Director - Civil Maritime Capability Force Design

Job Req ID

ABF - 138228

Location

ACT 

 Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

Classification

Executive Level 2 - $136,260.00 and $177,318.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Contact Officer

Alicia Dennis on alicia.dennis@abf.gov.au  

Office Arrangements

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

Applications close on 23/06/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill 1 immediate position. 

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

Strategy & Capability | Civil Maritime Capability | Civil Maritime Strategy & Policy | Civil Maritime Force Design

The Australian Border Force (ABF) protects Australia's national interests by generating and synthesising awareness of activity in Australia's maritime jurisdiction and responding to mitigate, or eliminate, the risks posed by civil maritime security threats.  To deliver this objective, the ABF works across Government, including States and Territories, and internationally to advance and protect Australia's interests through strong, integrated and adaptive national civil maritime security.

The Civil Maritime Strategy and Policy Branch is responsible for the delivery of the ABF's civil maritime strategic policy and planning, capability planning and policy (Cabinet) program. The Branch engages with diverse stakeholders across the Commonwealth government, international partners, industry and civil society to address risks by planning ahead and delivering future-focussed civil maritime security strategy, policy and capability. The Branch undertakes strategic engagement, advice and communication, and ensures the prioritisation of civil maritime security issues for consideration by Government. The Branch leads whole-of-government analysis on emerging civil maritime security threats, risks and capability. It supports the delivery of civil maritime security policy, strategic planning in capability development, as well as the delivery of Cabinet Submissions and New Policy Proposals for consideration by Government. The Branch is looking to fill the Director, Civil Maritime Capability Force Design to support delivery and implementation of a cohesive and integrated capability planning framework.

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

Our ideal candidate

We are looking for enthusiastic leaders to support the work of the branch to deliver future-focussed civil maritime security strategy, policy and capability. Our ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, good judgement, the ability to solve complex policy and strategic problems and capability development and implementation skills. They will also have strong communication skills, be adept at managing competing priorities and be comfortable leading teams. They will be confident and able communicators, with an ability to establish enduring partnerships internally and more broadly across Government and with international partners.

• Confident leaders: Applicants need to be effective managers, skilled at managing workloads and team members, and capable of taking staff on a journey where they grow, develop and learn
• Forward Thinkers: The Branch is looking for people who enjoy working in a rapidly evolving and forward thinking environment. With a focus on innovation and progression, our ideal candidate will help to maintain and further develop our innovative processes to deliver strong, integrated and adaptive national civil maritime security
• Problem solvers: The Branch operates in a complex regulatory and policy space and needs officers capable of matching big, complex and long-term problems with effective solutions. Applicants need to be problem solvers, skilled at navigating issues, thinking outside of the box, and providing innovative solutions
• Eager learners: We don't expect you to know everything about Australia's civil maritime security arrangements, however, applicants need to be enthusiastic and open to new learning opportunities and experiences. We are after people who have a demonstrated ability to learn quickly and develop links across Government to deliver positive outcomes
• Strong communicators: The Branch operates in a unique stakeholder space and engages, and negotiates, with a diverse range of stakeholders. Applicants are required to be persuasive communicators, with the ability to connect to a broad range of audiences and build and maintain strong networks and relationships, across government, industry and internationally.

Duties and responsibilities

As a Director, you will lead whole-of-government efforts to strengthen Australia's civil maritime security arrangements to advance and protect Australia's strategic interests. You will work under limited direction to establish ABF civil maritime force design capability, work closely with the ABF civil maritime capability development team, and advocate for strong civil maritime security arrangements. You will be responsible for review and planning of current, planned and future ABF civil maritime force structures in the context of strategic direction. You will ensure that force concepts are deliverable and sustainable, integrated within the ABF and with partner agencies, and that they account for whole-of-capability and whole-of-life considerations including all fundamental inputs to capability. You will identify issues, undertake research and analysis, and consult with a range of stakeholders to develop and implement civil maritime security strategic direction. You will deliver complex advice to Government on ABF force design priorities and directives. You will support the delivery of strategic priorities, through delivery and continuous improvement of internal force design policies and procedures. You will respond to complex requests for advice and emerging issues, with thoroughly researched evidence-based recommendations.

Specific duties/responsibilities:

• Deliver capability planning and force design activities to ensure the ABF is positioned to meet the threats of today and the future
• Deliver the ABF Capability Plan to integrate strategy, policy and capability to uplift civil maritime security capabilities
• Lead and manage input into civil maritime security strategy, policy and capability, including through new policy proposals for Government consideration
• Contribute to the leadership and objectives of the ABF.

Additional information

The Civil Maritime Strategy & Policy Branch values diverse skills, qualifications, perspectives and backgrounds. While there are no mandatory requirements, the following experience and/or qualifications are well regarded for some positions:

• Capability design, development and implementation.

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 23/06/2025 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 – 138228 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

Internal applicants with technical enquiries can log a ticket through the Support Connect portal, send an email or call us

• Lodge an enquiry through the Support Connect Portal
• 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 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.