Job Description

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian High Commission, London.

Please be advised that the Australian High Commission, London, does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

About the Department of Defence

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is constituted under the Defence Act 1903, its mission is to defend Australia and its national interests. In fulfilling this mission, Defence serves the Government of the day and is accountable to the Commonwealth Parliament which represents the Australian people to efficiently and effectively carry out the Government's defence policy. Australia's Defence policy is founded on the principle of self-reliance in the direct Defence of Australia, but with a capacity to do more where there are shared interests with partners and allies.

About the Position

The position of Advisor Industry Engagement (Advisor IE) is located in the Australian High Commission, London, and reports to the Counsellor Defence Materiel - London (CONDMAT-L).


The Advisor IE develops and delivers strategic policy and activities, with the position covering business endeavours across the UK and Europe markets. As a member of the CASG-L management team the Advisor IE has a level of autonomy in engagement from the London office and when representing the Counsellor Defence Materiel - London (CONDMAT-L) to stakeholders.

Key responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

Represent CASG in the UK and Europe, including developing and maintaining strong working relationships with Defence Advisors / Attaches and other Defence staff; sourcing and developing contacts with business representatives and government officials to facilitate effective liaison between the Australian, UK and European defence industry and national defence agencies. Work with government agencies such as the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and state/territory governments, providing Defence industry expertise, market intelligence, and materiel trend forecasting to identify and resolve complex issues and achieve objectives to ensure positive outcomes. Provide basic counsel to the UK and European industry seeking to do business with the Australian defence sector. Identify and be part of the CASG presence (and for other Defence groups), at relevant meetings, conferences and seminars involving senior representatives from external government and/or industry. This position will be a point of contact for industry, including at trade shows and relevant events, and will liaise with trade and industry associations in the UK and Europe on strategic and policy matters. Research, analyse, and report on defence industry matters, including trends in contracting, acquisition, logistics, and export controls; prepare intelligence submissions and respond to information requests through the development of detailed reports and briefs. Mentor, coach, and counsel others in support of activities undertaken by the office and identify appropriate training opportunities. Maintain high level knowledge of national and international industry, procurement strategy and policy to inform Defence considerations in this area. Write business case submissions, lead regional organisation of, and compile/manage post activity reporting for Team Defence Australia activities. Facilitate and manage the implementation of Australian Defence Industry programs that have continuous engagement with the region (e.g. Australian Industry Capability, Global Supply Chain). Arrange, accompany, and support ministerial and senior departmental leadership visits as required.

Qualifications/Experience

Knowledge of Commonwealth and international procurement policy, capability requirements and strategic objectives (including the Defence Industry Development Strategy). High level knowledge of offset / industrial participation practices in foreign markets. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage and represent at multiple levels and to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders to develop and manage relationships. Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to prepare submissions and reports for senior management and lead meetings. Demonstrated ability to independently analyse complex issues, resolve disputes, exercise sound judgement, interpret policy, and provide clear and concise advice to stakeholders. Executive level business acumen, with demonstrated comprehension of extant Defence Industry strategy and knowledge of primary domain industrial bases. Critical thinking ability and experience undertaking comprehensive independent research

General Requirements

This role requires an Australian Government Security Clearance to NV1. Applicants must hold an NV1 Australian Government clearance to be considered.

Selection Criteria

Please ensure you provide a response to each of the listed selection criteria below. In your response, you must include relevant high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the role.


The word limit is strictly 250 words per response to each selection criteria. The panel may not assess incomplete applications or responses which exceed the word limit.


A. Expertise in Commonwealth and international procurement strategy and policy, specifically with demonstrated experience in Australian and/or UK and European Defence procurement and contract management.


B. Highly developed stakeholder management skills, including the ability to represent the organisation at an international level, build a network and to leverage this network to achieve desired results.


C. Highly developed research and analysis skills, with the ability to draft briefings, proposals and presentations for senior stakeholders which influence organisational strategy and decision-making.


D. A high level of written and oral proficiency in English, with a proven ability to prepare written material to present information, including data and analysis, in a logical, succinct and persuasive manner for specific audiences.


E. The ability to autonomously manage a demanding workload; prioritising effectively and using initiative and innovation to create efficiencies, manage expectations and deliver high quality outcomes.


The Human Resources Section based in the Australian High Commission, London is responsible for managing all recruitment processes across the European region. To apply, please use the 'Apply' button below. Please direct any other queries to recruitment.london@dfat.gov.au.


We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share our values.


We are looking for an Advisor Industry Engagement with strong procurement knowledge to join the Department of Defence at the Australian High Commission, London.