The Role

The acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines is an historic and transformative endeavour for Australia. The whole-of-nation effort to safely and securely deliver the cutting edge nuclear-powered submarine program will transform Australia’s economic and national security landscape for decades to come.

The Australian Submarine Agency’s (ASA) Policy, Strategy and Engagement Division is responsible for driving the policy and strategy framework for the ASA. This includes overseeing, managing and leading the implementation of key aspects of the AUKUS trilateral security partnership and nuclear-powered submarine program, in accordance with the Optimal Pathway.

This includes, but is not limited to, developing advice around the Government’s strategic messaging on the program, developing and implementing fit-for-purpose nuclear non-proliferation and safeguards arrangements, managing international engagement with the US, UK, Indo-Pacific partners, and the global non-proliferation community and international organisations, policy frameworks to support Submarine Rotation West, and negotiating international arrangements with our AUKUS trilateral partners. Depending on the role, there are opportunities for domestic and international travel.

We are recruiting to fill a number of different positions at the EL 1 level. The duties of these positions will include but are not limited to:

• Leading the development and implementation of policy, legal and technical advice related to the nuclear-powered submarine program, including through ministerial and Cabinet Submissions.
• Providing timely, accurate advice and recommendations to Government, senior officers, and the public and proactively managing next steps
• Demonstrating leadership across the Agency and managing team members at lower classifications
• Engaging and interpreting legal advice
• Preparing and supervising the development of concise and targeted communications, including ministerial and cabinet submissions, ministerial correspondence, reports, and briefs
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including from other Commonwealth Government agencies, international partners, and the Australian public
• Representing ASA at meetings and other engagements
• Program and budget management
• Undertaking research, analysis, integration and evaluation of technical information, and
• Supporting ministerial and senior officials’ participation in high-level meetings, including with international partners.

Key areas of policy focus across the Division are varied, but may include:

• Strategic: engaging in novel and complex strategic policy issues around international engagement, force posture, and the role of nuclear-powered submarines (NPS) in Australia’s defence strategy.
• Capability: advising on alignment to strategic direction and policy implications related to capability decisions as part of Australia’s largest ever Defence project.
• International: working with key international partners, and navigating engagement with the region, the global non-proliferation community and international organisations.
• Non-proliferation: supporting the development of world-first, nuclear non-proliferation arrangements for an NPS program.
• Industry: exploring and advising on policy considerations for the role of defence industry and working collaboratively with industry to deliver outcomes for Government.
• Strategic messaging: employing an understanding of Australia’s strategic environment and Government priorities to shape a range of strategic engagement activities.

Candidates are encouraged to consider the type of role they would be most suitable for and tailor their applications accordingly

About our Team

Our people are capable, committed and diverse. We support an inclusive culture that emphasises respect and collaboration and prioritises safety and security. Our greatest asset is our people. We offer flexible working arrangements and a range of formal and informal professional development opportunities.

The Policy, Strategy and Engagement Division is responsible for leadership of the policy and strategy framework for the Agency, which will implement key aspects of the trilateral strategic partnership and program in accordance with the Optimal Pathway.

This division has responsibility for working with whole-of-government stakeholders to support the development of world-first, nuclear non-proliferation arrangements for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program.

As part of this, our team is responsible for developing policy advice on safeguards and non-proliferation issues, and supports the implementation of a safeguards approach.Our work is fast-paced and covers a broad range of subject matters. The work combines strategic, policy, legal and technical issues.

A background in international policy, international relations, law, engineering, technical or nuclear issues, and/or project delivery experience would be beneficial. Conceptual thinking to solve strategic and technical problems is required. International travel may also be required.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are a dynamic organization seeking employees who are agile, innovative and energised by high-paced work. We are seeking highly motivated and collaborative minded people who will have the opportunity to contribute to a once in a lifetime program.

Our ideal candidate will be enthusiastic and eager to learn, with demonstrated analytical and communication skills. They will have strong written and verbal communication skills, sound judgement and initiative, and be able to manage competing priorities.

We are looking for people with experience in distilling information and thinking strategically, who enjoy working as part of a team. We are looking for motivated and responsive people to come and join this exciting undertaking. You will have the opportunity to shape work with Defence, other Agencies, industry, Australian Government regulators, state and territory agencies, the Australian public and international partners.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 23 March 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference ASA/01809/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=7F249484-E3CD-1D2A-09E6-E394C719AB78