Personnel Security Specialist

The role

The Personnel Security Specialist supports the development, implementation and maintenance of effective personnel security processes, policies and risk management in alignment with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF). The role assists with integrating personnel security into broader business onboarding and offboarding processes, supports key personnel security governance activities, and contributes to continuous improvements in personnel security governance.

The team

APRA is embarking on an ambitious program of change incorporating cloud, data, digital and security initiatives. This has created the opportunity to join a small but growing Security team which sits within the Technology, Data and Security division. The Security team manages cyber, information and personnel security aligning with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).

The team works in a highly collaborative manner with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels of the organisation to develop, communicate and implement the security strategy. Key stakeholders within the division include the CIO, CDO, CRO, Enterprise Architecture and IT Governance. Other key stakeholders across the organisation will include the Business Divisions, People and Culture, Procurement and Project Management Office.

We maintain informal relationships with security teams at peer regulators and government agencies to learn from each other.

Key accountabilities

Support the operation and ongoing maintenance of effective personnel security processes, including their integration into broader onboarding and offboarding arrangements across the organisation.

Provide operational support for core personnel security activities, including security clearances, pre onboarding checks and temporary access arrangements, including holiday cover as required.

Assist in the development, maintenance and application of personnel security policies, requirements, workflows and guidance materials, under the direction of senior security governance roles.

Support and coordinate key personnel security governance activities, including overseas travel management (briefings, policy support and risk inputs), waivers, personnel security risk assessments and international secondment risk management.

Document, maintain and standardise personnel security processes, workflows and guidance materials, ensuring consistency, auditability and alignment with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).,

Maintain central records management, tracking, reporting and assurance artefacts for personnel security activities.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to uplift personnel security capability, including process optimisation, system improvements, automation opportunities and reporting enhancements.,

Support and contribute to personnel security projects and change initiatives across processes, governance, awareness and management systems.

Assist with the preparation of business and executive level metrics, reporting and assurance materials relating to personnel security outcomes, risks and compliance.

Collaborate with Security Awareness and Culture to support the development and delivery of personnel security awareness activities and materials.

Actively contribute to a high performing security team through collaboration, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

About you

Experience supporting or administering Australian Government security clearance processes.

Demonstrated experience working in personnel security, protective security, vetting or a closely related government security function.

Demonstrated experience supporting delivery of outcomes under the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF), including application of the Personnel Security Adjudicative Standard.

Experience contributing to process improvement, documentation, records management or system uplift initiatives within a security or governance environment.

Experience applying risk assessment and risk management practices in a personnel security context.

Familiarity with security governance, assurance and reporting practices.

High integrity and professionalism, with the ability to manage highly sensitive and protected information appropriately.

Excellent attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in clearance, vetting and record keeping activities.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly when providing clear, risk based security advice.

Confidence engaging with stakeholders at all levels on personnel security matters.

Ability to balance operational delivery with governance, assurance and continuous improvement outcomes.

Relevant qualifications such as Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting), or a willingness to obtain such qualifications.

To work with us you need to be an Australian Citizen and have the ability to gain a Defence Clearance.

About APRA

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) was established in 1998 as an independent statutory authority that supervises almost 1,200 financial institutions that manage $8.6 trillion in assets for Australians across the banking, insurance and superannuation sectors.

In overseeing the safety, competitiveness and stability of the financial system, we seek to recruit, develop and retain highly skilled professionals, who want to help shape financial services and protect the financial wellbeing of the Australian community. Our employee base of almost 900 come predominantly from the commercial financial services industry or other government agencies; as such, we have the feel of a small corporate organisation that can work flexibly and with agility.

At APRA, we’re committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs, feels valued and respected. We aspire to attract and foster diversity of background, thought, and experience, recognising that a broad range of perspectives, approaches and ideas makes us stronger, and better enables us to meet our obligation to protect the financial wellbeing of the Australian community. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please inform at application stage so we can do our best to accommodate your requirements.

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