About the Department The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) serves as Australia's foreign service, leading and coordinating the nation's international agenda by engaging with foreign governments and organisations to advance strategic, security, and economic interests. From Australia and across our overseas posts, we cultivate relationships and networks to provide strategic insights, deliver international development and humanitarian assistance, lead on crisis response and offer consular and passport services. The Opportunities We are recruiting for EL1 roles within the Overseas Property Office and Services Division (OPO) , focusing on Project Management , Property Leasing and Strategic Property Management . These roles contribute to the strategic planning, delivery, and management of DFAT’s overseas property portfolio, which includes over 1,000 owned and leased properties across 121 overseas locations. These roles ensure fit-for-purpose office spaces, residences and facilities that support Australia’s diplomatic missions. The successful candidates will play a key role in framing and managing capital works projects, lease negotiations, strategic portfolio planning, and governance activities that support Australia’s diplomatic missions. The initial vacancies to be filled from this process are based in Canberra. This process may be used to fill roles in other locations in Australia and overseas. Our Ideal Candidates We’re looking for high-performing people with skills and experience relevant to the department’s enabling services operations. Our ideal candidates possess some or all of the following Project Management , PropertyLeasing and Strategic Property Management skills and experience: Possess strong project management capabilities, including planning, procurement, delivery, and reporting of capital works. Experience in commercial property leasing, including new leases, renewals, rent reviews, make-good negotiations, acquisitions and divestments. Provide strategic property advice to senior management and contribute to long-term portfolio planning. Be skilled in financial analysis, budgeting, and cost modelling related to property assets. Have well developed stakeholder engagement skills, including with international partners, government agencies, and outsourced service providers. Be capable of managing competing priorities and delivering outcomes in complex and sensitive environments. Show leadership and initiative in driving strategic property outcomes aligned with departmental and whole-of-government goals. Understand government procurement frameworks, property legislation, and compliance requirements. All employees of the department are expected to abide by the APS Values and Code of Conduct and the DFAT Values Statement. Key Duties Your duties and responsibilities will be aligned to the relevant APS Work Level Standards. Depending on the role being filled, your key duties may include: Project Management Lead and manage overseas capital works projects, including refurbishment, construction, and relocations. Prepare documentation across the project life cycle such as business cases, procurement plans, and risk assessments. Monitor and manage project budgets, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. Provide high-level advice on property investment planning and financial sustainability. Property Leasing Negotiate and manage overseas property leases, including execution, renewals, rent reviews, and make-good obligations. Conduct market scans and provide strategic leasing advice for overseas properties. Maintain critical dates registers and support property selection and due diligence for new post openings or relocations. Provide input into leasing feasibility assessments and compliance with legislation and policy frameworks. Undertake acquisition and divestment of overseas properties, delivering efficiencies through reduction of footprint and/or lease savings. Strategic Property Management Contribute to the development of Portfolio Strategic Plans for both owned and leased estates. Analyse property data, budgets, and reporting to inform strategic direction and prioritisation. Support the development of asset management plans and leased property plans. Strengthen governance frameworks and improve portfolio data analytics and reporting. Develop and review property-related policies including residential housing, shared space, environmental and heritage guidelines. Engage with international partners and DFAT agencies to benchmark and align property policies. How to Apply Submit your application via the department’s website at DFAT Careers before the closing date. Applications close at 11.30pm AEDT on Sunday 23 November 2025.
