Senior Policy Officer

Position title: Senior Policy Officer

Classification: LE6

Position number: 11246

Section: Political and Economic Section

Employment Type : Ongoing LES

Reports to (title) : First Secretary (Political)

Application Closing Date: 4PM, on Wednesday 7 October 2026

Application Process

Complete the online form.

Attached your resume.

Attach a one page pitch (or) cover letter. (Ensure you explain why you are the best person for this job.)

Note:

You may email any questions regarding this vacancy advertisement to [email protected] .

Late, incomplete or emailed applications will not be considered.

The Australian Embassy does not discriminate with regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, age or sexual orientation. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Only candidates who meet the qualifications and experience for the position and selected for an interview will be contacted.

A merit list of suitable applicants will be developed and may be drawn upon for any future vacancies within 18 months of the closing date of applications.

About The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas.

The Department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.

About the position

As a member of the Political and Economic section, the Senior Policy Officer provides authoritative advice on Myanmar's political, governance, security, and human rights environment, supporting Australian Government decision-making on issues of strategic significance. Operating with a high degree of independence, the position leads analysis of complex and sensitive developments, develops policy responses to emerging risks and opportunities, and advances Australia's interests through high-level stakeholder engagement and strategic influence.

The key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Lead the Embassy's analysis of Myanmar's political, governance, security and human rights environment, providing authoritative policy advice and strategic assessments that directly inform Australian Government decision-making and advance Australia's bilateral, regional, and international interests.

Analyse, research and provide strategic policy advice on complex, sensitive and rapidly evolving issues, identify emerging risks, opportunities and strategic trends and recommend courses of action to senior leadership and Canberra.

Lead high-level engagement with senior government officials, political representatives, diplomatic missions, international organisations, civil society leaders and other stakeholders to advance Australian policy objectives, strengthen Australia's profile, and secure strategic outcomes.

Represent the Embassy in complex negotiations, consultations, dialogues and external forums, advocating Australian interests and influencing outcomes across priority political, governance, security, and regional issues.

Monitor, assess and provide advice on politically sensitive and high-risk issues, including potential policy, reputational, operational and security implications, and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.

Lead complex policy projects and whole-of-post initiatives, coordinating stakeholders and competing priorities to deliver timely and strategically aligned outcomes.

Produce and quality assure complex policy submissions, ministerial briefs, strategic assessments, reporting and correspondence, ensuring advice is evidence-based, forward-looking and responsive to a dynamic operating environment.

Supervise, mentor, and develop staff, allocating work, providing strategic guidance, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

Provide interpretation and translation of complex political, diplomatic, and technical discussions and documents between Burmese and English, ensuring accurate communication and informed engagement with stakeholders.

Qualifications /Experience

Relevant tertiary qualifications (post-graduate qualifications desirable) and/or relevant work experience in related fields.

Excellent written and spoken Burmese and English language abilities.

Extensive knowledge of Myanmar politics and media, and a wide-ranging database of contacts.

Working knowledge of the Australian Government’s policy settings and priorities.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including briefing and report writing capabilities, and the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.

Demonstrated ability to manage resources, work independently, and organise workloads to meet deadlines.

The ability to display judgement and discretion in the management of sensitive information and maintain confidentiality and security.