Job Description
The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.
Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia.
We recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:
Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down
4 extra mandatory leave rest days per year
18 days of paid personal leave per year
Generous superannuation of 15.4%
16 weeks of paid maternity leave (after 12 months of service) + an additional 36 weeks of maternity leave without pay
Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement
Flexible and hybrid working arrangement that provides work/life balance
Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention
Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities
What is the role?
Specialist Protective Command (SPC) is a hybrid (Specialised/Operational) Command within the AFP (Australian Federal Police) and is responsible for establishing national strategy, governance and capabilities whilst also delivering operational outputs within the ACT.
SPC Protection Assessment Team (PAT) appointees collect, collate, analyse and disseminate assessments to support SPC. This role is a Protection Operations Assessment Officer (POAO) within the PAT. The PAT collects and analyses information and intelligence pertaining to threats to Protection Interests (Designated Australian and foreign dignitaries, international protected persons, designated Commonwealth establishments and diplomatic/consular missions).
The POAO role is responsible for the collection, collation and evaluation of information in relation to the intent and capability of a variety of threat entities, with the information used to assess protective security risks, to inform the allocation of Protection resources.
This role attracts a composite allowance in recognition of expanded working hours, normal patterns of attendance and shift patterns (such as afternoon shifts, weekends and Designated Public Holidays) that are required under the Operations working pattern. In accordance with the AFP Enterprise Agreement 2017- 2020, an employee who is required to work in accordance with the Operations working pattern will receive a Core Composite of 22% in addition to their base salary, which will count as salary for superannuation. The Commissioner has the authority to remove a composite from a role.
You will also be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments.
What will you do?
Undertaking a range of tasks associated with the treatment of information, intelligence and evidence to support AFP operations and business activities;
Planning, seeking, generating and disseminating tactical, operational and strategic assessments;
Providing a security risk assessment capability for SPC and planned special events;
Recording and maintaining operational information;
Utilising AFP Information Systems to interrogate, input, collate and retrieve data;
Maintaining currency in risk assessment concepts and methods through ongoing professional development and learning opportunities, both internal and external to the AFP.
Assist team leaders in mentoring, supervising and prioritising tasks for team members.
Essential Requirements
You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
A Negative Vetting 2 security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
Knowledge of threat and risk assessment concepts and methods.
An understanding of protective security principles and Australian government security policies.
Effective written, oral and interpersonal skills with ability to produce high quality written work.
Demonstrated ability to interrogate and manipulate information systems.
Desirable Requirements
The following skills and/or experience would be highly regarded:
Resilience and the ability to adapt to change, in a fast paced environment.
Personal drive and integrity
Additional Information
This position is an AFP Band Level 5
This role is located in Canberra and candidates are expected to be based in the ACT region.
This role attracts a composite allowance in recognition of expanded working hours, normal patterns of attendance and shift patterns (such as afternoon shifts, weekends and Designated Public Holidays) that are required under the Operations working pattern. In accordance with the AFP Enterprise Agreement 2017- 2020, an employee who is required to work in accordance with the Operations working pattern will receive a Core Composite of 22% in addition to their base salary, which will count as salary for superannuation. The Commissioner has the authority to remove a composite from a role.
Proof of a minimum of two COVID-1+ vaccinations (or one dose if the Janssen vaccine was used) will be required if an offer of employment is made.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
At the AFP we value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective intelligence and diversity is what makes us stronger. As such, we encourage applications from people from all walks of life, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, women, the LGBTQI community and people with a disability.
Contact Officer - James Zsuzsa,
Contact Officer Phone: (02) 5126 4267,
Contact Officer Email: [email protected]
Applications Close: 11:5+pm (AEST) 12/0+/2026
Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia.
We recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:
Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down
4 extra mandatory leave rest days per year
18 days of paid personal leave per year
Generous superannuation of 15.4%
16 weeks of paid maternity leave (after 12 months of service) + an additional 36 weeks of maternity leave without pay
Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement
Flexible and hybrid working arrangement that provides work/life balance
Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention
Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities
What is the role?
Specialist Protective Command (SPC) is a hybrid (Specialised/Operational) Command within the AFP (Australian Federal Police) and is responsible for establishing national strategy, governance and capabilities whilst also delivering operational outputs within the ACT.
SPC Protection Assessment Team (PAT) appointees collect, collate, analyse and disseminate assessments to support SPC. This role is a Protection Operations Assessment Officer (POAO) within the PAT. The PAT collects and analyses information and intelligence pertaining to threats to Protection Interests (Designated Australian and foreign dignitaries, international protected persons, designated Commonwealth establishments and diplomatic/consular missions).
The POAO role is responsible for the collection, collation and evaluation of information in relation to the intent and capability of a variety of threat entities, with the information used to assess protective security risks, to inform the allocation of Protection resources.
This role attracts a composite allowance in recognition of expanded working hours, normal patterns of attendance and shift patterns (such as afternoon shifts, weekends and Designated Public Holidays) that are required under the Operations working pattern. In accordance with the AFP Enterprise Agreement 2017- 2020, an employee who is required to work in accordance with the Operations working pattern will receive a Core Composite of 22% in addition to their base salary, which will count as salary for superannuation. The Commissioner has the authority to remove a composite from a role.
You will also be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments.
What will you do?
Undertaking a range of tasks associated with the treatment of information, intelligence and evidence to support AFP operations and business activities;
Planning, seeking, generating and disseminating tactical, operational and strategic assessments;
Providing a security risk assessment capability for SPC and planned special events;
Recording and maintaining operational information;
Utilising AFP Information Systems to interrogate, input, collate and retrieve data;
Maintaining currency in risk assessment concepts and methods through ongoing professional development and learning opportunities, both internal and external to the AFP.
Assist team leaders in mentoring, supervising and prioritising tasks for team members.
Essential Requirements
You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
A Negative Vetting 2 security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
Knowledge of threat and risk assessment concepts and methods.
An understanding of protective security principles and Australian government security policies.
Effective written, oral and interpersonal skills with ability to produce high quality written work.
Demonstrated ability to interrogate and manipulate information systems.
Desirable Requirements
The following skills and/or experience would be highly regarded:
Resilience and the ability to adapt to change, in a fast paced environment.
Personal drive and integrity
Additional Information
This position is an AFP Band Level 5
This role is located in Canberra and candidates are expected to be based in the ACT region.
This role attracts a composite allowance in recognition of expanded working hours, normal patterns of attendance and shift patterns (such as afternoon shifts, weekends and Designated Public Holidays) that are required under the Operations working pattern. In accordance with the AFP Enterprise Agreement 2017- 2020, an employee who is required to work in accordance with the Operations working pattern will receive a Core Composite of 22% in addition to their base salary, which will count as salary for superannuation. The Commissioner has the authority to remove a composite from a role.
Proof of a minimum of two COVID-1+ vaccinations (or one dose if the Janssen vaccine was used) will be required if an offer of employment is made.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
At the AFP we value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective intelligence and diversity is what makes us stronger. As such, we encourage applications from people from all walks of life, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, women, the LGBTQI community and people with a disability.
Contact Officer - James Zsuzsa,
Contact Officer Phone: (02) 5126 4267,
Contact Officer Email: [email protected]
Applications Close: 11:5+pm (AEST) 12/0+/2026
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Protection Operations Assessment Officer position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Canberra offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
