The Australian Safeguards and Non‐Proliferation Office (ASNO) is a specialist office within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that contributes directly to Australia's foreign, security and regulatory priorities. We have built a reputation for non‐proliferation excellence over 50 years of effective treaty implementation, robust domestic regulation and support for regional partners.
Australia's safeguards system is at an exciting point in its evolution — growing international expectations, emerging technologies and an increasingly complex global environment demand experienced leaders who can shape and strengthen how safeguards are designed, implemented and improved. In these roles, you will provide expert safeguards advice, lead inspections and verification activities, and help position Australia as a credible and influential voice in global non‐proliferation.
The Opportunity:
We are recruiting at both the EL1 (Assistant Director, Safeguards) and EL2 (Director, Safeguards) levels. Both roles are critical to ensuring Australia meets its legal and treaty obligations — from nuclear material accountancy and IAEA inspections through to providing technical advice to safeguards arrangements and whole-of-government coordination.
EL2 Directors provide strategic leadership and authoritative advice to the Director General and SES, leading ASNO's safeguards accounting system and representing Australia in international negotiations. EL1 Assistant Directors lead discrete workstreams across inspections, verification, reporting and policy, delivering expert technical and regulatory advice with limited direction.
You may become a designated nuclear safeguards inspector, with domestic inspection travel forming part of the role.
The Role:
Your key duties may include:
* Leading or contributing to nuclear safeguards inspections and verification activities, including facilitating IAEA inspections
* Providing authoritative technical, operational and policy advice on Australia's safeguards obligations to senior decision‐makers
* Contributing to or leading Australia's negotiation of safeguards arrangements with the IAEA
* Preparing and delivering high‐quality technical briefs, inspection reports and correspondence for senior stakeholders
* Engaging with permit holders, government partners and international counterparts including the IAEA
* Leading or supporting ASNO's statutory reporting, compliance functions and nuclear material accountancy systems
Our Ideal Candidate:
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 and support staff through targeted training and development.
You may also have the following skills and capabilities:
* Demonstrated experience in nuclear safeguards, non‐proliferation, or a related national security, regulatory or treaty compliance field
* Sound professional judgement and discretion when handling sensitive, high‐consequence or confidential information
* Strong analytical and communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical and treaty requirements into clear, defensible advice
* Demonstrated stakeholder management experience across government, industry and international partners
* Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality outcomes in a high‐visibility environment
We recognise that candidates may not meet every capability listed and encourage applications from people who can demonstrate transferable skills, potential and a willingness to learn.
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