Coordinator Cyber Defence (AFP Executive Level)

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time

LOCATION - ACT

AFP BAND & SALARY - Executive Level ($168,355.00 - $222,149.00)

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 14648

This advertisement is to fill current vacancies and create a merit list for future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies arising over the next 12 months.

Did you know?

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:

• Five weeks (25 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down 
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 18 weeks paid Parental Leave for Primary Caregiver (and 11 weeks for Secondary Caregiver) + additional unpaid leave entitlements for up until 24 months from the child’s date of birth or placement
• 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?

Applications are sought from suitably qualified senior professionals wishing to be considered for an Executive Level (Band 9) position as a Coordinator, Cyber Defence.

As an Executive Level AFP appointee, you will ensure the achievement of outcomes are in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. Appointees at the Executive Level work under the strategic direction of the senior executives and are responsible for the leadership and management of a number of teams to deliver operational and strategic outcomes.

An Executive Level role is responsible for leading and managing teams dedicated to delivery of a business function to the AFP. The role has both a practical and strategic focus requiring the application of sound business principles in the management of resources to meet AFP outputs in the most effective and efficient manner.

The Coordinator Cyber Defence reports to the Chief Information Security Officer, Cyber Security & Risk Branch, within the Chief Information Officer Command. This role provides leadership, coordination and development of staff performing technical security functions including engineering, monitoring and detection, incident response, threat hunting and adversary emulation.

The Coordinator Cyber Defence will oversee the following collective capabilities:

• Cyber Threat Exposure Management - Responsible for monitoring, assessing and managing the AFP’s attack surface and exposure to security vulnerabilities.
• Security Operations Centre - Responsible for monitoring, detection and triage of security events, alerts and threats to the AFP.
• Incident Response and Threat Hunting - Responsible for responding to and investigating security incidents including forensic artefact collection and malware reverse engineering.
• Cyber Platforms - Responsible for building and managing observability and detections across the AFP environment and maintaining the technical platforms and tooling used in cyber defence.
• Adversary Emulation and Red Team Operations - Assessing, exercising and testing the AFP’s defensive cyber posture and providing technical outreach to operational stakeholders.

Successful applicants will be required to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the AFP business and the impact of roles and functions undertaken in relation to the organisation’s reputation to effectively manage operations. It is expected that the successful applicant will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position as outlined below.

What will you do?

Under broad direction, the Coordinator Cyber Defence will:

• Provide high-level expertise, support and advice to shape the strategic direction of Cyber Security for AFP and drive organisational and operational security outcomes;
• Lead and integrate multiple defensive cyber capabilities for collective impact;
• Build a high performing team and culture that supports career development and knowledge sharing;
• Deliver strategic, responsive, and expert advice and reporting to Chief Information Security Officer and key stakeholders;
• Support the implementation and optimisation of operational platforms, policies, procedures, and guidelines in related to the Cyber Security Program throughout the AFP;
• Effectively and proactively contribute at a senior level to the Cyber Security and Risk branch planning, policies and activities to support achievement of strategic priorities, and, where required, effectively represent the AFP on government wide initiatives;
• Build, develop and maintain effective and collaborative strategic partnerships across and within the AFP and with Cyber Security & Risk branch stakeholders to exercise positive influence on behalf of Cyber Security and Risk branch;
• Comply with all AFP policies and procedures, in particular those relating to work, health and safety, and equal opportunity; and
• Other duties as required consistent with the classification of the position.

This work may include:

• Ensuring all financial and human resources with their team is effectively directed to the achievement of business area outcomes.
• Contributing to the development of corporate business planning and strategies and the strategic direction activities within the AFP.
• Exercising high level of influence on areas of specialisation and demonstrate business management capabilities.
• Contributing to the AFP strategies and initiatives for continuous improvement and the long-term success of the AFP.
• Providing high level conceptual and strategic advice and briefings.
• Building and sustainability of skills and knowledge in the AFP.
• Identifying, evaluating and supporting technological changes, policy and legislation within the relevant field that can be utilised to enhance the AFP’s response capability.
• Maintaining currency in policy, legislation and subject matter expertise through ongoing professional development and learning opportunities outside the formal education process.

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• Negative Vetting 2 Commonwealth security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• Demonstrated stakeholder engagement skills and ability to lead collaboratively.
• Experience working in and understanding complex security ecosystems and scenarios.
• Experience leading operational security capabilities.

Desirable Requirements

The following skills and/or experience would be highly regarded:

• Postgraduate qualifications and demonstrated significant relevant experience in cyber security and operations, or an equivalent combination of experience and education/training.
• Industry recognised cyber security or vendor qualifications such as SABSA, CISSP, CISM or SANS.

Additional Information

• This position has been advertised in multiple locations, however the role is located in Canberra, ACT. Successful applicants must be willing to relocate to Canberra.

Selection Criteria

• Achieve results
• Communicates with influence
• Contributes to strategic thinking
• Cultivates productive working relationships
• Shows personal drive and integrity
• Technical knowledge and skills

Application

Please submit the following documents via our Jobs portal prior to the closing date and time:

• Resume/CV - This will form the basis for determining your suitability against the position requirements and give the panel a clear outline of your current knowledge and qualifications along with previous experiences. Please include your work history, responsibilities and achievements.
• Applicant pitch (maximum two pages). Ensure your pitch tells us why you are the best fit for the role, with examples that demonstrate your capabilities addressing the selection criteria, role requirements and work level standards for the role.

Only complete applications will be considered. Please review and ensure the uploaded documents are correct for this application after submitting your application.

Employment Suitability

Should you successfully progress from the application stage all applicants must:

• Complete an Employment Suitability Questionnaire (ESQ) and provide a traffic history check and proof of Australian citizenship. This aids in the assessment of your character and your ability to comply with the AFP's professional standards both in an official and private capacity. Please review our AFP Character Standards to ensure that you meet our requirements before you submit your application. Applicants will not receive feedback if they are unsuccessful at this gateway.
• Have your fingerprints taken if an offer of employment is made.
• Undertake mandatory drug testing for illicit drugs. This sample could include; urine, saliva or hair.
• Satisfactorily undertake a security clearance to the level specified for the position.

Recruitment Process

Applicants who have demonstrated their suitability for employment through their resume and application, may be invited to a formal interview. Using the relevant AFP work level standards as a guide, you may be asked a range of questions to demonstrate your skills and abilities. These could include behavioural based scenario questions. Read our guides for applicants to find out how to prepare for your interview. Reference checks may be completed for successful applicants.

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 LGBTQIA+ community and people with disability.

Contacts and Closing Information

Contact Officer:  Chief Information Security Officer,

Contact Officer Phone:  N/A, ​

Contact Officer Email:  CSR-Recruitment@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEST) 08/08/2025

To view our other employment opportunities, please visit our career site.

www.afp.gov.au