Join Defence Families of Australia (DFA) as a National Policy Officer and help shape policy that impacts Australian Defence Force families nationwide.

The National Policy Officer role operates with a high degree of autonomy and flexibility and works closely with the Defence Family Advocate to support to deliver evidence-based policy advice and advocacy.

This position is flexible and enables remote working from anywhere in Australia.

The role plays a key part in contributing to and developing policy that reflects the lived experiences of Defence families both domestically and internationally, through targeted research, stakeholder engagement and the analysis of family centred issues. It involves preparing high quality written materials to inform decision making, support policy review and contribute to improved outcomes for Defence families.

This is a unique opportunity for a motivated policy professional who enjoys working autonomously, managing competing priorities, and contributing to meaningful, real-world impact.

Primary Responsibilities

The position reports directly to the Defence Family Advocate (Advocate) and is accountable for effective delivery of the responsibilities as follows:

·       Research, gather and analyse information in order to determine how a policy change may affect Defence families and make recommendations for policy formulation for amendments.

·       Represent DFA at events and committees when requested by the Advocate.

·       Prepare DFA reports and submissions on current issues.

·       Support the design, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the DFA Strategic Plan and other business improvement projects, designed to support Defence families.

• Develop policy strategies submitted by Delegates and assist the Advocate in the tracking and implementation of policy, which supports the core objectives of DFA (such as project concept, definition, planning, budget projection and effect, delivery and completion timeframes).

• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and have a positive working relationship across Government, not-for-profit and the private sector to prepare reports on policy status for internal and external audiences.

• Work collaboratively with all members of the DFA team to deliver outcomes, to provide subject matter expertise in order to formulate program and advocacy strategy.

• Travel to Canberra on an adhoc basis to attend centralised team forums at the discretion of the Defence Family Advocate.

·       Engage with the Defence Family Advocate on administrative matters

• Perform other ad hoc duties as assigned by the Defence Family Advocate.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in policy, or demonstrated relevant work experience.  

• Effective written and oral communication, including the ability to write evidence based policy documentation.

• Demonstrated experience managing strategic advocacy goals and priorities.

• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of products (eg. Word, Excel, Teams).

• Must be able to present information about DFA and engage with a broad range of stakeholders in small or large groups. 

• Demonstrated organisational skills, including the ability to determine priorities and manage workloads whilst working individually or as part of a team, specifically remotely.

• Ability to act with diplomacy and discretion when dealing with sensitive and confidential issues.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to consult, problem solve and liaise with key stakeholders on behalf of members, and a demonstrated ability to establish sound working relationships with internal and external agencies.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS  

Preferred requirements

• Personal knowledge of Defence family life or a connection to someone in the Australian Defence Force is preferred, but not essential.

• Ability to work independently and with some occasional flexibility for hours worked.

Essential requirements

·       A Baseline security clearance is required, and the successful applicant must be willing and able to obtain one.

·       Must be an Australian citizen.

·       Employees of the Commonwealth, State or Territory, Defence, Defence Housing Australia or Toll Transitions are eligible to apply, however they may be required to seek approval from their employer before commencing in a role and may need to take leave without pay or go part time, or in rare cases resign from their role. Defence can provide further information to a candidate based on their personal circumstances.  Defence Reserve Members are eligible to apply, but if successful, you would need to move to SERCAT 2 category to avoid any conflict of interest.

·       A potential Office Holder would need to declare their interests and if there is a conflict of interest, they may not be eligible to be appointed. This requirement extends to persons in a committee, Defence contractor or their employee, or a Defence grant recipient.

·       Prior to appointment, declare in writing to the Defence Family Advocate of any work that is outside of Defence Families of Australia. 

Please note: In accordance with the Remuneration Tribunal Determination, a person employed on a full-time basis by the Commonwealth (or Territory) is not entitled to remuneration for holding a part-time public office, but can receive travel allowance associated with official travel.  A part-time Commonwealth (or Territory) employee can receive remuneration for holding a part-time office.  More information on the Part-time Public Office Holders can be found here - https://www.remtribunal.gov.au/part-time-offices

Contact Officer

Tanya Richard            07 3903 6***  ***************@defence.gov.au

How to Apply

Applications are managed via the Defence Families of Australia website. Visit dfa.org.au (dfa.org.au/join-our-team/) to access application instructions and submit your application.

Applications close: 2300 h AEST on Wednesday 24th June 2026