The NPP Education Programs and Policy Manager – Assistant Director will lead policy development and governance for Australia’s sovereign nuclear-technical education capability. On a daily basis you’ll oversee course governance, coordinate STEM pathway programmes, lead a small team, and partner with government, education providers and international counterparts to ensure high-quality, evidence-based policy and practical implementation.
Role Specifications
| Job Title | NPP Education Programs and Policy Manager – Assistant Director |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Number | VN-0768383 |
| Position Number | ASA/01802/26 |
| Classification | Executive Level 1 |
| Salary | $124,393 – $140,315 |
| Job Type | Full-Time, Ongoing |
| Primary Locations | Adelaide SA; Canberra ACT; Melbourne VIC |
| Future Merit Locations | Adelaide; Canberra; Melbourne |
| Office Arrangement | On Site; Flexible |
| Office Arrangement Details | ASA is committed to assisting its employees with flexible office arrangements. Flexible Office Arrangements are available for certain roles within ASA |
| Closing Date | Sunday 19 April 2026 |
| Agency Website | https://www.defence.gov.au/about/taskforces/aukus |
About the Opportunity
As an EL1 Manager you will drive the maturation of Australia’s sovereign nuclear-technical education capability. The role sits at the centre of policy development, governance and assurance for education programmes that support a national capability. You’ll influence senior stakeholders, shape policy direction, and translate evidence into practical, implementable outcomes that contribute to a safe and secure submarine program.
Working within the Technical Enterprise Branch, you’ll join a dynamic, fast-paced team focused on building a world-class technical workforce. The work is meaningful and far-reaching, with opportunities to collaborate across government, academia and industry while supporting ongoing professional development and a high-performance culture.
Duties (What You Will Do)
| Key Responsibility | Specific Tasks |
|---|---|
| Policy leadership | Lead complex policy work, oversee course governance and assurance, develop frameworks for capability development and international embedments. |
| Programme coordination | Coordinate STEM pathway programmes, monitor quality, respond to risks, and provide evidence-based advice to executives. |
| Stakeholder engagement | Collaborate with education partners, government agencies and international counterparts to align policy with national workforce needs. |
| Staff leadership | Direct and develop staff, drive continuous improvement, and support executive decision-making with high-quality briefs. |
| Performance governance | Develop and implement governance and assurance frameworks; monitor performance against strategic objectives. |
| Policy translation | Analyse trends, translate policy into practical implementation, and communicate recommendations clearly to decision-makers. |
About You (Eligibility)
- Security Clearance: Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 clearance.
- Experience: Senior policy or governance professional with strong education policy understanding and governance/assurance capability development.
- Strategic skills: Able to analyse trends, develop long-term policy direction, frameworks and strategy.
- Leadership: Experience leading or guiding teams, shaping work direction, and fostering a high-performance culture.
- Relationship management: Proven ability to build productive relationships with senior stakeholders across government, academia, industry and community sectors.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal skills; ability to present evidence-based advice for decision-makers.
- Innovation: Commitment to continuous improvement and capability uplift in policy and national STEM capability.
- Eligibility notes: RecruitAbility applies; applicants can declare a disability and participate in further assessment if they meet minimum requirements.
Important Information for Applicants
Keyword note: jobs in australia for foreigners. The APS typically requires Australian citizenship or eligible visas for many security-sensitive roles. This vacancy lists a Negative Vetting Level 1 clearance, which generally necessitates Australian citizenship. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please check with the agency or the APS guidelines before applying. We will provide updates as policies evolve.
Direct Answer
Based on the information provided, this role requires the ability to obtain and maintain Negative Vetting Level 1 security clearance. That typically implies Australian citizenship or a closely aligned status, so if you’re not a citizen, you may not be eligible at this time. If you hold citizenship or meet the clearance criteria, you should consider applying through the official channels.
Additional Information
Diversity & Inclusion
ASA commits to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
RecruitAbility
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. If you have a disability and meet the minimum requirements, you may be invited to participate in additional assessment activities. For details see the APS information site.
Future Merit Pools
Similar opportunities may be offered to suitable applicants through future merit pools as vacancies arise.
How to Apply
| Contact Officer | ASA Recruitment, [email protected] |
|---|---|
| Candidate Kit | https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=112E09A8-DD45-27B6-6E90-ECC41FD9E53F |
| Application Portal | https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=112E09A8-DD45-27B6-6E90-ECC41FD9E53F |