2025 AFP Directions Program - First Nations Employment Pathway

Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact to the people of Australia. 

We recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down 
• 4 extra mandatory leave rest days per year 
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 16 weeks of paid maternity leave (after 12 months of service) + an additional 36 weeks of maternity leave without pay
• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement 
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangement that provides work/life balance
• Access to ongoing training and development to support ambitions 

At the Australian Federal Police (AFP) we value the unique perspectives and lived experiences of our First Nations people. The AFP is seeking motivated individuals interested in launching a fulfilling career with Australia’s leading law enforcement agency. 

The AFP is offering a wide range of roles and opportunities through the AFP’s Directions Program. As a team member in the AFP you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful and life-impacting policies, programs and practices that shape the security landscape of Australia. This includes roles in health and wellbeing, investigations, canines, cyber-security, intelligence, corporate support, protection, workforce planning, media and communications. 

We are an inclusive organisation, providing the opportunity for all Australians to fairly gain employment with the AFP. We appreciate that everyone is unique and acknowledge that diversity in thought leads to greater transparency and improved consideration in our decision making. To support our employees we also provide flexible work arrangements. 

Role Summary

The AFP Directions Program is an integrated 12 month employment and development program and runs annually from February. The program provides permanent, full-time employment in specialist and support positions in the AFP and gives participants professional development opportunities to have a challenging and rewarding career.

Throughout the structured 12 month program, you may work in a number of roles across multiple teams, exposing you to opportunities that will provide the tools and resources you need to begin a fulfilling career at the AFP.

Your work will contribute to, and influence, programs and policies impacting on all Australians, including First Nations families and communities. It also helps ensure the AFP’s workforce is representative of the communities we serve.

As a Team Member in the AFP you will be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the AFP Work Level Standards, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. It is expected that successful applicants will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position as outlined below.

Role Description & Responsibilities

We are seeking applications from motivated First Nations individuals seeking to commence a professional career within the AFP. The AFP Directions Program provides employment pathways in a variety of roles such as health and wellbeing, investigations, canines, cyber security, intelligence, corporate support, protection, workforce planning, media and communications.

These are all non-policing support roles and will provide successful candidates the opportunity to learn about the dynamic work and career pathways the AFP has to offer.

Whilst on the program you will:

• gain a nationally recognised Certificate IV qualification. Successful completion of this qualification is an important requirement of the program, and you will be provided with generous study time to support you.
• complete a number of work area rotations, exposing you to different areas of the AFP.
• access Directions Program specific support including buddies, mentors and other organisational networks.

Please note: While the Directions Program provides an introduction to the various roles available at the AFP, this is not a direct gateway to becoming a police officer. If you are interested in sworn policing in the future, the Directions Program is an excellent starting point to prepare you for this career path, however you will still be required to pass through the relevant processes applicable for sworn roles.

What We Are Looking For

• Effective communicators
• Out of the box thinkers
• Team players
• A demonstrated willingness to learn new skills
• Experience using basic IT including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and Outlook

Salary and Benefits

The AFP Directions Program provides a number of benefits including:

• A starting annual salary of $59,582 plus 15.4% superannuation
• Relocation assistance if you are moving interstate to participate in the Program
• A variety of work and developmental experiences
• Opportunity for advancement at the completion of the program
• Professional networking through access to mentors and senior executives of the AFP
• Ongoing support from the Emerging Talent Team, First Nations Unit, Directions Buddies, mentors, and the Mulunggang Indigenous Officer Network.
• Health & wellbeing services - with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention

Full details of the generous employment conditions can be found here.

Essential Requirements

• Provide documentation to confirm you are of First Nations heritage. Evidence of heritage is a document provided by a registered Indigenous community organisation, issuing a letter of confirmation.
• Be at minimum 18 years of age by December 2024.
• Be an Australian Citizen. 
• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Desirable Requirements

• Minimum 12 months of work experience preferred

Additional Information

• This position has been advertised in multiple locations, however the role is located in Canberra, ACT. Successful applicants must be willing to relocate to Canberra.
• Proof of a minimum of two COVID-19 vaccinations (or one dose if the Janssen vaccine was used) will be required if an offer of employment is made. 

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion is an operational priority for the Australian Federal Police (AFP). To be an effective police force, we must be reflective of the community we serve, working across languages, cultures and transnational borders. The 2023-26 Diversity & Inclusion Strategy is the guiding framework for delivering the AFP’s diversity and inclusion goals and reflecting our commitment to being an employer of choice, incorporating diversity and inclusion principles in day-to-day practice and building a psychologically and culturally safe workplace. This includes hiring people from diverse backgrounds who bring their lived experience to contribute, and add value, to the AFP. Find out more about how the AFP embraces diversity and inclusion.

Contact Officer - Emerging Talent Team 

Phone - 02 5127 2*** (Option 3) 

Email - **************@afp.gov.au

Applications close - 11:59pm (AEST) 16/06/2024