Senior Electronic Surveillance Analyst (SESA)

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time

LOCATION - ACT; NSW; QLD; VIC

AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 06 ($107,559.00 - 118,673.00)

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 15120

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:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down 
• 4 extra days of mandatory rest leave per year 
• 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?

Within the newly created Electronic Surveillance Analysis (ESA) section are multiple Electronic Surveillance Analyst Teams (ESAT’s) responsible for delivering electronic surveillance products in support of AFP operations. ESAT functions as a data insights team that continually develops analytical capabilities related to collections from Covert Technical Operations (CTO). ESAT contributes a critical role in understanding electronic surveillance collections, identifying operational threats and opportunities, to provide actionable insights for investigations and to identify further avenues of investigation. Technical domains of interest may include but are not limited to; geospatial analysis, telecommunications, cyber, computer networking, programming and/or data analysis. Members working within ESAT work with a variety of law enforcement information acquired under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 (Cth) (TIA Act), the Surveillance Devices Act 2004 (Cth) (SD Act) and related legislation with electronic surveillance powers.

The Senior Electronic Surveillance Analyst (SESA) is responsible for maintaining advanced skills and expertise to support AFP investigations through the delivery of vital intelligence products. SESA’s hold the position of 2IC and assist the team leader with administrative and operational tasks and assist in aligning ESAT activities with the strategic direction of TL ESAT. SESA’s play a crucial role in the overall success of the ESAT capability by ensuring the team’s services and outputs continue to meet and exceed the needs of AFP investigative objectives. SESA’s are required to stay abreast of the ever-evolving advancements of technologies and technical tradecraft, as well as changes to legislation that enables the work they do. SESA’s are advanced at conducting behavioural and pattern analysis of information derived from various sources, including lawfully intercepted, lawfully obtained information, commercially available and open-source data. SESA’s provide mentorship and drive the technical development of colleagues to ensure they are equipped to tackle a diverse range of analytical challenges.

This position attracts the core composite of 22% for working in accordance with the operations working pattern. ESAT members may work varying hours or staggered work times when directed for operational requirements under the operations working pattern, which may include unsociable hours, weekends and/or public holidays. Where there is no Operational demand, ESAT will adhere to core business hours of 0800hrs – 1600hrs, Monday to Friday.

What will you do?

• Nurture the technical development of ESAT members by providing mentorship in concepts such as tradecraft, analysis techniques, report writing, systems expertise, and professional development.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how the work of the ESAT contributes to the wider AFP and demonstrate sound decision making in line with operational priorities.
• Develop an and utilise and effective working knowledge of broader AFP technical centres and collections to improve coordination and operational outcomes.
• Conduct quality assurance of all ESAT services and products to ensure their relevance and currency with AFP, and support CTO reporting requirements.
• Contribute to data analysis, tradecraft, systems and process development to build capabilities that derive valuable insights and inform enable key decision makers in support of operational requirements.
• Maintain advanced currency in the application of a range of analytical methodologies such as discovery analysis, statistical analysis, anomaly analysis, and trend analysis to address specific investigative requirements or intelligence gaps.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse and geographically dispersed teams to deliver specialist support capabilities including mentoring and developing team members. 
• Coordinate with additional teams within ESA for knowledge sharing and skills development purposes to leverage the strength of other teams as well as supporting the development of others.  
• Provide recommendations and advice to customers regarding electronic surveillance including the limitations, opportunities and benefits relative to individual requirements and available data.

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• To have completed the Electronic Surveillance Analyst Foundations course or the ability to attain within 6 months of commencement.
• Ability to successfully complete an annual psychological screening specific to this position.
• Ability to mentor and develop members to enable mastery, teamwork and purpose in the performance of their functions.
• An understanding of and ability to apply behavioural and pattern analysis techniques.
• Ability to be flexible and dynamic in response to changing priorities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communications skills with the ability to manage and build relationships with diverse and complex stakeholder groups. 
• Self-driven with contemporary experience in relevant fields, including but not limited to telecommunications, cyber operations, programming & coding, geospatial analysis and/or data analytics.
• Ability to work flexibly to operational requirements in accordance with the Operations Working Pattern as outlined in the AFP Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027.

Desirable Requirements

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

• Advanced data literacy with large and complex data sets.
• Experience with leading projects and contributing to strategic outcomes.
• Working knowledge of Investigative and Intelligence processes and techniques.
• A Negative Vetting 2 (Top Secret) security clearance.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and or certification in relevant fields

Additional Information

• Domestic travel may be required for this role, depending on AFP business needs.
• This position has been advertises in multiple locations, applicants are expected to be based in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. 
• Some teams have a requirement to support on-call rostered functions.
• This role attracts a composite allowance in recognition of expanded working hours, normal patterns of attendance and shift patterns (such as afternoon shifts, weekends and Designated Public Holidays) that are required under the Operations working pattern. In accordance with the AFP Enterprise Agreement, an employee who is required to work in accordance with the Operations working pattern will receive a Core Composite of 22% in addition to their base salary, which will count as salary for superannuation. The Commissioner has the authority to remove a composite from a role.

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 asked to complete additional assessments or activities to determine suitability for the role. This may also include 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.

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:  Terry,

Contact Officer Phone:  (0)2 51264166, ​

Contact Officer Email:  technical.recruitment@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEST) 12/09/2025

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

www.afp.gov.au