Aps 6 - Pacific Division Policy Officer

$88,175 - $100,724 (plus 15.4 % Super)
- Canberra - ACT

**The Role**
There has never been a more exciting time to work for the Australian Public Service and the Department of Defence. As the geo-political landscape becomes increasingly complex, Australia’s role in the Pacific region is becoming more important. To protect and further Australia’s national interests in the region, it is essential that we have highly competent policy officers in the Department who are able to contribute to key policy and national security functions.

You will play a vital role in strengthening Australia’s national security and economic resilience, including using your skills to devise long-term strategy and policies to guide and align Defence, direct Defence’s international engagement, and help build a sovereign industrial base.

The Pacific Division was established as a result of the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) - an explicit investment in Australia’s efforts to deepen Defence’s engagement and collaboration with partners across the Pacific. As a Policy Officer, you will be directly responsible for supporting policy direction and program delivery, including translating whole-of-government national Defence objectives into tangible and impactful outcomes for Australia and the Pacific.

In this role, you will:

- Develop the policy frameworks and principles that facilitate Defence engagement with allies and partners in the Pacific to prosecute and protect Australia’s interests in a changing strategic environment.
- Work closely with a wide array of Defence, industry and whole-of-Government stakeholders to advance Australia’s national interests, including through the Defence Cooperation Program and the Pacific Maritime Program, with a focus on strengthening our Pacific partnerships.
- Provide policy advice to the Australian Government and senior Defence leadership on Defence policy, planning, capabilities and resourcing in support of deepening of our diplomatic and security relationships with key partners in the Indo-Pacific.

No two days will be the same - you might help to conduct meetings to support and influence stakeholders, brief Defence’s Senior Leadership, work closely with partner government agencies, industry stakeholders and the public, or contribute to corporate change. You will act as the driving force behind achieving transformational policy outcomes for Defence.

**About our Team**
The Pacific Division (PACDIV) is an exciting new Division formed within the Strategy, Policy, and Industry (SP&I) Group and is comprised of four core Branches: Pacific Maritime (PACMAR), Pacific Regional & Governance (PRGOV), Indo-Pacific Infrastructure (IPINFRA) and Pacific and Timor-Lesté (PACTL).

In PACDIV, we have a respected and trusted network of relationships with internal and external stakeholders that we leverage to develop effective solutions to challenges and to deliver on the needs of Defence and our Pacific Partners. We manage strategic events and work with key regional institutions, including the Pacific Island Forum, to achieve their goals.

PACDIV is a fast-paced and dynamic division where people are our main focus, from our Australian based staff to those working in our overseas network. We offer an inclusive, supportive and flexible workplace with an environment built on collaboration, learning and trust.

Working within PACDIV will provide you with an array of exciting and unique opportunities, including:

- The ability to work in a diverse and high performing team, including working alongside and learning from Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), incredible APS leaders and industry partners;
- Various learning and development opportunities, including formal and informal training, coaching and mentoring; and,
- The opportunity to explore different types of work and maintain a growth mindset while you find the work you love.

We are passionate about our people and are committed to creating a positive and psychologically safe environment for you to thrive. In addition to endless learning opportunities, working in PACDIV will also mean you get to enjoy:

- Divisional and Branch level social activities;
- Opportunities to network across the Division and broader Department; and
- Opportunities to join Departmental Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) initiatives.
- Teamwork skills, including an ability to work with diverse groups of people;
- Sound judgment and the ability to make informed decisions;
- Strong problem solving skills, including thinking outside of the box and not being afraid to question existing approaches and propose new solutions;
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship building skills;
- Great communication skills, including both verbal and written; and
- Most importantly a positive attitude, resilience and flexibility.

We do not expect you to bring extensive policy experience (although it is wonderful if you do) because we have a team of passionate and knowledgeable policy experts who a