Project Support Officer

The Role

The Data and Program Directorate within the Continuous Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment (CNSS) Branch has an exciting opportunity for an APS 6 Project Support Officer. The role supports the delivery of analytical products, decision support tools, and program activities that inform strategic decision-making across the CNSS enterprise.

You will contribute to workforce, infrastructure and maritime capability analysis which will be used to support the Government’s naval shipbuilding and sustainment programs and initiatives. Operating within a dynamic team, you will also engage in project planning and delivery, governance support, and collaborate with Defence industry stakeholders.

You will exercise initiative and judgement in analysing information, engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, and delivering practical outcomes for the CNSS Branch. Strong communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential for success in this role. You will have the ability to independently translate and analyse data into clear advice for senior decision-makers, directly supporting Defence’s naval shipbuilding priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the development and maintenance of analytical products, models, and decision support tools used to inform strategic planning and investment decisions.
• Gather, validate, analyse and manage data from a range of sources.
• Prepare reports, graphs, briefs, presentations and other products for senior stakeholders, clearly communicating findings and recommendations.
• Contribute to project management, governance, reporting and assurance activities to support the delivery of Branch priorities.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders across Defence, industry and government to support data collection, collaboration and information sharing.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks and issues, and assist in developing practical solutions and recommendations.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, sharing knowledge and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the delivery of commercial, procurement and business management activities as required.

About our Team

Continuous Naval Shipbuilding & Sustainment (CNSS) supports the development of the sovereign maritime industrial base that manufactures, sustains and upgrades naval capability in Australia.

The CNSS Branch coordinates the development of the CNSS Key Enablers (industry, workforce, infrastructure, security and innovation) and administratively supports Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment in their role as the Capability Manager for maritime industrial uplift.

The CNSS Branch supports the development of the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan which builds on the Government’s National Defence Strategy. The Data and Program Directorate provides analytical, modelling, and program support capabilities that enable evidence-based decision-making across the CNSS Branch.

The team develops and maintains data-driven tools, workforce and industrial capability models, and decision support products that assess the impact of changes across complex Defence programs and the broader maritime enterprise.

The team works across all levels of government, Defence, industry, and academia to gather, analyse, and integrate data on workforce, infrastructure, and program delivery. This analysis informs strategic planning, investment decisions, capability development, and policy advice to senior leaders.

Our Ideal Candidate

You are a proactive and adaptable professional who enjoys working with complex information, engaging with stakeholders, and contributing to evidence-based decision-making.

Critical to success in this role, our ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Build productive relationships across Defence, industry, academia and government.
• Analyse and interpret data to support decision-making and provide practical advice.
• Prepare high-quality briefs, reports and presentations for a range of audiences.
• Contribute to project delivery, governance, reporting and continuous improvement activities.
• Provide leadership, guidance and mentoring to junior staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. 

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at Negative Vetting Level 1.

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers