Senior Border Force Officer
Job Req ID
ABF - 138753
Location
ACT
Employment Type
Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time
Classification
APS Level 5 - $84,228.00 and $91,809.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)
Contact Officer
Philippa Kimburi on philippa.kimburi@homeaffairs.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 22/07/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.
About our opportunity
This process is being used to fill 6 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
National Operations | Maritime Border Command & OSB | Jatf Osb Deputy Commander | Various
Joint Agency Task Force Operation Sovereign Borders (JATF OSB) is recruiting a range of positions for expected vacancies. JATF OSB is a military-led border security operation that was established in 2013 to deliver on the government's commitment to combat people smuggling and protect Australia's borders. JATF OSB brings together and coordinates sixteen agencies that contribute to OSB objectives, including operations, law enforcement, intelligence, operational and policy agencies. The JATF OSB is supported by three operational task groups:
- Deterrence and Disruption Task Group - led by the Australian Federal Police
- Detection, Interception and Transfer Task Group - led by Maritime Border Command, a division within the Australian Border Force
- Regional Processing and Resettlement Task Group - led by the Department of Home Affairs.
Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force
Our ideal candidate
JATF OSB Effects and Coordination
- Critical thinking, analytical skills and the ability to identify issues and opportunities to support Commander Joint Agency Task Force (CJATF) and the broader JATF OSB
- Ability to respond, adapt, and work under significant time constraints with autonomy and exercise high level judgement in a sensitive, politicised environment
- Understanding of core government processes including Parliamentary processes and Ministerial responsibility
- Strategic acumen and an appreciation of geo-political dynamics, national political influences and domestic public sentiment towards OSB.
JATF OSB Operations & Plans
- Critical thinking, analytical skills and the ability to provide mission critical planning and operational support to CJATF and DCJATF to meet OSB objectives
- Ability to collaborate and influence through strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Ability to respond, adapt, and work under significant time constraints with autonomy and exercise high level judgement in a sensitive, politicised environment
- Experience in Command, Control and Coordination (C3) and Operational Planning is highly desirable, and out of hours and weekend work will be required during a response operation.
JATF OSB Strategic Communications
- Demonstrate creativity, passion, big idea thinking, and strategic awareness and explore new and innovative ideas to implement communication and behaviour change strategies
- Engage with multiple stakeholders to design and implement a program of work that present layers of complexities and sensitivities
- Effectively manage relationships/contracts with a number of international providers
- Confidently provide communication advice to both internal and external stakeholders
- Work collaboratively as part of a high performing team to achieve best practice communication outcomes.
JATF OSB International
- Ability to think proactively and deliver high quality outcomes while working with a high degree of autonomy
- Sound judgement, acumen and strategic thinking
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
- Strong coordination and liaison.
Duties and responsibilities
JATF OSB Effects and Coordination
- Drafting briefings and correspondence for JATF OSB engagement with Parliamentary and Ministerial processes, internal and external scrutiny bodies, and other senior government stakeholders
- Monitoring JATF OSB risk control profiles and quarterly performance reporting for the JATF OSB Corporate Plan metric
- Coordinating and drafting responses to media enquiries and information disclosure requests for JATF OSB-related information, including Freedom of Information requests and subject specific talking points.
JATF OSB Operations & Plans
- Developing and supporting critical planning, coordination and response to maritime people smuggling operations
- Maintaining readiness of JATF OSB capabilities to respond to planned and unplanned events
- Assessing and forecasting JATF OSB capabilities, reviewing risks and identifying opportunities against emerging maritime people smuggling threats using effects based planning principles.
JATF OSB Strategic Communications
- Assisting in the ongoing development and implementation of the anti-people smuggling strategic communication campaign to raise awareness of the Australian Government's Operation Sovereign Borders policy to deter potential irregular immigrants from travelling illegally by boat to Australia
- Managing contracts and funding agreements with providers in accordance with procurement, grants, financial and legal guidelines, and undertaking associated financial management duties
- Preparing briefs for, and reviewing proposals from, service providers for the delivery of campaign outputs.
JATF OSB International
- Prepare briefings, meeting materials, correspondence, presentations and minutes, including in relation to critical, confidential and sensitive information
- Develop ICBP costing proposals and manage the effective delivery of projects and initiatives
- Support and provide coaching and guidance that builds and capabilities and capacity of new team members.
JATF International
- Prepare briefings, meeting materials, correspondence, presentations and minutes, including in relation to critical, confidential and sensitive information
- Liaise collaboratively with a range of internal and external stakeholders to coordinate and assist with responses to operational issues, and support the effective delivery of projects and initiatives
- Contribute to JATF OSB operations in a dynamic operating environment as required.
Additional information
- JATF OSB Effects and Coordination is responsible for critical governance and support role for JATF OSB. The team strategises, implements and maintains initiatives to enhance the delivery of the OSB mission by drafting briefings and correspondence for JATF OSB engagement with senior government stakeholders, drafting briefings and responses to JATF OSB Parliamentary and Ministerial processes, responding to media enquiries and information disclosure requests and reporting against JATF OSB performance metrics.
- JATF OSB Operations and Plans is responsible for coordinating the JATF response to deterrence, disruption and on-water operations. The team provides leadership in operational planning, policy implementation, delivery of effects, and an assurance process to build and improve capability. Co-located secondees are involved in international engagement, intelligence collection and assessment, and developing and delivering Australia's anti-people smuggling campaign across the task groups.
- JATF OSB Strategic Communication seeks to influence the decisions of potential irregular immigrants and people smugglers and to deter them from joining or operating illegal maritime ventures to Australia. This is done through the implementation of the Australian Government's offshore anti-people smuggling campaign, which raises awareness, educates and changes behaviour. The Section delivers the communication campaign in source and transit countries. Communication activity highlights the realities of hazardous sea journeys, the financial risks of engaging people smugglers and the consequences of illegal migration by sea to Australia.
- JATF OSB International is responsible for the coordination of international engagement to deliver outcomes that support the OSB mission. This is achieved through building long-term enduring partnerships with our overseas partners. JATF international organise the placement of persons in-country to better strengthen the department reputation when bargaining for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs).
- Candidates that hold a Baseline clearance are encouraged to apply, however applicants must be willing to obtain Negative Vetting Level 1.
How to apply
Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 22/07/2025 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 – 138753 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.