Job Ad

Locations: Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney

Work Type: Full Time

About the opportunity 

The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) is Australia’s financial intelligence unit and the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulator. Our purpose is to build resilience in the financial system and use financial intelligence and regulation to disrupt money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious crime.

The Policy section is an integral part of AUSTRAC. The Specialist, Policy works collaboratively with different areas of the agency to develop and support policy initiatives to strengthen and improve financial intelligence and regulatory outcomes achieved by Australia’s AML/CTF regime. This includes providing policy advice on domestic and international matters to support the full range of agency functions.

The Policy section manages Australia’s international engagement with the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), and AUSTRAC’s engagement with the Attorney-General’s Department as Head of Delegation to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an interjurisdictional policy body responsible for setting global standards for AML/CTF and counter-proliferation financing.

The Policy section also plays a lead role in developing the policy framework to assist the implementation of the recently amended Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act) which simplifies and modernises Australia’s AML/CTF regime and expands it to a range of new sectors.  

What are we looking for 

While we are looking for these capabilities, we consider transferrable skills and encourage applicants who embody AUSTRAC's culture and values to apply.

• Analytical and Policy Skills - Strong analytical and policy skills, including the ability to understand legislative frameworks, analyse complex issues, and propose workable and effective policy solutions.
• Communication - Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex policy advice succinctly and clearly to a range of audiences.
• Legislative and AML/CTF Knowledge - An understanding of Australia’s AML/CTF regime, including the AML/CTF Act and international context, is desirable. Legal qualifications and experience working with legislation and the legislative process are also desirable.
• Government Policy - Knowledge of government policies and programs, and an appreciation of their application to AUSTRAC and the Attorney-General’s Department operations, is desirable.
• International Engagement - Ability to build relationships and engage with international counterparts, multilateral entities, foreign governments and stakeholders to support AUSTRAC’s international operations. International relations qualifications or experience are desirable.

Key Duties

The Specialist, Policy under broad supervision is responsible for:

1. Undertaking research and analysis including on complex AML/CTF policy matters, and providing policy advice to support AUSTRAC’s financial intelligence and regulatory functions.
2. Supporting Australia’s international engagement with the APG, and AUSTRAC’s engagement with the Attorney General’s Department as Head of Delegation to the FATF.
3. Coordinating and responding to internal and external stakeholders in relation to domestic and international policy issues.
4. Supporting the development and implementation of legislative reforms and the making of Rules under the AML/CTF Act.
5. Preparing written briefings and submissions, and developing and maintaining internal and external relationships to facilitate and communicate changes to the AML/CTF legal and policy framework.  

Eligibility 

To be eligible for this role you:

• Must be an Australian citizen at the time you apply.
• Will need to undertake AUSTRAC’s pre-engagement checks.
• Will need to obtain and maintain an ongoing Negative Vetting 1 Security Clearance

Affirmative Measures

This vacancy is also being advertised under Affirmative Measures, to apply under Affirmative Measures you must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. For more information, please visit the APSC Guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants.

To be eligible to apply under Affirmative Measures provisions:

• Must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
• Provide evidence that you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

*Please indicate in your application if you are applying under Affirmative Measures, by ticking the relevant box in the application form.

Why AUSTRAC?

Flexible, hybrid work environment: We are committed to providing flexibility in working arrangements to recognise the importance of balancing work commitments with family, caring and other personal commitments of employees outside of work. AUSTRAC currently operates under a hybrid work arrangement.

Diversity and Inclusion: Our core values of diversity, inclusion, and integrity drive everything we do. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and those of mature age. We recognise that united behaviours and mindsets will support our agency today and guide us into the future.

Employer of Choice: We have a strong reputation as an Employer of Choice, renowned for our exceptional work culture and outstanding employee census results which highlight our dedication to creating a positive and engaging environment. 

Closing Date

Applications close at 11:30 pm on 11 May 2025

For enquiries, please contact: Jessica.Luu@austrac.gov.au