Border Force Inspector, MBC Partnerships

Job Req ID

ABF - 139022

Location

ACT 

 Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

Classification

Executive Level 1 - $115,443.00 and $134,865.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Contact Officer

John Fleming on 0481 007 548 or john.fleming@abf.gov.au  

Office Arrangements

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

Applications close on 10/08/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill 2 immediate positions. 

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

DC National Operations | Maritime Border Command & OSB | MBC Deputy Commander | MBC Partnerships

The MBC Partnerships Directorate is responsible for the delivery of high-level strategic guidance on domestic and international engagement activities; contributing to engagement related briefing and strategic communications support to the MBC Executive. It provides strategic analysis and advice to domestic and foreign partners on MBC's position within the whole-of-government civil maritime security community, linking in to the broader ABF, Home Affairs Portfolio and whole-of-government systems to support MBC's mission. This serves to transition policy initiatives into operational effect. The Directorate's Strategic Communications Team manages all MBC Social and Printed Media supporting MBC's narrative in combatting civil maritime security threats.

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

Our ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and credible leader with demonstrated experience in international engagement, policy advice, or diplomacy. Is politically aware, articulate, and capable of driving high-level outcomes in complex interagency and international settings.

Our successful candidate must:

• Be available for domestic or international travel as it is a requirement of the role. 
• Fulfil the Department's minimum requirements by satisfactorily answering all screening questions during the application process
• Swear an oath or make an affirmation into the ABF and be uniformed if the position requires
• Actively participate in career management (postings and deployments either intra or interstate).

This is a unique opportunity to work in a multi-agency taskforce with a dynamic culture, exposure to a variety of tasks in a role that will keep you challenged and engaged. You will have access to comprehensive training and be provided professional development opportunities.

Duties and responsibilities

• Provide high-level strategic advice to MBC and ABF executives on regional civil maritime engagement risks, opportunities, and alignment with national policy.
• Lead the development and refinement of Australia's civil maritime security engagement strategy, including frameworks for priority partner countries and development or review of formal cooperation instruments such as MOUs.
• Support or represent senior executives at high-level domestic and international forums including HACGAM, Pacific QUAD, ASEAN Coast Guard meetings, and Five Eyes engagements.
• Shape and lead ABF participation in bilateral and multilateral capacity-building initiatives and operational partnerships to enhance maritime domain awareness and regional enforcement capability.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with regional and global civil maritime security counterparts, contributing to strategic influence and long-term cooperation.
• Collaborate across government (DFAT, ADF, AMSA, AFMA, AFP, Home Affairs) to ensure alignment of engagement with broader national security, law enforcement, and development objectives.
• Oversee planning and delivery of high-level engagements, including Senior Official Meetings and Interdepartmental Committee Meetings relevant to civil maritime security.
• Ensure Australia's civil maritime posture is appropriately reflected in MBC, departmental, and partner publications and strategic policy documents.
• Lead and manage a small team, including responsibility for financial planning, HR processes, performance development, and business improvement initiatives.
• Drive the delivery of effective post-engagement reporting, tracking of bilateral outcomes, and progress of strategic cooperation deliverables.
• Assess, triage and delegate incoming requests for engagement, aligned with strategic priorities set by Commander Maritime Border Command.

Additional information

The Inspector - Partnerships leads regional engagement efforts for their relevant country region desks that support Australia's strategic objectives in civil maritime security. Operating under broad direction, the role provides authoritative policy advice, supports senior executive, and engages directly with domestic, international and interagency stakeholders. Officers at this level regularly coordinate and provide policy positions and input with DFAT, ADF, AMSA, AFMA, and other key partners to ensure Australia's civil maritime security position is effectively presented in regional, bilateral and multilateral forums.

Additionally, the Inspector may represent MBC and the ABF in civil maritime forums in place of SES officers, where appropriate.

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 10/08/2025 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 response to the selection criteria, please provide 250 word response to each application question.

• Provide an example of your ability to develop and manage effective partnerships with domestic and international stakeholders. In your response, describe how you identified strategic priorities, built trust across jurisdictions, and delivered cooperative outcomes that supported broader government or agency objectives. 
• Provide an example of a time where you were involved in planning a project, how did you go about it, what considerations did you give during your planning, what were the outcomes and how did this support the broader government or agency's objectives? 
• Provide an example of a time you had to provide high level strategic advice to senior executives, how did you do this and what was the result?

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 139022 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.