Applications for this position close 11:30pm AEST, Sunday 21 June 2026.
We are seeking experienced specialists with strong technical nuclear safeguards expertise to undertake Director (EL2) Nuclear Safeguards Specialist Advisor roles, who will contribute to Australia’s national security, international reputation, and global non-proliferation objectives. You will apply your deep technical expertise and professional authority to lead complex, first-of-kind safeguards regulatory work, ensuring domestic regulatory oversight is robust, credible, and independent in upholding Australia's nuclear non-proliferation treaty obligations.
You will contribute to work of national and international significance through your ability to build, maintain and strengthen trusted relationships with domestic stakeholders, government and industry stakeholders, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). You will leverage strong technical credibility with international partners to shape and apply effective regulatory approaches in Australia’s nuclear landscape.
You will provide authoritative, expert regulatory advice on nuclear safeguards, drawing on your specialist knowledge to ensure decisions are accurate, timely and well informed. You will lead the application of the Nuclear Safeguards Act to complex and novel circumstances, including the design and implementation of first-of-kind regulatory frameworks, permits, compliance and enforcement approaches, and arrangements for international verification and reporting.
This role will suit people who:
• are recognised safeguards specialists with deep expertise and the ability to exercise independent judgement
• can work with complex and sensitive information and communicate it clearly and effectively
• are comfortable maintaining a strong focus in their area of specialisation while leading others
• can translate complex advice for senior decision-makers and strategic stakeholders
• ASNO operates in an open-plan environment with access to quiet spaces. Some roles require regular in-office presence due to operational, security or coordination needs. Flexible working arrangements may be available subject to role requirements.
Our ideal candidates
At ASNO, we value people who are motivated by purpose, comfortable in a highly specialised environment, and bring curiosity to complex and evolving challenges. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and high-performing workplace. We recognise the value of diverse skills, backgrounds and perspectives, and support our staff through targeted training and education to ensure they have the skills and knowledge required to perform their roles effectively.
You will be able to demonstrate that you can meet the essential attributes, and a combination of the highly desirable and desirable skills, qualities and experiences. The more highly desirable skills you can address, the more competitive you application will be.
Essential capabilities:
• Senior safeguards practitioner with ≥7 years’ experience in IAEA safeguards, gained through the IAEA, national regulator, operator, research organisation or academia.
Highly desirable capabilities:
• Safeguards practitioner with ≥10 years’ experience in IAEA safeguards, gained through the IAEA, national regulator, operator, research organisation or academia.
• Deep understanding of IAEA safeguards, verification concepts and international non-proliferation frameworks.
• Track record in capability building, mentoring or thought leadership in safeguards or nuclear regulation.
• Can translate complex advice and prepare clear written documents (e.g. briefs, emails, reports) for a defined audience
Desirable capabilities:
• Demonstrated ability to influence strategic outcomes through expert advice rather than task delivery.
• Proven record of preparing advice and briefings for senior management or ministerial-level audiences
The key duties of the position include:
Your key duties may include the following:
• Provide authoritative subject matter expert advice to Ministers, ASNO SES, senior government and stakeholders on the development, interpretation and application of nuclear safeguards frameworks in Australia.
• Provide expert advice to entities undertaking, or proposing to undertake, regulated activities involving nuclear material, associated items or facilities.
• Influence strategic decision-making through technical judgement by translating complex safeguards requirements, IAEA guidance and international best practice into practical, defensible regulatory outcomes.
• Lead the preparation, clearance and delivery of high-level technical briefings, translating complex advice for senior decision-makers and strategic stakeholders.
• Lead the technical development and scrutiny of regulatory conditions, ensuring robustness, international credibility and compliance with Australia’s international obligations.
• Anticipate, assess and advise on complex safeguards risks, including reputational, security and treaty compliance risks.
• Contribute to organisational and international safeguards capability through expert guidance, mentoring and technical knowledge sharing, without formal line management responsibilities.
• Represent ASNO as a senior technical authority in domestic and international forums requiring specialist safeguards expertise
Eligibility
Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS) unless the Agency Head has agreed otherwise, in writing