Principal Personnel Security Governance Specialist
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)

The role
The Principal Personnel Security Specialist is responsible for leading the development, management and maintenance of effective personnel security processes, policies and risk management in alignment with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF). This role integrates personnel security into broader business onboarding and offboarding processes, leads key personnel security governance activities, and contributes to continuous improvements in personnel security governance.
The team
APRA is embarking on an ambitious program of change incorporating cloud, data, digital and security initiatives. This has created the opportunity to join a small but growing Security team which sits within the Technology, Data and Security division. The Security team manages cyber, information and personnel security aligning with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).
The team works in a highly collaborative manner with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels of the organisation to develop, communicate and implement the security strategy. Key stakeholders within the division include the CIO, CDO, CRO, Enterprise Architecture and IT Governance. Other key stakeholders across the organisation will include the Business Divisions, People and Culture, Procurement and Project Management Office.
We maintain informal relationships with security teams at peer regulators and government agencies to learn from each other.
Key responsibilities
- Develop, manage, and maintain effective personnel security processes and integration into broader business onboarding and offboarding processes.
- Develop, manage, and maintain personnel security policies and requirements.
- Lead and execute personnel security governance activities including overseas travel management (briefings, policy management, risk management), personnel security risk assessments and international secondment risk management.
- Lead and deliver personnel security projects and improvements across processes, people, awareness, governance and management systems.
- Document and maintain personnel security processes; implement central records management, reporting, and tracking for activities.
- Provide holiday support for personnel security operational activities (e.g. security clearances, pre-onboarding checks).
- Develop executive and business metrics and reporting of personnel security outcomes.
- Collaborate with Security Awareness & Culture to develop and implement a comprehensive personnel security awareness plan.
- High Performing Team: Proactively contribute to and support broader direct team outcomes.
About you
- Proven experience in managing the outcomes of the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).
- Experience in developing and implementing security policies and processes.
- Strong background in security governance activities.
- Strong experience in risk assessment and management.
- Proficiency in risk management tools and software.
- Ability to develop and manage comprehensive security policies.
- Knowledge of Australian Government security protocols and policies.
To work with us, you must be an Australian citizen with eligibility to gain a Baseline Security clearance through the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency.
About APRA
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) was established in 1998 as an independent statutory authority that supervises almost 1,200 financial institutions that manage $8.6 trillion in assets for Australians across the banking, insurance and superannuation sectors.
In overseeing the safety, competitiveness and stability of the financial system, we seek to recruit, develop and retain highly skilled professionals, who want to help shape financial services and protect the financial wellbeing of the Australian community. Our employee base of almost 900 come predominantly from the commercial financial services industry or other government agencies; as such, we have the feel of a small corporate organisation that can work flexibly and with agility.
Why Work for APRA
We recognise the skills, experience and commitment that our staff bring to their professional lives, and we seek to reward them accordingly. We also recognise that for our staff to be able to perform at their best, we need to ensure that they are able to bring their best selves to work. Our commitment to wellbeing is having engaged people supported by resilient leaders within a values-aligned culture.
At APRA, we’re committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs, feels valued and respected. We aspire to attract and foster diversity of background, thought, and experience, recognising that a broad range of perspectives, approaches and ideas makes us stronger, and better enables us to meet our obligation to protect the financial wellbeing of the Australian community. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please inform at application stage so we can do our best to accommodate your requirements.
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