Senior Team Leader - Counter Terrorism Strategy & Coordination (EL1 Equivalent)

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time

LOCATION - ACT

AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 08 ($127,101.00 - $138,349.00)

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 14470

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?

Applications are sought from experienced and impactful leaders wishing to be considered for the newly created role of Senior Team Leader (Band 8) Counter Terrorism Strategy and Coordination Team within the AFP’s Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command (CTSI). A pool of suitable candidates will be created to fill further anticipated vacancies across National Security Portfolio.

CTSI Command is responsible for the response, disruption and prevention of terrorist activity domestically and internationally. CTSI Command leads national and international cooperation, coordination and collaborative working arrangements between governments, private industry, members of the community and international partners.

There are three teams which report to the Senior Team Leader and the Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Strategy and Coordination:

• Domestic Counter Terrorism Strategy & Coordination Team
• International Counter Terrorism Strategy & Coordination Team
• Enduring Risk Investigations Strategy & Coordination Team

Each team works within their respective stream (and collaborate where appropriate) to provide high-level, timely and strategic advice to AFP Executive and other government agencies across a range of issues relating to investigations and Australia’s counter terrorism efforts domestically and overseas. 

What will you do?

As the Senior Team Leader CTSC (Band 8), in alignment with the Band 8 Work level standards, you will lead and guide teams to manage and deliver CTSI Command priorities in a dynamic, fast paced and multifaceted environment to a high standard. You will:

• Work closely with the Coordinator CTSC to provide strategic advice, direction, oversight and support to the team leaders across the three teams in their delivery of high-level executive briefings including Senate Estimates, Questions on Notice, talking points, parliamentary briefings, ministerial and media requests and operational reporting.
• Share information on priorities, challenges and opportunities, ensuring the delivery of CT Command priorities and operational outcomes. 
• Lead engagement with AFP support areas, representing CT interests and priorities to inform and influence the development and implementation of strategies, legislation and policy. 
• Maintain strategic awareness of the operating environment including threats, opportunities, technical, social, strategic and political issues that impact the AFP and CTSI Command and influence the teams to produce high quality products
• Build and maintain effective engagement and partnerships (internal and external) with AFP members, executive and teams across the organisation, Commonwealth and with States and Territories to support CT Command executive. 
• Work with the CTSI Command leadership cohort to deliver on CT strategic priorities

About you 
 

The ideal candidate has strong leadership experience, political acumen and the ability to manage priorities to respond effectively in an agile and sensitive operating environment. You will bring to the role the ability to:

• Lead teams in times of heightened operational activity, uncertainty and change with a positive, proactive and pragmatic approach
• Ability to influence strategically, capitalise on opportunities and work effectively with others to achieve results 
• Leverage your excellent prioritisation skills and model enthusiasm and resilience 
• Use astute judgement to make decisions with a focus on results and the ability to solve complex issues 
• Identify and support the professional development of yourself and others.

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• A Negative Vetting 2 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills, particularly the ability to lead, manage and support various teams, team leaders and team performance in high tempo environments, maintaining a positive and supportive attitude while demonstrating the AFP Core Values.
• Proven experience demonstrating exceptional stakeholder relationships – this includes provision of insightful, persuasive and trusted advice to a diverse range of senior stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated strong political acumen and ability to navigate complex environments (political, operational, diplomatic, ministerial, policy, legislative and government) and an ability to respond swiftly and calmly to priorities.

Desirable Requirements

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

• Demonstrated stakeholder management skills and the ability to foster productive working relationships.
• Demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills, including strategic thinking, effective time and organisational management and high-level communication skills to engage effectively at all levels, cross agencies and to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications (for example – in terrorism, national security policy, international relations, law, criminology, etc.) or work experience applicable to the National Security landscape is desirable but not necessary.

Additional Information

• This position is based in the AFP National Headquarters in Canberra at the Edmund Barton Building. Successful applicants are expected to relocate / be based in Canberra.  
• The advertised position is assigned to the Support Working Pattern in accordance with the AFP Enterprise Agreement.

Selection Criteria

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

Application

Applications for this position must be submitted through the AFP recruitment system, MyCareer. The link for this vacancy can be accessed via the AFP Vacancies page.

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

• Applicant pitch (maximum two pages). This will inform the basis of determining your suitability against the position requirements. Ensure your pitch provides examples that demonstrate your leadership experience and skills suitability / work experience against the role scope and selection criteria in accordance with and the work level standards for the role. Read AFP’s guide for applicants to find out more about how to prepare a pitch. 
• Resume/CV – Provides support evidence to the panel of your experience and qualifications. Please include your work history, responsibilities and achievements. 

The submission of the Applicant Pitch and Resume/CV must be submitted to inform the suitability assessment. In preparing your application, it is recommended to refer to the Eligibility page under AFP Jobs, which provides useful information including guides for applicants – your pitch, preparing for interview and selecting referees, and AFP work level standards. 

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.

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:  Claire Bruton,

Contact Officer Phone:  0251266501, ​

Contact Officer Email:  clairej.bruton@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEST) 12/05/2025

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

www.afp.gov.au