APS5 - Policy and Contract Management Officer, Triple Zero Access & Awareness Branch

The opportunity we have available

The Triple Zero Custodian (the Custodian) oversees and promotes continuous improvement of the Triple Zero ecosystem. A key function of the Custodian is to ensure that all parts of the Triple Zero ecosystem are connected and coordinated, particularly in times of crisis. The Custodian ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of the Triple Zero ecosystem and coordinates a collaborative approach to information sharing and reform.

The Custodian works closely with the Australian Communications and Media Authority, telecommunication companies, state and territory governments, emergency service organisations and other key stakeholders. It aims to increase transparency in the system, including through community awareness.

The Triple Zero Custodian Division was established in October 2025. This Division comprises two branches working collaboratively to deliver on the Custodian's work program.

Triple Zero Access and Assurance branch leads engagement with telecommunications industry stakeholders. The branch manages contractual arrangements and develops policy to address gaps in the Triple Zero ecosystem and aims to ensure emergency calls connect to Triple Zero in line with community expectations. Our branch is made up of a passionate and collaborative group of individuals and oversees a variety of complex projects, with many opportunities for growth and professional development.

We are looking for a capable, friendly and organised Senior policy and contract officer to support the work of the branch until 31 March 2027 with possibility for extension.

What you will do

As an APS 5 Policy and contract management officer in the Custodian Access and Assurance Branch, you will play an important role in building and enhancing the policy framework for delivery of Triple Zero into the future. You will support a review into Triple Zero legislation and regulation, which is now underway and is core to the work of the branch. The review will identify opportunities to safeguard the Triple Zero ecosystem and deliver recommendations for a workplan that establishes a modern, scalable and adaptable regulatory framework capable of supporting reliable emergency assistance and providing regulatory certainty for industry.

You will also support the delivery of the Emergency Call Service, device testing across networks and research via the National Telecommunications Resilience Centre and early warning capability development through management of contractual arrangements.

These roles are varied and dynamic, but typical duties include:

• Supporting the review into Triple Zero legislation and regulation through secretariat work (organising meetings with key industry, regulatory and consumer advocacy stakeholders, drafting correspondence, minute taking). Work on the review may include supporting the drafting and development of an interim report synthesising initial stakeholder feedback and providing preliminary advice on possible reform opportunities.
• Supporting the management of the contract to deliver the Emergency Call Person service, including analysis of technical upgrades, audits of financials and future policy delivery.
• Input and analysis of performance and financial information for the Emergency Call Person (including briefing the relevant Delegate and invoicing via department accounts payable systems).
• Preparing for and attending meetings with stakeholders through both the review work and contract management responsibilities.
• Drafting input for Ministerial correspondence, submissions, meeting briefs, Senate Estimates briefs and Question Time briefs.
• Supporting colleagues with policy coordination and administrative tasks as needed.

The branch contains two teams with a flexible work structure, so team members may be asked to work flexibly across different work streams to meet tight deadlines.

Inherent requirements for the role

The successful candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate their capability against the APS 5 Work level standards.

To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate your ability to:

• Provide professional and policy advice within an area of specialisation.
• Develop plans and objectives for short-term tasks of the work area and contribute to strategic planning for longer-term initiatives of the section.
• Have a sound general knowledge of the role and functions of the agency and an understanding of how these relate to a specific work area.
• Have sound understanding of the impact of the work area on longer-term strategic, political or operational outcomes for the agency/program.
• Work independently or under limited guidance in relation to their area of expertise. Complex or difficult issues are discussed with team leaders or experts.
• Exercise judgement to make decisions governed by the application of rules, regulations, best practice principles or the agency's operating instructions and procedures, under the support and general direction of a higher classification level.
• Respond to stakeholder needs and expectations.
• Develop and maintain internal and external relationships.

Desirable requirements

Previous telecommunications industry or policy experience, previous experience supporting legislative review and/or previous experience in contract management is desired but not essential.

Cultural capability requirement

The department believes every role contributes to cultural safety and that building staff cultural capability helps us deliver better policies, programs and services for First Nations people and the broader Australian community. Candidates will be required to demonstrate their willingness to develop their cultural capability as part of the assessment process. In making it a requirement across all roles in our department, we are taking a practical step in delivering our commitments under the Our Stories on Country Agreement and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy 2025–28.

As an APS5 you will be expected to:

• Consider the cultural context and implications of work area outcomes.
• Engage respectfully with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, building trusted relationships.
• Communicate respectfully and seeks appropriate cultural input to inform decisions.

Eligibility requirements

Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• Citizenship: candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application. 
• Health Assessment: The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider.
• Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline Level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
• Police check: The successful candidate must complete an Australian Federal Police criminal history check.
• Integrity and Performance check: The successful candidate must satisfy the requirements in an Integrity and Performance check which is completed by your most recent employer.

For more information about this role, including the type of person we are looking for and how to apply, please refer to the position description available by clicking the 'Apply Now' button.

Our work connects and enriches every Australian community, underpins our economy and society, and empowers our regions. We provide policy advice and deliver programs, projects and services in the infrastructure, transport, communications, sport and arts sectors, supporting our regions, cities and territories. Our staff have the opportunity to work on high profile and diverse national projects that have a meaningful impact on the lives of all Australians. We seek people with a wide range of skills and competencies. Whether you write policy, deliver programs, projects or corporate services, or have experience in research, data or technology, we look for employees who are innovative, respectful and professional. We are an inclusive employer and promote, value and support diversity among our employees with the aim of ensuring our workforce reflects, respects and benefits from diverse communities including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, people with disability and LGBTQI+ people. We are committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting women’s progression into senior leadership.