Geopolitical Risk

Employment Type: Full-time, 35 hours per week, continuing positionRemuneration: Level 7 position – starting salary from $113,926 plus 17% superannuationLocation: Kensington, NSW (Hybrid working)About UNSW

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work. We aspire to be Australia's global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education, and a commitment to advancing a just society.

Why your role matters

The Geopolitical Risk & Engagement Advisor will spearhead the University's initiatives within Engineering to help UNSW academic staff navigate the complexities of international collaborations and research agreements. You will provide expert guidance on matters related to foreign interference, geopolitical risk, dual-use and critical technologies, Defence Trade Controls, and sanctions.

Reporting to the Manager, Geopolitical Risk, you will collaborate closely with the UNSW National Security Team and Faculty of Engineering leadership to advance a University-wide approach to foreign risk. This includes fostering education and awareness, shaping organisational culture, conducting due diligence and assessments, and implementing effective risk mitigation strategies.

About the Role

You will be required to undertake and have experience in the following areas:

1. Under the direction of the Manager, International Engagement, use your knowledge of the evolving geopolitical environment to work with academic and professional staff to risk assess and provide advice on collaborations and agreements with international partners, particularly in critical or sensitive research areas.
2. Review prospective international partnerships, conducting thorough due diligence on foreign partners to identify potential foreign interference and conflicts of interest.
3. Lead the rollout of educational materials and training to improve awareness of foreign interference and foreign risk compliance responsibilities within Engineering.
4. Lead engagement with relevant government agencies on evolving risks associated with foreign interference, critical technologies, and Defence Trade Controls, to improve awareness across academic staff in Engineering.
5. Review placements of new hires and visiting academics to ensure risk management of technology transfer and Defence research.
6. Work closely with HR, faculty leadership, and the National Security Team to manage sensitive conflict of interest and foreign affiliation issues.
7. Keep up to date with legislation, guidelines, and geopolitics which may affect foreign risk management and relevant compliance responsibilities across the University.

About You

• Tertiary qualification and/or a depth equivalent level of knowledge gained through education, training, and/or experience.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding within the field of Engineering or core STEM subject matter knowledge will be highly regarded.
• Strong understanding of international relations, Australian foreign policy, sanctions, critical technologies in the national interest, and University Foreign Interference Taskforce Guidelines.
• Ability to work independently and forge strong, trusted relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Experience working with or for the Australian Government, with a good understanding of foreign and Defence policy and critical technologies is highly desirable.
• Ability to work and navigate environments with a high degree of ambiguity.
• Demonstrated analytical, assessment, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make informed risk recommendations.
• High-level interpersonal and verbal communication skills to liaise with internal and external stakeholders for solution-focused outcomes in complex risk scenarios.
• High-level written communication skills.
• Highly developed organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to understand and project the future strategic and commercial value of advanced technologies, research, and concepts.

For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description.

How to Apply: Submit your CV & cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the job description) before Sunday, 7 September, by 11:55 pm.

Please note: This position is only available to applicants who hold current Australian citizenship. The successful candidate will need to gain an NV1 (or higher) security clearance.

UNSW Benefits and Culture: People are at the core of everything we do. Our benefits include:

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours, etc.)
• Additional 3 days leave during December festive period
• Career development opportunities
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments, and salary sacrifice
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)

Job queries contact: Tai James, Talent Acquisition Consultant

Email: (applications to this address cannot be accepted, please apply online)

UNSW is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disabilities and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

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