- Work at the intersection of national security, foreign policy and climate, energy and environment policy.
- Influence high-level government decisions.
- Join a high-performing Canberra-based team with unique access to classified intelligence.
Who we are
The Portfolio Strategy Division is the department's central policy area. The division supports our ministers and the department to engage with the complex cross-cutting policy challenges in Australian climate, energy, environment and water policy. We lead on the Cabinet and Budget processes, strategic policy, First Nations policy, whole-of-portfolio projects, and work to build the department's policy capability.
The National Security and International Coordination Branch influences Australia’s national security agenda on issues relevant to DCCEEW and establishes a strategic and cohesive approach to international engagement.
The Intelligence Engagement Section leads the department’s engagement with the National Intelligence Community. Our mission is to ensure that DCCEEW’s decision-making and policy advice to ministers are informed by the best available intelligence. We achieve this by providing intelligence products, briefs and read services to our executive and divisions, connecting DCCEEW line areas with intelligence partners, and supporting line areas to commission intelligence requests.
For more information about us please visit our website.
The job
- Build and sustain strong internal and external relationships to understand stakeholder intelligence needs and position the team as a trusted source of strategic advice.
- Analyse, synthesise and communicate intelligence and contextual information from diverse sources to explain the geostrategic and national security environment, including implications, risks and opportunities for DCCEEW’s portfolio.
- Deliver intelligence services and maintain team processes in accordance with classified information handling requirements.
- Prepare briefing materials, including to Ministers and Senior Executive, to support DCCEEW’s contribution to whole-of-government economic security, national security and foreign policy outcomes.
- Support intelligence governance frameworks and enable policy and program areas to effectively access, interpret and apply intelligence in their work.
Noting the regular requirement to engage in classified materials, this role is Canberra-based and is well-suited to individuals who enjoy working in an office environment.
What you’ll gain from the experience
You will have the opportunity to apply your skills and experience to strengthen the department's intelligence capability, and influence high-level government decisions from within a policy agency. You will work at the intersection of national security, foreign policy and climate, energy and environment policy. You will gain a unique understanding of classified intelligence and government decision-making, building expertise that is highly valued across national security, policy and strategic leadership roles.
What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
- Strong judgement and strategic policy capability—including advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, and the ability to gather and synthesise information from diverse sources.
- Influential communication skills—clear, succinct writing and speaking tailored to the audience, with strong attention to detail.
- Excellent customer service, executive support and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Drive, initiative and strong organisation skills to meet deadlines and maintain team momentum in a self-directed environment.
- A positive, high-performing team ethos—contributing to a culture of accountability, respect, and mutual support while leaning into challenges and opportunities.
Desirable qualifications
- Qualifications related to international studies, geopolitics or other relevant fields.
Eligibility and other requirements
Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.
Security Clearance - this position requires a
Negative Vetting Level 2 security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment
You may use AI tools to support your participation in this recruitment process, unless advised otherwise. If you use AI, you must ensure your use is transparent, authentic and truthful, and that all information reflects your own skills and experience.
The department may use AI in a limited, transparent and responsible way to support parts of this recruitment process. AI does not make decisions - all assessments and selection outcomes are made by people.
For more information, see:
- Artificial Intelligence Transparency Statement
- AI in recruitment | Australian Public Service Commission
