Assistant Director -Project & Program Management – Department of Defence
📌 Vacancy Fact Sheet
- Reference Number: VN-0769942
- Agency: Department of Defence
- Job Title: Assistant Director -Project & Program Management
- Position Number: SPI/03040/26
- Classification: Executive Level 1
- Closing Date: Thursday 18 June 2026
- Job Type: Full-Time, Ongoing
- Location: Russell ACT
- Future Merit Locations: Russell
- Salary: $124,393 – $140,315
- Office Arrangement: Flexible (Defence is committed to supporting workplace)
About Department of Defence
The Pacific Division plays a central role in advancing Australia’s engagement, cooperation, and
regional stability across the Pacific. Our teams work closely with partner governments, regional
organisations, and whole-of-government stakeholders to design and deliver initiatives that
strengthen security and resilience in the Pacific, delivering on the 2026 National Defence Strategy.
The Papua New Guinea Directorate leads implementation of the PNG-Australia Mutual Defence
Treaty (Pukpuk Treaty), Australia’s largest Defence Cooperation Program, and delivers strategic
policy advice on our defence relationship with Papua New Guinea. We manage a substantial
budget, as well as procurement activity and capability development initiatives in PNG.
The Pacific Infrastructure East Directorate is a mixed APS and ADF team that delivers security
infrastructure across a range of pacific island nations including Solomon Islands, Fiji, Samoa,
Tonga, Kiribati and Tuvalu. This involves coordination across Defence, other whole of government
department and pacific island government stakeholders.
We operate in a dynamic environment where cultural awareness, strong relationships, and a deep
understanding of Pacific priorities guide everything we do. Joining the Pacific Division means
being part of a collaborative, high-performing team committed to meaningful outcomes, innovative
thinking, and respectful partnerships that support a stable and connected Pacific.
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate is a high performing program and project management leader with an interest
in delivering complex international initiatives that enable Defence policy outcomes. You thrive in a
fast paced and challenging environment and demonstrate the ability to manage competing
priorities across multiple projects or programs.
You have strong communication and organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to
engage effectively with a broad range of Australian and international stakeholders, including deep
cultural awareness.
You have proven skills in managing projects, programs, budgets, risks and resources, with a
strong focus on end to end contract and commercial management where required. You apply
sound judgement to manage deliverables and milestones, identify and mitigate commercial and
program risks, and support approvals in line with governance and procurement requirements.
Strong problem solving skills including thinking outside of the box and not being afraid to question
existing approaches and propose new solutions.
You communicate with clarity and influence, build productive stakeholder relationships, and
provide high quality advice, briefs and reports to senior leaders and decision makers. You operate
with professionalism and accountability, ensuring compliance with legislative, policy and probity
obligations while delivering value for money and strategically aligned outcomes for Defence.
Duties
- The Role
- As an EL 1 Project Manager in the in Pacific Division, you will lead and deliver complex,
- interrelated projects and program activities that directly support Defence policy and operational
- outcomes. Working under broad direction, you will collaborate across various teams, both in
- Australia and in pacific island nations, and coordinate activities across multiple work streams and
- stakeholders to achieve shared program objectives.
- You will apply strong program, project and contract management leadership and expertise,
- combined with a sound understanding of Defence international policy, governance and
- Commonwealth resource management requirements, to deliver outcomes in line with legislative,
- contractual and policy obligations. You will exercise professional judgement and leadership to
- manage risk and provide authoritative advice on matters with potential strategic, financial or
- operational impact at the project and program level.
- You will plan, manage and monitor program outcomes, ensuring performance is tracked against
- agreed milestones, budget specifications and strategic objectives. You will support the
- development and management of a large budget that incorporates multiple funding lines as well as
- Cabinet deliverables, and manage resources across a defined business area.
- These roles will require you to lead contributions to strategic and long term planning, including the
- coordination of cross program activities, program and project management, policy development or
- infrastructure design and delivery. You may also lead and mentor staff and contribute to capability
- development within the team.
Eligibility / Notes
- Security Clearance
- Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 2”.
How to Apply
Position Contact Damon Hietbrink, 0436 675 609
Agency Recruitment Site https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=6862D0B2-371B-25D4-08C6-ED042750CC
Applicants to vacancies notified in all formats of the electronic Public Service Gazette should be aware:
that the names of successful applicants will also be notified in all formats of the electronic Public Service Gazette
applicants found suitable may be offered similar employment opportunities by other Australian Public Service agencies
Defence Vacancy