About the job

About the opportunity

AUSTRAC, Australia’s financial intelligence agency, is evolving to strengthen its fight against money laundering and terrorism financing. As part of this evolution, AUSTRAC has a significant project and program workload underway, the successful delivery of which is required to support achievement of AUSTRAC’s objectives. We are seeking a Senior Project Risk Specialist to support the early identification of project/program risks that may lead to broader, organisational risks.

The Senior Project Risk Specialist plays a key role in supporting AUSTRAC’s risk management practices across programs and projects. The role provides practical advice on risk identification, assessment, mitigation and monitoring to ensure strategic alignment and delivery confidence across the agency’s portfolio. This position reports to AUSTRAC’s Line 2 risk function (the Risk and Internal Audit team) while operating within the Enterprise Portfolio Management Office and works closely with program managers and corporate teams to build and embed effective risk frameworks and improve risk management maturity.

What are we looking for

While we are looking for these capabilities, we consider transferrable skills and encourage applicants who embody AUSTRAC's culture and values to apply.

Experience (Required): Demonstrated experience in risk management, ideally within a public sector program or project environment.

Qualifications (Desirable): Formal qualifications in risk management or project management (e.g. PRINCE2, MSP).

Communicate Effectively - Presents information with a high level of proficiency and for maximum effect and structures communication appropriately to ensure understanding and address task requirements.

Adapt and Respond to Change - Effectively implements change and translates change initiatives into practical strategies and demonstrates initiative, flexibility and resourcefulness in dealing with uncertainty and change.

Key Duties

The Senior Project Risk Specialist, under board direction, is responsible for:

Project and Program Risk Support: Providing expert advice to project and program teams on the application of risk frameworks, including development and review of risk registers/RCSAs and treatment plans.

Framework Uplift and Implementation: Assisting in the continuous improvement of risk management processes and tools, including alignment with the PGPA Act and the Commonwealth Risk Management Policy.

Risk Reporting and Analysis: Conducting analysis to identify emerging risks and trends across the portfolio and support the development of risk dashboards and assurance artefacts for executive reporting.

Training and Capability Uplift: Delivering targeted coaching and training to project teams to increase risk capability and promote a positive risk culture.

Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong relationships across the organisation, facilitating collaboration and ensuring risk considerations are embedded from initiative intake through to delivery.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this role you:

Must be an Australian citizen at the time you apply.

Will need to undertake AUSTRAC’s pre-engagement checks.

Will need to obtain and maintain an ongoing Baseline Security Clearance

Affirmative Measures

This vacancy is also being advertised under Affirmative Measures, to apply under Affirmative Measures you must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. For more information, please visit the APSC Guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants.

To be eligible to apply under Affirmative Measures provisions:

Must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Provide evidence that you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

*Please indicate in your application if you are applying under Affirmative Measures, by ticking the relevant box in the application form.

Why AUSTRAC?

Flexible, hybrid work environment: We are committed to providing flexibility in working arrangements to recognise the importance of balancing work commitments with family, caring and other personal commitments of employees outside of work. AUSTRAC currently operates under a hybrid work arrangement.

Diversity and Inclusion: Our core values of diversity, inclusion, and integrity drive everything we do. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and those of mature age. We recognise that united behaviours and mindsets will support our agency today and guide us into the future.

Employer of Choice: We have a strong reputation as an Employer of Choice, renowned for our exceptional work culture and outstanding employee census results which highlight our dedication to creating a positive and engaging environment.

Closing Date

Applications close at 11:30 pm on 26 October 2025

For enquiries, please contact: Sara Chenery - [email protected]