Team Leader - Personnel Security Vetting

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time 

LOCATION - ACT

AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 07 ($123,420.00 - $132,185.00)

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 15748

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’re committed to looking after you, with some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry – including (but not limited to):

• 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 14 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 arrangements that support 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 applicants wishing to be considered for the role of Team Leader - Personnel Security Vetting.
Security Command is responsible for ensuring the security of the AFP’s people, information and assets. This is achieved through the development of a strong security culture and building capabilities to ensure security risks are appropriately identified and mitigated.

As Team Leader of a Personnel Security Vetting (PSV) team you will report to the Senior Team Leader PSV where you will be responsible for providing leadership and direction in the day-to-day operations of a vetting team engaged in the assessment and maintenance of Commonwealth security clearances in accordance with the requirements and standards of the Commonwealth Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).

As a Team Leader in the AFP you will play a pivotal role in developing people, managing change and influencing behaviours that lead to a supportive culture that respects the perspectives, talents and value of each individual. Consistent with the AFP values, AFP leadership philosophy, organisational reform agendas, AFP corporate business plans and your Performance Development Agreement, it is expected that you will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position as outlined below.

You will also be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments.

What will you do?

 As a Team Leader in Personal Security Vetting your responsibilities may include the following:

• Lead a team of vetting analysts delivering high quality outcomes in accordance with the requirements of the Protective Security Policy Framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and AFP Governance Instruments.
• Manage and develop the resources and capacity of your team to continue to provide high quality security clearances within defined timeframes.
• Develop a strong security culture and understanding of national security issues within your team.
• Ensure compliance with vetting standards and protection of AFP’s interests while delivering a service that is responsive to AFP’s operational objectives.
• Work with other PSV leaders to promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in order to lead your team through change.
• Provide leadership and direction in the effective management of complex and disputed clearance outcomes.
• Represent the AFP through participation in relevant internal and external committees, stakeholder forums and working groups
• Develop and maintain pro-active relationships with multiple stakeholders both within AFP and externally across the wider vetting and intelligence communities.

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• Negative Vetting 1 security clearance or the ability to obtain one
• Experience in leading teams of intelligence or security professionals.
• The ability to manage workloads and support team members through periods of high demand and change.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and identify areas for improvement.
• Experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

Desirable Requirements

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

• Qualification in Government Security (Personnel Vetting).
• Well-developed analytical skills working with different systems and technologies.
• Experience in production of written intelligence/security assessments and/or risk assessments.
• The ability to prioritise tasks and meet tight timeframes, with minimal supervision, while delivering high level outputs and contributing to the outcome of the Security Command. 

Additional Information

• This role is located in Canberra and applicants are expected to be based in Canberra.
• A merit pool of suitable candidates will be created for 12 months to fill any future vacancies.

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

We’re all individuals and we love that. 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: Rebecca French

Contact Officer Phone: 02 51260302 ​

Contact Officer Email: Bec.French@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEDT) 31/03/2026

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

www.afp.gov.au