Executive Level 1 - Program Manager, Safeguards, Research and Development

Applications close at 11:30pm AEST, Sunday 7 June 2026.

Join a growing team with a genuine impact on preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

The Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) is a respected voice in global non-proliferation. As a specialist office within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, we are Australia’s national authority for non-proliferation treaties and the domestic regulator responsible for their implementation.

Innovation is critical to staying ahead of evolving safeguards and verification challenges. In this role, you will help drive that innovation while working alongside experts committed to strengthening international security and Australia’s non-proliferation objectives.

The Opportunity:

In an increasingly complex global environment, Verify is a core enabler of ASNO’s work to strengthen domestic and international nuclear verification systems and support confidence that non-proliferation obligations are being met.

As an EL1 Program Manager, you will help ensure this multifaceted research and development program is well coordinated, accountable and positioned to support regulatory decision-making and international verification effectiveness. You will work closely with ASNO’s trusted subject matter experts and partners, including the International Atomic Energy Agency, Australian universities and leading scientific organisations. You will bridge science, policy and program delivery through the coordination of safeguards research partnerships, strategic verification initiatives and cross-government collaboration that support Australia’s domestic and international safeguards objectives.

The Role:

Your key duties may include:

• Coordinating grant-funded and contracted research activities.
• Supporting engagement with domestic and international partners, including the IAEA.
• Tracking program progress, risks, deliverables and performance outcomes.
• Preparing briefing material, presentations and strategic communications.
• Supporting reporting, contracts and grant agreements.
• Contributing to corporate reporting, including ASNO’s Annual Report.

Our Ideal Candidate:

At ASNO, we value people who are motivated by purpose, thrive in a highly specialised environment, and bring curiosity to complex and evolving challenges. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and high-performing workplace and support staff through ongoing learning and development opportunities.

You will also have the following skills and capabilities:

• Experience coordinating programs, research activities or technical projects in a government, regulatory, policy or research environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing briefs and reports for senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to deliver quality outcomes across multiple priorities.
• Professional stakeholder engagement skills, including with government, industry and international partners.
• Interest in safeguards technology, science or innovation, and willingness to build technical knowledge over time.

We recognise that candidates may not meet every capability listed and encourage applications from people who can demonstrate transferable skills, potential and a willingness to learn.