The key duties of the position include:
The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated and proactive governance professional with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills to join the Performance Branch as an APS6 Planning and Performance Officer. In this role, you will work collaboratively across Defence to support the ANAO annual performance statements audit, strengthen enterprise performance reporting, enhance analytical capability, and contribute to the development of key corporate publications, including the Defence Corporate Plan and Annual Report.
A primary responsibility of this role is the coordination of the ANAO annual performance statements audit. You will act as the central liaison between Defence and the ANAO, review, assure and manage information requests, facilitate engagement with stakeholders, and support Defence in meeting all audit requirements, including managing audit finding remediation, in a timely and accurate manner.
Branch priorities also include advancing Defence’s enterprise performance framework, maturing the quality and consistency of performance measures, improving data literacy and reporting capability, and enhancing business intelligence products that support decision making.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Key point of contact for Defence’s engagement in the ANAO annual performance statements audit program, including managing, reviewing and assuring information requests, scheduling meetings, engaging with internal stakeholders, and supporting Defence’s overall audit readiness and audit finding remediation.
* Working in partnership with Groups, Services and Divisions across Defence to support enterprise performance reporting requirements, providing expert advice on PGPA requirements.
* Contributing to the drafting and analytical components of the Annual Performance Statements, and Annual Report, including data validation and analytical inputs.
* Supporting the drafting and delivery of Defence’s Corporate Plan including the development and refinement of performance measures.
* Contributing to initiatives that strengthen Defence’s performance reporting culture, data literacy and governance practices.
* Preparing high quality briefings, data summaries and performance insights for senior leaders and governance committees.
* Undertaking additional duties as agreed with the Director and Assistant Secretary, Performance Branch.
About our Team
The Performance Branch is located within the Governance, Planning and Performance Division in the Governance Group. The branch is responsible for leading Defence’s enterprise level performance reporting, corporate planning, analytics and governance activities, in line with the requirements of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) and PGPA Rule.
We work closely with senior leaders to provide information and insights which support evidence based decision making and assist Defence to meet its legislative obligations for planning, performance measurement and transparent public reporting. The branch also facilitates the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) performance statements audit and collaborates extensively with groups and services across Defence, as well as with external agencies, to strengthen organisational performance and ensure alignment with broader Commonwealth performance, governance and accountability requirements.
Our Ideal Candidate
At the APS 6 level, you will bring demonstrated capability in:
* Data interpretation and critical thinking, with an ability to derive insights from complex datasets;
* Clear and confident communication, including the ability to explain analytical findings to non technical stakeholders;
* Building strong stakeholder relationships across varied business areas;
* Managing competing priorities in a dynamic and time sensitive environment.
* Applying sound judgement, especially when dealing with sensitive or confidential information, consistent with APS Values and the Code of Conduct;
* Strong information management practices, supporting data accuracy, structure and corporate knowledge retention;
* Coordinating and triaging incoming requests from external stakeholders and internal business areas, ensuring accurate information flow and timely responses;
* Operating as the first point of contact on behalf of the branch/department, demonstrating professionalism, responsiveness and strong situational awareness;
* Producing high quality written products, including briefs, minutes, talking points, and weekly updates, often under tight deadlines; and
* Prioritising tasks effectively when managing fast turnaround deliverables or shifting priorities, maintaining attention to detail and diplomatic stakeholder engagement.
What you will gain from the experience
You will contribute to Defence’s strategic planning and performance reporting, ensuring decision makers have clear and reliable information that supports national security outcomes. You will also help Defence meet its obligations under the PGPA Act, strengthening accountability to the Parliament and the Australian public. This role provides broad insight into Defence’s operations and regular exposure to senior stakeholders.
Eligibility
Security Clearance:
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.
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