Public Affairs Officer 3 - National Security and Crisis Communication

Job Req ID

Home Affairs - 140000

Location

ACT 

 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

Tracy Heffernan on tracy.heffernan@homeaffairs.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 10/11/2025 at 11:59pm AEDT (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

DS Executive | Executive Coordination | Media & Communication | Media and Social Media

The Media and Communication Branch is responsible for centrally coordinating media enquiries and strategic communications for the department and Australian Border Force (ABF).

The branch is supported by several sections that each deliver important influence and enabling services for Portfolio Ministerial offices, senior public servants and departmental business areas. You will be joining one of the most diverse communication teams in Federal Government.

The National Security and Crisis Communication section plans and executes strategic communication and media engagement activities relating to counter-terrorism, counter foreign interference, and critical infrastructure. The team also leads Whole-of-Government communication for these policy areas, for the security of designated special events, and for responding to crises led by the Department including terrorism and cyber incidents and other unfolding disasters. This section provides the secretariat function for the Australia New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee's Public Information Sub-Committee.

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

Our ideal candidate

Public Affairs Officer 3 are responsible for ensuring that media and communication materials produced and released by the department are delivered to an exceptionally high standard. You will work closely with clients to develop and implement communication and media strategies to achieve defined objectives. The role requires a strong client focus and the ability to confidently coordinate and work with other teams across the department, the Australian Government and where applicable, states and territories.

The position requires a range of strategic communication, media liaison and issues management skills and an ability to work professionally and collegiately with key stakeholders and to build and maintain productive working relationships across the Department and with key staff in the Minister's office.

You will be responsible for managing the training, mentoring and professional support for junior staff within the team. Public Affairs Officer 3 provide support to Directors in delivering communication materials and delivering effective leadership to a team of communications professionals. There will be opportunities to develop your skills and expand your knowledge in a typically fast-paced and dynamic environment. Each day will present new challenges and you will be encouraged to use and develop new skills.

We are looking for communication professionals who enjoy working in a fast-paced and creative environment to deliver high-quality and innovative communication.

You will have a strong client focus and the ability to confidently coordinate and work with other teams. You will be a passionate and creative team member who enjoys and works well with others and can operate with autonomy where appropriate. You are a proactive relationship-builder and initiative-taker, with a creative mind and exercise sound professional judgement across all areas of your work.

Duties and responsibilities

• Manage the strategic communication and public engagement requirements of clients, including developing communication and media content that will meet defined objectives
• Lead the development of communication activities such as online content, media opportunities, media management strategies, written products, photography and publications
• Work closely with key stakeholders across the department, the Australian Government and states and territories to achieve outcomes
• Assist with crisis communication responsibilities, including participating in an on call roster
• Manage and mentor junior staff within a small team.

Additional information

Required qualifications

• Qualifications in communications, marketing, public relations and/or journalism or extensive experience in a communication, public relations and/or journalism role.

Desirable skills

• This role works across strategic communications, media and crisis communication, so broad communication experience, including in a media facing role and a demonstrated understanding of the environment, practices, processes and protocols is required
• Ability to work to tight deadlines, while juggling multiple demands and operating sensitively in a complex and highly visible environment
• Highly developed communication skills, including the ability to liaise widely and develop productive working relationships at all levels
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion, and to work quickly and independently, with excellent attention to detail and coordination skills
• Experience developing highly capable, motivated, and performance-focused team members
• Ability to manage relationships between the Department and Ministers' Offices
• High level of professional and managerial judgement in responding to complex operational issues
• Ability to liaise and negotiate with all levels of senior management to promote quality outcomes for the department, Portfolio and Government.

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 10/11/2025 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEDT  – Late applications will not be accepted.

As part of your application, you will be required to prepare and submit a one-page Applicant Response 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 – 140000 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 Baseline Vetting (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.