The role
About your team
The Governance and Communication Branch:
- instils and continually reinforces a corporate culture of acting lawfully, ethically and responsibly in accordance with DHA’s legislative requirements and overarching governance framework
- fosters relationships with and delivers quality service to DHA customers and stakeholders
- guides and influences risk-based decision-making throughout the organisation.
The work environment is dynamic, with a number of projects and initiatives being undertaken concurrently to improve the capability and performance of the organisation.
About the role
The Director, ESG and Sustainability provides enterprise leadership for the implementation, coordination and continuous improvement of DHA’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy and Framework. Working under broad direction, the role translates DHA’s strategic ESG objectives into enterprise implementation priorities, governance arrangements, reporting and capability uplift, and provides authoritative advice on complex and emerging ESG matters.
The role integrates ESG considerations into business planning, risk management, performance reporting and organisational decision-making. It leads sustainability and climate-related reporting, strengthens ESG data governance, reporting capability and assurance arrangements, anticipates legislative and industry developments, and works through business owners to deliver shared enterprise outcomes. The role exercises a high degree of independence and judgement, manages ambiguity and competing priorities, and leads change to improve organisational ESG maturity.
Job description
Lead ESG & sustainability at DHA. Drive strategic change and shape a more sustainable future supporting Defence members and their families. Apply now!
About us
DHA was established in 1988 following passage of the Defence Housing Australia Act 1987 (DHA Act) to provide adequate and suitable housing for, and housing related services to, members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families. We remain committed to our purpose of providing housing, and housing related services, to ADF members and their families to support Defence’s operational needs.
DHA manages an expanding portfolio of housing solutions and provides housing for over 17,200 ADF members and their families and administers rent allowance for more than 16,000 ADF members and their families in private rental accommodation. DHA provides housing related services advising on eligibility, providing posting support, and managing bookings and allocation services for all DHA provisioned housing and on-base accommodation to approximately 60,000 ADF members.
To find out more about DHA, please refer to our website or read our latest Annual Report.
Eligibility requirements
Employment with DHA is conditional on successful applicants demonstrating that they are an Australian citizen, meeting the required medical standards, and obtaining and maintaining a security clearance at the required level.
About the agency
At Defence Housing Australia, we provide quality housing and related services to Defence members and families. In doing this, we support the operational, recruitment and retention goals of the Department of Defence. To meet our Defence housing obligations, we are active in Australian residential housing markets, acquiring and developing land, and constructing and purchasing houses. Our staff are located in 19 offices in regional centres and nearby Defence outposts throughout Australia.Notes
Benefits for working at DHA include:
- 15.4% superannuation
- Generous leave entitlements, including 18 days personal leave and 20 days annual leave per year
- Work-life balance and flexible working options
- A positive workplace culture where you can bring your whole self to work
- Opportunities to broaden your industry knowledge and experience
- Career progression and opportunities
- A dedicated Employee Assistance Program for you and your family to access in times of need
- ADF partner employment conditions when posting to a new location
For information on DHA’s Employee Value Proposition, visit our website.
How to apply
Apply now with your current resume and a 500-word one page pitch, addressing the requirements of the role. We recommend you read the Australian Public Service Commission’s Cracking the Code guidance on how to write your response. Additionally, you should consider the expected behaviours described in the Australian Public Service Commission’s Integrated Leadership System at this role’s level.
For further information on the position, please refer to the Candidate Information Pack through the online careers site.
Applications close: 11:55pm AEST Monday 16 November 2026. Any questions? Please contact Myah Jetter, Executive Assistant T: 02 6268 3865 E: [email protected]
Order of Merit
A merit pool will be established from this process which will be valid for 18 months from the date of advertising. This merit pool may be used throughout this period to fill similar positions in the event positions become vacant.
Inclusion and Diversity
DHA is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from across our community including, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, ex-defence members, mature aged employees and carers.