Assistant Director, Strategic Communication

Job Req ID

ABF - 137742

Location

ACT; NSW 

 Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

Classification

Public Affairs Officer 3 - $129,867.00 and $143,543.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Contact Officer

Allison Roesler-Vannan on 02 6198 7561 or allison.roesler-vannan1@abf.gov.au  

Office Arrangements

Flexible  - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.
 

Applications close on 12/05/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill 1 immediate position/s. 

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA.
 

About our team

National Operations | Maritime Border Command & OSB | Jatf Osb Deputy Commander | Strategic Communication

JATF OSB Strategic Communication influences the decisions of potential irregular immigrants (PIIs) and people smugglers, to deter them from joining or operating irregular maritime ventures to Australia. We do this through intensive, intelligence-led, risk-based, anti-people smuggling communication that raises awareness and changes behaviour.

The Strategic Communication section delivers the communication activity in key people smuggling source and transit countries, as well as in Australia. Communication activity highlights the realities of hazardous sea journeys, the financial risks of engaging people smugglers and the consequences of irregular migration by sea to Australia.

The Assistant Director in the JATF OSB Strategic Communication section assists in managing the implementation of the Australian Government's anti-people smuggling communication campaign targeting PIIs in source and transit countries for people smuggling activity, as well as diaspora communities in Australia.

Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force

Our ideal candidate

The role requires someone who can work independently with minimal supervision and guidance, and is able to make key decisions regarding delivery of components of the campaign. Strong communication skills and client focus delivery are essential due to the daily liaison and negotiation with stakeholders, including intelligence agencies, overseas posts, overseas and domestic service providers, procurement, finance and legal teams. The suitable candidate must be self-motivated, be able to manage competing priorities, work well under pressure and be able to deliver quality products while meeting tight deadlines.

Experience in delivering or working on communication campaigns, particularly offshore, is highly desirable. An understanding of the challenges that arise when delivering a campaign to overseas audiences is also desirable, but not essential.

Duties and responsibilities

• Assist in the successful implementation of the anti-people smuggling communication efforts to raise awareness of the Australian Government's Operation Sovereign Borders policy to deter potential irregular immigrants from irregular maritime ventures to Australia
• Provide support to the Director in the over-arching management of the anti-people smuggling communication campaign, including regularly monitoring and managing the campaign's budget and financial reporting requirements
• Prepare briefs for, and review proposals from, service providers for the delivery of campaign outputs
• Prepare briefs and high-level advice on anti-people smuggling communication matters for Portfolio Ministers, Department of Home Affairs and Australian Border Force executives, and JATF stakeholders, as well as government joint working groups, international delegations, Ministerial meetings and overseas posts
• Professionally represent the section and maintain stakeholder relationships with internal and external providers/contacts/stakeholders
• Oversee the management of contracts and funding agreements with providers in accordance with procurement, grant, financial and legal guidelines
• Undertake financial management duties including the payment of invoices, foreign currency payments and managing purchase orders
• As part of your daily activities you are responsible for creating complete and accurate records in accordance.

Additional information

• Managing service providers in different time zones will require some out of hours work
• Tertiary qualifications in communications, marketing, public relations and/or journalism or considerable experience in a communication, public relations and/or journalism role is required.

Role Requirements:

• Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly develop knowledge of, maritime people smuggling, the Operation Sovereign Borders policy and international policy on the management of people smuggling
• Experience in procurement, finance, stakeholder engagement, international relations, strategic policy development and whole of government coordination is highly desirable
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including high-level written ability and strong research/analytical abilities
• Sound judgement, ability to think strategically and explore new and innovative ideas in support of communication strategies
• Engage with multiple stakeholders to implement a program of work that presents layers of complexities and sensitivities.

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 12/05/2025 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEST  – Late applications will not be accepted.

As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit a one-page applicant response document in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

• How your skills, knowledge, and experience will be relevant to this role
• Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us
• Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 137742 in the document footer.

Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (AGSVA) security clearance, and:
 

• ABF Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
• Home Affairs Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Onboarding Check.
   

In certain circumstances, an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) may be required in addition to, or in lieu of, an Onboarding Check, which will be determined by the delegate as necessary.  

Diversity and inclusion

The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

Technical assistance

For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance:

• Email: recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au
• Phone: 1300 793 883 (within Australia) or +61 2 6196 0444 (outside of Australia)

Please include any applicable screen captures, a response will be provided during business hours.

Notes

The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position. The Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Value Proposition (EVP) highlights the top reasons our employees enjoy working in the APS.

The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement.

Information about employment and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department’s website at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/careers

Candidates should be aware that in roles where vaccination against COVID-19 is required by public health orders/directions or other legislation proof of vaccination will be required. If a candidate is not fully vaccinated or is unwilling to be vaccinated within a reasonable time period, they may not be offered that role.