The key duties of the position include:
The Role
Defence is seeking an experienced and high-performing EL 1 Protocol and Engagement Team Lead to join Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC).
This role is responsible for leading the planning, coordination and delivery of senior leadership engagement activities in support of the Commander Joint Operations (CJOPS), Deputy Commander Joint Operations (DCJOPS), Deputy Theatre Commander (DTCOMD) and Warrant Officer Joint Operations (WOJOPS). Senior leadership engagement activities include strategic and operational level dialogue, staff talks, counterpart visits, and a range of bilateral and multilateral engagements that strengthen Defence’s international partnerships.
Joint Operations Command (JOC) delivers operational-level command and control of joint operations and exercises on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF). JOC integrates Defence capability to conduct operations, deepen alliances and partnerships, advance Australia’s interests, and prepares the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for future contingencies.
As the Team Lead, you will:
* Provide leadership and direction to a small team responsible for protocol, visits, and strategic engagement planning.
* Develop and coordinate implementation of the JOC International Engagement Strategy.
* Lead the design and delivery of engagement activities aligned with CJOPS' strategic objectives.
* Manage stakeholder relationships across Defence, interagency partners and international counterparts.
* Contribute to broader Headquarters functions, including supporting operational assessment processes as required.
This position requires a highly organised, adaptive and relationship focused leader with the ability to operate in a rapidly evolving operational environment while maintaining precision, professionalism and discretion.
About our Team
The successful applicant will join a small, tight knit team that provides direct support to CJOPS, the Executive Team and their staff. The role requires close collaboration with principal staff officers and their teams across the Headquarters to ensure senior leadership engagement activities are coordinated, synchronised and professionally delivered. You will work under the direction of a military officer and alongside a diverse mix of colleagues, including Australian Defence Force personnel, embedded foreign military representatives, APS staff and contracted workforce partners. This environment requires strong interpersonal skills, adaptability and the ability to operate effectively within a joint, combined and integrated headquarters. This position is based at HQJOC Bungendore.
While HQJOC supports flexible work arrangements, the operational nature of the role means remote work is not suitable. A consistent on site presence is required to ensure CJOPS and the Executive Leaders receive timely and effective support in executing their senior leader engagement responsibilities.
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate is a highly professional and personable leader with exceptional organisational skills, sound judgement and strong personal initiative. They will be able to translate strategic guidance into well-synchronised and effective senior leadership engagement activities for CJOPS, DCJOPS and DTCOMD. They will demonstrate a solid understanding of Defence’s strategic narrative and be capable of contributing meaningfully to the HQJOC Theatre Engagement and Influence Plan.
We are seeking someone with a proven background in international engagement, protocol, and complex event or visit management. Experience operating in a rapidly evolving, high tempo environment—particularly those involving Defence or national security stakeholders—will be highly regarded. The successful candidate will be an influential communicator who builds and maintains productive working relationships across Defence. They will confidently engage with military personnel of all ranks, APS staff and contractors. They must demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal forms, provide accurate and timely advice, brief senior leaders, and engage sensitively with diverse stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated leadership capability, including the ability to manage a small team, support staff wellbeing and performance, and foster a positive, inclusive and high performing work environment. They will be proficient with core IT platforms including SharePoint, web content tools and the Microsoft Office suite.
This role requires resilience, adaptability and an agile mindset. The successful candidate will be able to anticipate challenges, respond to emerging priorities, and manage competing tasks while maintaining a calm and professional demeanour in a dynamic operational setting.
Eligibility
Security Clearance:
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 2”.
Getting to know the Department of Defence
The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers