Policy Officer, Technology Security Policy

Job Req ID

Home Affairs - 139368

Location

ACT; NSW; QLD; TAS; VIC 

 Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time / Part-time 

Classification

APS Level 4 - $76,863.00 and $82,906.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Contact Officer

Andrew Sneddon at Andrew.Sneddon@homeaffairs.gov.au  

Office Arrangements

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

Applications close on 16/09/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill multiple 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

Head Of National Security | CFI Cyber & Technology | Technology Security Policy 

The Technology Security Policy Branch is responsible for managing national security threats to, through, and from technology. This includes whole-of-government policy options to address Australia's most pressing national security challenges related to technology security.

Countering Unwanted Technology Transfer Section

Develops strategic policy solutions to counter the threat of unwanted technology transfer. This includes consideration of existing and future policy in collaboration with a range of stakeholders. CUTT also has responsibility for delivering the Technology Foreign Interference Taskforce, collaborating with Australia's tech sector to build awareness and resilience against national security threats.

Critical and Emerging Technology Security Policy Section

Provides actionable policy advice that addresses national security challenges posed by critical and emerging technologies. This includes informing the Australian Government's Safe and Responsible AI agenda, as well as leading projects to develop specific mitigations against national security risks. 

Technology Supply Risks Section

The section has developed a risk assessment framework to manage national security risks presented by vendor products and services entering and operating within the Australian technology market. Additionally, the Section has supported the outcomes of the Social Media Review and continues to examine policy options in relation to specific vendors of concern cases.  The Technology Supply Risks section is responsible for providing intelligence-led and evidence-based advice on national security threats arising from technology supply chains. TSR considers the full spectrum of state threats, seeking to ensure Australia's access to technologies and technology markets remains safe, secure and free from coercion.

Data Security and Strategy Section

The section leads Australia's domestic and international efforts to advance national data security priorities. As part of this, the section is delivering three key initiatives under the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, aimed at limiting data going to malicious actors for nefarious purposes. This includes protecting Australia's most sensitive and critical data from malicious actors (including nation state actors) and restrict adversaries from freely collecting Australian data. Collectively, these measures aim to strengthen Australia's technology security landscape, build digital trust, and support the secure flow of data to enable the digital economy.  

Data Retention Review Section

The section leads the Data Retention Review (the Review). The Minister for Home Affairs and the Attorney-General commissioned the Review to assess whether Commonwealth data retention provisions appropriately balance their policy intent with the cyber and privacy risks of entities retaining large volumes of information. This Review aligns with the Government's response to the Privacy Act Review Report and is referenced as a key initiative in the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.

There are several vacant positions across the Branch. Successful candidates will work within a team to develop and implement policy and programs designed to address some of the most pressing and emerging national security challenges.

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

Our ideal candidate

We value a diversity of different skills, qualifications, perspectives and backgrounds. There are a wide range of positions available across the Branch and we take a flexible approach to recruitment.

We are looking for people who want to solve complex problems, drive and deliver initiatives, and foster a positive team culture, whilst working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Importantly, you don't need to be a technologist or deep subject matter expert, while this would be helpful for some roles, generalist problem solving and critical thinking skills will enable you to succeed.

Depending on the specific role, the successful applicants would have:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and persuasively to influence outcome and produce high quality ministerial or executive briefings and submissions.
• Willingness to take direction and work as part of a team to deliver our priorities.
• Understanding of, or ability to gain an understanding of, technology security issues to assist in the delivery of new policy initiatives and frameworks across government.
• An ability to identify, analyse and synthesise data from a variety of sources.
• Time management skills to achieve allocated tasks.

Desirable attributes:

• Candidates with expertise, or a proven interest, in issues such as data security, intelligence, foreign interference, technology supply chains, and critical and emerging technologies.

Duties and responsibilities

The Technology Security Policy Branch has multiple current and expected vacancies for APS4 Policy Officers.

Within the Branch, depending on your Section you will work within your team to:

• Work both autonomously and collaboratively to contribute to key policy initiatives and ongoing programs, in line with current priorities and in response to emerging and future threat vectors and opportunities.
• Engage across agencies and with industry stakeholders to support strategic policy development across a number of technology security related initiatives.
• Review existing policy and support new policy development to align with Government priorities.
• Develop quality briefing materials and advice to support the Department's identified strategic priorities and engagement with Government, industry and international stakeholders.

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 16/09/2025 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 – 139368 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.