EL1 Regulatory, Compliance, Assurance and Risk Officers

Applications for this position close on Sunday 1 November at 11.30pm AEDT

The Opportunities

Australian Passport Office (APO)

The Australian Passport Office is seeking EL1 Assistant Directors to lead significant elements of APO’s risk, internal controls and assurance function.

The role provides leadership and professional oversight of a risk-based assurance program that supports the APO Executive to understand whether key risks are being effectively managed and whether internal controls are appropriately designed and operating effectively. The Assistant Director will lead complex assurance reviews, shape the annual assurance plan, provide strategic and evidence-based advice, and support business owners to address systemic or significant control weaknesses.

The role operates with a high degree of independence, judgement and accountability. It requires the ability to manage sensitive and complex matters, influence senior stakeholders, maintain the quality and integrity of assurance activities and translate detailed evidence into clear advice about risk exposure, control effectiveness and required action.

Executive Division (EXD)

The Enterprise Risk Section supports implementation of DFAT's Enterprise Risk Management Policy, strengthens risk management capability across the department, and helps embed risk considerations into corporate and policy decision-making. We are seeking a collaborative and influential leader who can work with stakeholders at all levels to strengthen risk management practices, support informed decision-making, and contribute to a positive risk culture across the department.

We are seeking officers with experience in enterprise risk management, governance, assurance or a closely related discipline. Relevant risk management qualifications, professional certifications or demonstrated expertise will be highly regarded. Experience using data and analysis to identify trends, inform risk insights and support decision-making is desirable. The role requires strong judgement and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to analyse and communicate complex risk information, coordinate enterprise risk reporting, provide clear advice to senior leaders and governance committees, and support the department to identify and respond to emerging risks. 

Regulatory and Legal Policy Division (RLD)

The Australian Sanctions Office administers Australia’s sanctions framework, implementing listings, providing guidance, issuing permits, promoting compliance, and supporting sanctions policy. Sanctions Officers support the Australian Government’s decisions on sanctions through evidence-based, legally grounded recommendations considering applicable law, policy, evidence, consultation, risk, national interest, and UNSC requirements.

The Foreign Arrangements Branch administers the Foreign Arrangements Scheme, ensuring international engagement by Australian governments and universities aligns with foreign policy. It advises on foreign policy, research security and interference risks, works with government and intelligence partners, conducts nationwide outreach, supports regulated entities’ compliance, and leads DFAT’s countering foreign interference policy.

The Public Interest Law Branch seeks high-performing officers for complex FOI, visa screening, and declassification work. Roles involve advising senior leaders, managing legal compliance and foreign policy risks, and working independently. Applicants may have experience in policy, legal advice, project or corporate management, FOI or information disclosure. Legal qualifications are not essential.

For further information, please see the Applicant Information Pack at DFAT Careers website.

Across APO, EXD, and RLD the roles share a strong focus on applying legislation and policy, managing sensitive and complex matters, providing sound advice, assessing risk, and working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders. 

Key duties across all divisions include: 

• Provide strategic advice to senior stakeholders and management on fraud, compliance, risk or integrity-related matters. 
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Lead and support policy development, implementation and continuous improvement. 
• Manage risk and support effective compliance with legislative and policy frameworks. 
• Lead teams, develop staff capability and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture. 
• Exercise sound judgement on sensitive, complex or high-profile matters. 
• Contribute to divisional and departmental strategic objectives. 
• Develop innovative approaches, procedures and practices to strengthen business outcomes. 
• Ensure work is conducted in accordance with DFAT policies and relevant legislation. 

Further details of role-specific key duties are available at DFAT Careers website (Applicant Information Pack).

Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS) unless the Agency Head has agreed otherwise, in writing. 

Depending on the role into which you are placed, you may also be required to obtain and maintain a Working with Vulnerable People/Children registration (or equivalent)