Register of Interest - 2026 AFP Directions Program - First Nations Employment Pathway

Job Details

JOB TITLE - Register of Interest - 2026 AFP Directions Program - First Nations Employment Pathway

EMPLOYMENT TYPE Ongoing Full Time

LOCATION - Various, however roles are predominately based in Canberra and candidates will be required to relocate if securing a role.

AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 2 | $59,582 + 15.4% superannuation

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 13466

CONTACT OFFICER - AFP Emerging Talent Team Phone: 02 5127 2555 (Option 3), ​Email: emergingtalent@afp.gov.au 

REGISTER OF INTEREST CLOSES - 11:59pm (AEDT) 04/05/2025

Register Your Interest

The Register of Interest for the 2026 AFP Directions Program - First Nations Employment Pathway are now open. 

Please note: this is a register of interest only and not an application for the 2026 AFP Directions Program - First Nations Employment Pathway. Once your registration has been submitted, your details will be stored on our system and you will be the first to be notified when applications open. We anticipate applications to open on Monday 5th of May 2025. 

Giving First Nations people a unique path into a career with the AFP

At the Australian Federal Police (AFP) we value the unique perspectives and lived experiences of our First Nations people. The AFP is seeking motivated individuals interested in launching a fulfilling career with Australia’s leading law enforcement agency.  

The AFP is offering a wide range of roles and opportunities through the AFP’s Directions Program. As a team member in the AFP you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful and life-impacting policies, programs and practices that shape the security landscape of Australia. This includes roles in health and wellbeing, investigations, canines, cyber-security, intelligence, corporate support, protection, workforce planning, media and communications. 

We are an inclusive organisation, providing the opportunity for all Australians to fairly gain employment with the AFP. We appreciate that everyone is unique and acknowledge that diversity in thought leads to greater transparency and improved consideration in our decision making. To support our employees we also provide flexible work arrangements. 

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:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down 
• 4 extra mandatory leave rest days per year 
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 16 weeks of paid maternity leave (after 12 months of service) + an additional 36 weeks of maternity leave without pay
• 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

Role Summary

The AFP Directions Program is an integrated 12 month employment and development program and runs annually from February. The program provides permanent, full-time employment in specialist and support positions in the AFP and gives participants professional development opportunities to have a challenging and rewarding career.

Throughout the structured 12 month program, you may work in a number of roles across multiple teams, exposing you to opportunities that will provide the tools and resources you need to begin a fulfilling career at the AFP.

Your work will contribute to, and influence, programs and policies impacting on all Australians, including First Nations families and communities. It also helps ensure the AFP’s workforce is representative of the communities we serve.

As a Team Member in the AFP you will be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the AFP Work Level Standards, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. It is expected that successful applicants will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position as outlined below.

Role Description & Responsibilities

We are seeking interest from motivated First Nations individuals seeking to commence a professional career within the AFP. The AFP Directions Program provides employment pathways in a variety of roles such as health and wellbeing, investigations, canines, cyber security, intelligence, corporate support, protection, workforce planning, media and communications.

These are all non-policing support roles and will provide successful candidates the opportunity to learn about the dynamic work and career pathways the AFP has to offer.

Whilst on the program you will:

• gain a nationally recognised Certificate IV qualification. Successful completion of this qualification is an important requirement of the program, and you will be provided with generous study time to support you.
• complete a number of work area rotations, exposing you to different areas of the AFP.
• access Directions Program specific support including buddies, mentors and other organisational networks.

Please note: While the Directions Program provides an introduction to the various roles available at the AFP, this is not a direct gateway to becoming a police officer. If you are interested in sworn policing in the future, the Directions Program is an excellent starting point to prepare you for this career path, however you will still be required to pass through the relevant processes applicable for sworn roles.

What We Are Looking For

• Effective communicators
• Out of the box thinkers
• Team players
• A demonstrated willingness to learn new skills
• Experience using basic IT including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and Outlook

Salary and Benefits

The AFP Directions Program provides a number of benefits including:

• A starting annual salary of $59,582 plus 15.4% superannuation
• Relocation assistance if you are moving interstate to participate in the Program

• A variety of work and developmental experiences
• Opportunity for advancement at the completion of the program
• Professional networking through access to mentors and senior executives of the AFP
• Ongoing support from the Emerging Talent Team, First Nations Unit, Directions Buddies, mentors, and the Mulunggang Indigenous Officer Network.
• Health & wellbeing services - with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention

Full details of the generous employment conditions can be found here.

Essential Requirement

• Provide documentation to confirm you are of First Nations heritage. Evidence of heritage is a document provided by a registered Indigenous community organisation, issuing a letter of confirmation;
• Be at minimum 18 years of age by December 2025;
• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application in March 2025;
• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Employment Suitability

Should you apply for the program when applications open, please be aware that if your application progresses to shortlisting 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.
• Proof of a minimum of two COVID-19 vaccinations (or one dose if the Janssen vaccine was used) will be required if an offer of employment is made. 
• Satisfactorily undertake a security clearance to the level specified for the position.  

Additional Information

Please note: this is a register of interest only and not an application for the 2026 AFP Directions Program - First Nations Employment Pathway and does not require any documentation to be uploaded. Please do not upload a response to the selection criteria or a 2 page pitch - there is no written element required for this Register of Interest.

Once your registration has been submitted, your details will be stored on our system and you will be the first to be notified when applications open.  Please continue to monitor your email address (including junk and spam folders) for updates from AFP Emerging Talent Team for when applications in the 2026 AFP Directions Program - First Nations Employment Pathway open. We anticipate applications to open on Monday 5th of May 2025. 

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 LGBTQI community and people with a disability.