The role

We are looking for applicants with experience in implementing security best practice, thinking critically and effectively communicating with a broad audience.

Our ideal candidate will perform at the APS4 level in accordance with the PM&C Performance model and will bring:

• Strong administrative skills and attention to detail, with ability to manage sensitive data.
• Sound time management skills with capability to manage competing deadlines, under direction of APS6 Team Leader/Security.
• Strong communication skills, with ability to prepare clear correspondence and respond to stakeholder enquiries.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated initiative and accountability in completing tasks, identifying issues and contributing to process improvements.
• Working knowledge of PSPF.

Certificate IV in Government Security (Security Vetting or Personnel Security), other qualifications, and/or demonstrated experience in training and assessment will be highly regarded but not essential.

In line with our dedication to an inclusive and safe workplace culture we are seeking candidates who are respectful of people’s unique differences, backgrounds and cultures (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture) particularly when communicating and working together.

Job description

Who we are

The Security Operations Team provides a business enabling function supporting the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) to manage protective security. The team ensures the department, the Prime Minister’s Office, our portfolio ministers and shared services agencies objectives can be achieved without loss, harm, disruption or damage to our people, information, assets and reputation. This includes the management of personnel and physical security, COMSO services, the department’s Insider Threat Program and security project management.

What you will do

The Security Adviser plays an essential role in the management and administration of protective security services to PM&C.

The Security Adviser delivers administrative duties including but not limited to; coordinating and managing security clearance processes, data management in relation to electronic access controls and undertaking security activities within Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) requirements.

The role requires face to face interactions with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, and as such requires a strong customer service ethic, a high level of communication skills with discretion and empathy.

Under the direction of the APS 6 Senior Security Adviser, the main duties of the role are:

• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including vetting agencies and government departments, to facilitate and monitor clearance applications and maintain accurate records.
• Provide advice to stakeholders on security clearance requirements, ensuring compliance with relevant PSPF and department security policies.
• Deliver high-quality administrative support, including inbox management, criminal history checks, face-to-face client service in the Security Office and preparation of security clearance documentation for approval.
• Assist with regular protective security reporting and reviews, broader security team projects and other ad-hoc duties as directed.

The role may be required to perform an out of hours on-call function.

Eligibility requirements

• Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the APS unless the Agency Head has agreed otherwise, in writing. At PM&C to be eligible for this position you should be an Australian Citizen by the completion of the recruitment process, except under exceptional circumstances.
• The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.
• The successful candidate will be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check, and will normally be subject to a six-month probation period if new to the APS or has not yet completed their probation period elsewhere in the APS.

About the agency

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) advances Australia’s national interests through high quality support to the Prime Minister and the operations of Cabinet. PM&C supports the Prime Minister as leader of the Government and of Cabinet and as leader of the country. This positions us both to provide visibility of Government priorities and influence outcomes across all Commonwealth portfolios, state jurisdictions, the Australian Public Service (APS) as an institution, and on the international stage. Our role is to provide fresh thinking and creative advice to government as stewards for the APS. We contribute ideas on the many and varied issues facing Australia, taking into consideration the views and opinions of a range of stakeholders across the private, public, not-for-profit and community sectors. The PM&C team provides pragmatic advice and finds solutions to problems so that Government policies can be effectively designed and implemented. We give particular weight to issues that are important to the Prime Minister. Our focus, put in its simplest terms, is to find new ways to improve the lives of all Australians.

Notes

Ongoing & Non-ongoing (for a period up to 24 months) 

This role is being advertised as both ongoing and non-ongoing, with the employment type to be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate and the PM&C delegate.

Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for a maximum period of two (2) years. If the initial contract is for less than 2 years, it may be extended or renewed once, up to the 2 year limit.

A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment, however this must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement.