APS Careers

• review and understand the selection criteria
• find out as much as you can about the Department of Defence and its current projects
• gain an understanding of strategic Defence issues by reading relevant documents (these include, but are not limited to the 2016 Defence White Paper and the Naval Shipbuilding Plan, which are both accessible online)
• consider your preparedness to go through the security clearance process
• be able to commence your studies at Canberra campus in February 2020.

Selection criteria provide a set of measurable standards against which employers can assess your application.

When you apply for a position in the public service your application must address the selection criteria. The written application should provide sufficient and relevant information to allow a selection panel to short-list candidates to the next stage. This should include relevant examples of how you have demonstrated the behaviours/criteria.

Below is a list of the criteria which applicants will be assessed against.

Achieves Results

• being proactive and taking the initiative
• self-motivation and commitment to achieving results
• ability to develop solutions that target problems effectively
• ability to keep difficulties in perspective and respond positively to setbacks and challenges
• willingness to take responsibility for own actions

Thinking Skills

• ability to identify connections between issues, to draw links and to organise information across different sources
• ability to place information in a broader context and to identify likely implications
• ability to generate new ideas and innovative approaches to problems
• ability to generate effective practical applications

Communication Skills

• ability to express oneself clearly and logically both orally and in writing
• ability to tailor communication to accommodate a wide range of people
• negotiation and influencing skills
• listening skills

Team Work

• ability to assist, support and work co-operatively with other team members
• commitment to team objectives and ability to generate this in others
• ability to give and receive feedback effectively
• understanding of own role within a team and the impact on others
• ability to motivate, mentor and provide direction to others

Genuine interest in working with Defence

• genuine interest in, and knowledge of, the work of Defence
• awareness of one’s ability to make a contribution to Defence and of the personal benefits to be gained through the Defence sponsorship

You can find more information on how to address selection criteria, including the STAR approach, on the APSC website.

Do I need to be an Australian citizen?

You must be an Australian citizen to be eligible to commence on the DCUS.

It is a condition of employment with the Australian Public Service (APS) that all employees are Australian citizens. This applies to ALL jobs within the APS, not just Defence.

The Australian Government considers that it is appropriate for government employees to be Australian citizens as a demonstration of their commitment to, and long-term stake in, the future of Australia.

Can I participate in the sponsorship at a university other than UNSW at ADFA?

As the cost of tuition is funded via an existing contract between the Department of Defence and UNSW at ADFA, the sponsorship is unable to be offered at any other university.

Does the Department of Defence assist with the funding or acquiring of accommodation for students who are required to relocate?

As the successful students are not employees of the Department of Defence, we are unable to assist in the funding of accommodation or relocation costs.

The Student Programs team is able to provide students with information regarding local accommodation for university students.

Why do I need a security clearance?

The security clearance is required for your work experience placement in Defence

Your suitability to hold a security clearance is determined after a series of assessments and background checks. These are undertaken to ensure that people entrusted with access to security classified information or resources are eligible, suitable and can be trusted to safeguard them.

Security clearances are only required for people who, as part of their work for the Australian Government, need to access classified information or resources.

What level of security clearance do I need?

You will need to initially be cleared to a Baseline level to participate in the DCUS.

Some students may require a higher security clearance and this will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Candidates who require a Negative Vetting 1, Negative Vetting 2 or Positive Vetting security clearance will undertake an additional clearance process in 2020.

What do I need for a security clearance?

You will need to be an Australian citizen to obtain a security clearance. In addition, applicants must have a verifiable personal background/history for at least the preceding:

• Five years for Baseline clearances;
• Ten years for Negative Vetting 1 (NV1)/Negative Vetting 2 (NV2); and
• Whole of life for Positive Vetting (PV) clearances.

Does every applicant undergo a security clearance?

Only the candidates who accept a sponsorship will undergo the security clearance process.

Further information about the clearance process can be found on the AGSVA website.