Science Strategy and Policy Officer

Science Strategy and Policy Officer - Capability Plan and Benchmarking

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An opportunity exists for a Science Strategy and Policy Officer position (at S&T5/EL1) within the Science Strategy and Policy directorate. As a Science Strategy and Policy Officer, you will be responsible for managing, coordinating and developing the DSTG Benchmarking and the DSTG Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) Capability Plan to ensure DSTG has appropriate IS&T capabilities to support the delivery of scientific advice and innovative technology solutions for Defence and national security.

The Science Strategy and Policy directorate is responsible for developing strategy and policy to support DSTG deliver outcomes for Defence. This is achieved through advising DSTG leadership on the capacity and capability of DSTG to deliver scientific advice and innovative solutions for Defence, ensuring DSTG's strategic direction aligns with broader Defence guidance and Government objectives, coordinating DSTG's contribution to Defence and whole-of-government strategic science policy and supporting management of the enterprise.

The responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate the collection of IS&T capability data from across DSTG capability divisions.
• Conduct business intelligence analysis and clearly articulate DSTG's current IS&T capability and future capability needs.
• Provide advice to senior management on the application of DSTG's resources and scientific developments to meet Defence requirements.
• Participate in work to anticipate and resolve IS&T capability issues from a DSTG perspective in order to meet business objectives.
• Prepare briefs and correspondence as required on issues relating to DSTG's capacity and capability to deliver scientific advice and innovative technology solutions for Defence and national security.
• Provide a range of administrative support for Science Strategy and Policy directorate, including possible procurement for contracting/consulting advice, coordination of the electronic document and file management system.

The Science Strategy and Policy directorate is DSTG's lead for influencing, coordinating and developing policies and strategies related to Defence innovation, science and technology, and national science policy. We develop strong relationships both within DSTG and Defence, as well as across government and with industry and academia. Our mission is to understand Defence's strategic context, develop approaches for DSTG to respond to this context, advocate for Defence science, and ensure world leading best practice shapes DSTG's policy and strategy approach.

We are seeking a dynamic individual who is passionate about driving capability in the Defence domain.

Our ideal candidate embodies the following qualities:

• Passion for Innovation and Capability: A genuine enthusiasm for driving capability and innovation in the Defence sector;
• Technical Proficiency: Solid grasp of S&T principles, with the ability to translate and conduct business intelligence analysis;
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to cultivate and sustain productive relationships with stakeholders across Defence, industry and academia.
• Communication: Strong ability to communicate and clearly articulate DSTG's capability and future capability needs with senior leaders;
• Collaboration: Willingness to work closely with multidisciplinary teams and support senior leaders in delivering recommendations;
• Curiosity and Adaptability: Enthusiasm for learning and adapting to evolving capability needs and driving continuous growth and maturity; and
• Experience: business intelligence, collection and analysis of complex data, and the development and implementation of government policy.

Sunday 14 September, 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference DSTG/07098/25 on the Defence careers site.

• Seniority level: Not Applicable
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Other
• Industries: Government Administration and Government Relations Services