to inform/contribute to Government policy.
2. Demonstrated ability to build and leverage strategic relationships across government to influence outcomes and support policy objectives.
3. Demonstrated ability to foster mutually agreeable outcomes with international stakeholders in a politically sensitive environment, and in line with Australian Government policy.
4. Evidence of effective time-management and ability to manage multiple complex and competing priorities while exercising sound judgement.
5. Demonstrated ability to interpret, apply and provide strategic advice on relevant international and Australian Government legislative and policy frameworks.

Eligibility

Employment with ARPANSA is subject to:





- conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999
- agency and role specific pre-employment security checks that may include, but are not limited to:
- entitlement to work in Australian
- national criminal history
- international criminal history
- professional memberships
- qualifications
- sanctions
- anti-money laundering & counter-terrorism financing
- ASIC banned & disqualified persons
- ASIC credit registered persons
- bankruptcy & national personal insolvency
- directorship
- global media check

- former Australian Government employer information sharing
- Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) security clearance eligibility requirements
- evidence of citizenship status required
- evidence of qualifications required of the role
- internal security assessment
- security clearance vetting
- the CEO of ARPANSA, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.

The Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website provides detailed information about the requirements for obtaining a security clearance at the required level, the documentary evidence you will be required to provide, the forms that need to be completed, and the relevant timeframes. Please ensure that you are able to provide the required evidence if you apply for the position. Failure or refusal to complete the required forms, or to comply with reasonable requests from AGSVA, will result in ARPANSA withdrawing your security clearance application, and your employment with the agency not progressing.

ARPANSA is responsible for assessing how information relates to the agency’s security risks, as well as a person’s suitability for employment by the agency. ARPANSA will use the information you provide to undertake relevant checks in order to identify any factors or circumstances that pose a security risk to the agency and assess whether you are suitable to have access to the agencies non-public assets. You will be notified if you are assessed as unsuitable for employment by the agency.

How to apply

Applications can be lodged through ARPANSA Recruitment Portal. Your application should consist of a resume, and a ‘500-word pitch’ that considers:

- Key accountabilities
- Job specific capabilities
- Selection criteria.

ARPANSA recognises the need for our workforce to reflect the community we serve and provide an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity. We strongly encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme applicants who choose to apply under the scheme will be invited to participate in further assessment activities for the vacancy, where they meet the minimum requirements for the position. ARPANSA will provide reasonable adjustments or flexibilities in the recruitment process as requested. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

📌 Assistant Director Strategic Engagement (International Relations) (Australia)
🏢 Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
📍 Australia