The Role

The Defence Strategic Review identified that the most critical aspect of the ADF's current and emerging capability is its personnel. In an increasingly competitive labour market, military recruitment and retention are central pillars underpinning the capability equation. 

This role supports a small team responsible for ensuring that the policy, guidelines and standards which guide Psychologists conducting assessments within the ADF environment meet the relevant legal, ethical, professional and organisational requirements. 

As an experienced Knowledge Management professional, you will be part of a team responsible for managing and supporting the core business of the Directorate, including inward and outward communications and general project administration, as well as the development of Psychology Manual content, as a core component of the transition to a principles-based policy approach. 

In addition, you will maintain and manage the team's live policy SharePoint site, ensuring content remains accurate, secure and accessible. You will also contribute to the development of a future psychology assessment policy solution, supporting Defence’s digital transformation and evolving organisational needs.

About our Team

The Psychology Policy & Governance Team manages the ongoing review, development, maintenance and publication of the ADF's Psychology Services Manual (PSYMAN), the core source of technical guidance for Defence psychologists engaged in the conduct of Occupational Suitability Assessments (OSA). It also manages governance support and expertise for the Directorate as a whole.

The PSYMAN is currently undergoing a comprehensive structural and content review to ensure it remains comprehensive, current and generally fit for purpose in meeting the needs of a constantly evolving Defence Force. Recent and current events, including the Royal Commission into ADF and Veterans Suicide, have raised the profile of mental health within the ADF, meaning that the importance of making sure the right person gets selected and trained has perhaps never been more recognised. 

The Psychology Policy & Governance team is dedicated to ensuring that psychological assessments underpinning the OSA process are reliable, valid, and consistent with relevant legal, ethical and organisational requirements.

We offer flexible, family-friendly working arrangements with opportunities for part-time and home-based work. We are committed to the personal and professional development of our staff, and welcome interested candidates to apply to join our team.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal applicant will have a tertiary qualification and background in psychology or a related discipline, and will be able to demonstrate prior success developing health-related policy and/or managing a similar policy development role in a complex environment. 

You will also be required to demonstrate a sound understanding of project management principles and practices, including the ability to successfully manage sometimes conflicting inputs from multiple stakeholders representing different perspectives (e.g. Navy/Army/Air Force Psychology elements; personnel policy; health policy). 

As a result, the successful applicant will require strong consultation and stakeholder management skills, strong written and oral communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple ongoing tasks. 

A demonstrated ability to effectively work as part of a small closely knit team is also essential.

Application Closing Date: Thursday 8 January 2026

For further information please review the job information pack, reference DPG/09486/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=5D8B7BAF-614D-55FE-3BCB-E4774F6AD628