Program Assurance Specialist

Application closing date: Thursday, 29 January 2026 • 11:59pm, Canberra time

Estimated start date: Friday, 20 February 2026

Location of work: NSW

Working arrangements: Candidates will have hybrid working arrangements (i.e. a combination of onsite attendance in the office and remote working)

Length of contract: 12 months

Contract extensions: 1x 12 months

Security clearance: Must be able to obtain Baseline clearance 

Rates: $110 - $130 per hour (inc. super)

The Department of Veterans' Affairs & the Repatriation Commission and the Military Rehabilitation and Co are seeking an experienced Assurance Specialist who will play a critical role in supporting the delivery of digital and ICT investments across the APS, ensuring projects meet the standards set by the DTA's Digital and ICT Investment Oversight and Assurance Framework. 

The position is responsible for providing independent oversight, risk management, and assurance activities for Tier 1, 2, and 3 projects, which range from low to high value and risk. The role requires engagement with project teams, governance committees, and the DTA to ensure compliance, transparency, and successful outcomes.

The key position responsibilities are:

• Support development, review, maintenance of Assurance Plans for ICT projects, ensuring alignment with DTA requirements for the relevant tier.
• Provide expert advice on risk identification, mitigation strategies, and assurance activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Facilitate independent assurance reviews, including gateway reviews and health checks, in accordance with the DTA Assurance Framework.
• Liaise with project sponsors, delivery teams, and governance bodies to ensure assurance activities are understood and embedded.
• Monitor project progress, compliance, and reporting, escalating issues as required to senior stakeholders and the DTA.
• Ensure all assurance documentation is maintained, endorsed, and submitted to the DTA for review and agreement prior to investment decisions.
• Support continuous improvement in assurance processes and contribute to capability development across the APS.

Essential criteria

1. Demonstrated experience in assurance, risk management, or project governance within the APS or similar public sector environment.
2. In-depth understanding of the DTA Digital and ICT Investment Oversight and Assurance Framework, including tiered project requirements.
3. Proven ability to develop and implement assurance plans for complex ICT projects, including Tier 1 (low risk/value), Tier 2 (medium risk/value), and Tier 3 (high risk/value) investments.
4. Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate at senior levels.
5. Analytical skills to assess project risks, compliance, and performance, and to provide actionable recommendations.
6. Experience facilitating independent assurance reviews and reporting to governance committees.

HOW TO APPLY

Please provide an updated CV (a maximum of 3-5 pages) to reflect your suitability to the role based on the job description. You will also need to complete a summary which is no more than 5000 characters in total in response to the requirements for the role and the essential and desirable criteria. Your application will be reviewed based on ability to demonstrate, or potential to develop, the capabilities required.