Senior Defence Adviser

3 weeks ago

Canberra, Australia Ministerial and Parliamentary Services Full time

Senior Defence Adviser (SAD1)

Office of the Hon Pat Conroy MP

Federal Member for Shortland

Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for International Development and the Pacific

Applications are invited for the full-time ongoing position of Senior Defence Adviser in the Office of the Hon Pat Conroy MP, based in the Minister’s office in Parliament House, Canberra, ACT.

The Senior Defence Adviser is responsible for providing high-quality policy and political advice to support the Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for International Development and the Pacific in developing and implementing the policies, initiatives, and administration of the Australian Government.

Working within a small Ministerial Office, the Senior Defence Adviser will be the Minister’s senior adviser on defence capability and defence industry issues. The Senior Defence Adviser will have strong knowledge of Australian defence policy with a focus on defence capability acquisition, sustainment, and the role of Australian defence industry. The Senior Defence Adviser will work with the Department of Defence and with other Ministerial offices to support the Government’s strategic priorities. The Senior Defence Adviser may also be required to assist in wider policy, political and Ministerial issues including in industry, economic, and foreign policy issues.

The key duties of this role are, but are not limited to:

  • Writing briefs for the Minister.
  • Reviewing and advising on Departmental briefs and submissions.
  • Monitoring developments in defence capability and defence industry.
  • Developing new policy measures and strategies, in addition to reviewing implementation of existing policies and strategies.
  • Liaising with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, other Ministerial Offices and the Australian Public Service on priority, complex and sensitive issues. 
  • Supporting the Minister in his Parliamentary duties, including Question Time, speeches, legislative processes, and parliamentary business.
  • Supporting the Minister in his program of activities and engagements. 
  • Maintaining relationships with external stakeholders.
  • Contributing to communications materials including speeches and media products.
  • Regular travel beyond Canberra will be required for this role.
  • Other reasonable duties as required.

The ideal applicant should possess the following skills and experience: 

  • Knowledge and experience in defence capability and defence industry issues.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills alongside excellent written and verbal communications skills.
  • Ability to work in a high-pressure environment, managing complex issues and competing demands.
  • Strong organisational and administrative abilities.
  • Knowledge of Australian parliamentary, political and government systems, including Cabinet processes. 
  • Demonstrated professional integrity, ability to exercise judgement, and understanding of the need to maintain discretion and confidentiality.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, cooperatively, and flexibly as part of a small, high-performing team. 

Employment conditions

This position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2020-2023, which include: 

  • A commencing salary between $140,214 and $170,424 will be negotiated with the successful applicant commensurate with relevant skills and experience. 
  • An additional Personal Staff Allowance of $34,612 is payable in recognition of, and as compensation for, reasonable additional hours of work.
  • A private-plated vehicle or allowance of $25,082 is also applicable for senior staff classifications.
  • Relocation assistance, studies assistance and paid study leave may also be available (subject to eligibility requirements).
  • An employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will be payable.

An initial probationary period of 3 months will apply and may be subject to extension.

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance at the Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) and comply with the Ministerial Staff Code of Conduct.

The successful applicant should be available to commence in early August 2024.

Applications should be e-mailed directly to mark.davis@dfat.gov.au and include a one-page covering letter outlining your skills and suitability for the role, and a resume with the names and contact details of two referees.

Applications close on Sunday 9 June 2024.

For further information please contact Mark Davis at mark.davis@dfat.gov.au.

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