Defence strategic and international policy and capability analyst roles are vital in developing strategy and policy, enhancing international relations, and supporting decision making.
Strategic and international policy
Defence strategic and international policy is intrinsic to shaping the strategic direction of Australia’s national security.
Policy Officers strengthen Australia’s national security and resilience by devising strategy and policy, which directs Defence’s international engagement, enhances Australian Defence Force (ADF) capability and decisions, addresses future challenges, and protects Australia’s sovereignty.
Policy Officers are at the forefront of the Australian Government response to crises across the world, routinely facing complex policy problems. They engage and facilitate strategic discussions within the Australian Government, international partners and industry stakeholders. There are opportunities to see and support ADF operations and exercises.
Policy Officers face challenging and unique opportunities contributing to the security and prosperity of the nation and its people.
Strategic and International Policy Officers influence and inform Defence and Whole‑of‑Government decision‑making, in support of the National Defence Strategy.
Employees build a detailed and nuanced understanding of Australia’s security environment and contribute to how Defence will shape it.
This includes:
- Developing and implementing policy on key thematic issues, including:
- strategy
- sovereignty policy
- space
- cyber
- artificial intelligence
- other advanced capabilities.
- Missile defence and counter proliferation.
- Driving industrial collaboration in Defence’s strategy and policy on climate change.
These roles shape, devise and implement the Government’s international engagement strategy within Defence by:
- managing the Defence Cooperation Program
- supporting ADF operations and exercises with policy direction
- enabling Defence’s international network
- providing policy advice to the Australian Government on Defence’s international activities and relationships.
The Australian Defence overseas network spans over 50 countries including the representational network, and training, program and capability officers. The network plays an important role as part of the whole-of-government approach to diplomacy and statecraft and assists engagement with host countries on matters of Defence and security interest to Australia.
Capability analyst
Capability analyst plays a crucial role in the development of Defence capability proposals, ensuring that capability investments deliver the best possible outcomes for Australia and are aligned with Government direction.
Capability analyst study and evaluate information from a variety of sources to build a comprehensive knowledge of the broader Defence capability environment and a deep understanding of contemporary Defence capability proposals. By testing, challenging and refining ideas, they ensure that options presented to decision-makers are evidence-based, fit for purpose, and represent value for money.
Capability analyst enhance the quality of capability outcomes by:
- providing Defence decision-makers with independent analysis, assurance and decision support
- identifying risks and issues early to ensure appropriate mitigation
- strengthening and improving the management and oversight of projects in delivery
- contributing to the development of capability documentation, decision briefs independent assurance reports, agendum papers, and Ministerial and Cabinet Submissions.
Capability analysts are employed in a range of roles across the entire Australian Defence Organisation. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills and experience are an essential prerequisite across the range of existing capability analyst roles in Defence.
Combining subject matter expertise with strategic awareness, a capability analyst is highly skilled, innovative, forward thinking, and versatile. As they progress through their career, continued learning and professional development are highly encouraged.
Defence invests in dedicated training programs and support services that contribute to a rewarding career. The skills and experience gained working as a Defence capability analyst are transferable and highly sought after across the Australian Public Service.