Frequently Asked Questions (Graduate program)

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Frequently asked questions

Graduate program

On this page:

• What makes the AFP special?
• When would I be expected to commence?
• When do applications close?
• What are the minimum requirements for the AFP Graduate Program?
• Do I have to be an Australian citizen to work with the AFP?
• I have a security clearance from another department/organisation. Will this assist me with my application?
• I have an extensive driving/legal history can I apply?
• I have a Diploma/Advanced Diploma from CIT/TAFE am I eligible?
• Where are the positions located?
• What will I be paid?
• What salary band will I be on upon successful completion of the program?
• What happens at the end of the program?
• What areas are taking on Graduates?
• What does each area do and what qualifications are they looking for?
• What will the program involve?
• How will the rotation system work?
• What does the recruitment process entail?

What makes the AFP special?

The nature of the AFP, and what is required of it, has changed significantly in recent years. The AFP has responded to a rapidly changing environment, and this has required a greater focus on national and international operations.

The new challenges the AFP faces include counter terrorism, human trafficking and sexual servitude, cyber-crime, peace operations, protection and other transnational crimes.

To help meet these challenges, the AFP has implemented a new organisational structure which focuses on its main operational areas and provides a higher level of national coordination and support to these areas.

The objectives of the new structure are to achieve better results by:

• improving the management structure and methodologies to better reflect the AFP's national and international focus
• providing an improved management framework which is better able to meet the national expectations of government, client and partner agencies
• providing a stronger accountability framework to the government
• ensuring the organisation is acting in a corporately consistent manner and that resources are being aligned to meet corporate priorities
• providing a stronger management framework to develop and implement corporate strategy and policy
• improving our strategic position and management capabilities to proactively identify and manage new demands and emerging crime and security threats, and
• Providing opportunities for staff development in managerial roles.

When would I be expected to commence?

The Graduate program for 2010 will commence in March 2010.

When do applications close?

Applications will be open from 10 July 2009 and close 09 August 2010.

What are the minimum requirements for the AFP Graduate Program?

• Be an Australian Citizen.
• By February of the year of engagement have completed a 3 year minimum Bachelor degree, completed at an Australian University, OR have completed a degree that has been recognized by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR).
• Prior to engagement, successful applicants will be required to undergo a security clearance, a standard medical clearance/examination and undertake a test for illicit drugs in accordance with the AFP's Illicit Drug Free Work Force Policy. Applicants who do not undertake a test for illicit drugs or who do not satisfy the requirements of the test cannot be engaged by the AFP.
• Be willing to relocate to Canberra at own expense.
  

Do I have to be an Australian citizen to work with the AFP?

To be engaged as an AFP employee, you need to be an Australian citizen. If you are not an Australian citizen, you may apply but will need citizenship before you commence with the AFP. Only in exceptional circumstances will the Commissioner consider engaging a person who is not an Australian citizen. Please note that the AFP does not offer sponsorship for non citizens.

I have a security clearance from another department/organisation. Will this assist me with my application?

The AFP conducts its own security checks. If, however, you are able to furnish the relevant details/documentation of another government agency security clearance, please do so.

I have an extensive driving/legal history can I apply?

Each application is assessed case by case. We will look at your whole application to make a decision.  If you were selected you will be required in the security clearance process to provide your full driving/legal history.  Your engagement as an employee will be dependant upon the outcome of the clearance process.

I have a Diploma/Advanced Diploma from CIT/TAFE am I eligible?

No, to be eligible you must have a 3 year minimum Bachelor degree, completed at an Australian University, OR have completed a degree that has been recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR).

Where are the positions located?

All positions are located in Canberra. You will need to be prepared to relocate to Canberra at your own expense if you are successful in gaining a position with the AFP.

What will I be paid?

On commencement with the AFP Graduate Program you will be remunerated at the AFP Band 3.1 salary of $51,258.

What salary band will I be on upon successful completion of the program?

Permanent Band 3.2 $53,342

What happens at the end of the program?

You will continue to work in the business area where you completed your graduate year.  You will be eligible to apply for other positions within the business area or other areas of AFP when advertised.

What areas are taking on Graduates?

• Aviation
• Border and International
• Finance
• High Tech Crime
• International Deployment Group (IDG)
• Policy and Future Strategies

What does each area do and what qualifications are they looking for?

As an AFP Graduate you will be tasked with various project work, working within a team on each rotation. This is done to enable you to gain a better understanding of the organisation and the tasks that each section/area is responsible for.  Each business area has its own unique requirements of a graduate and below is the information they have provided for you to consider.

Aviation

AFP Aviation provides a policing presence at Australia’s 11 major airports and is supported by staff in AFP Headquarters.  The Aviation function is seeing a graduate to assist in the provision and preparation of: policy advice, ministerial responses and brief preparation, memorandum of understanding with stakeholder agencies, analysis and reporting against performance information and project work as required.  A graduate commencing with the Aviation function would be exposed to challenging work and transition through several business units to enhance skills and develop a broad appreciation of the strategic work environment.

Border and International

Border and International conduct investigations into narcotics importations, people smuggling (unauthorised boat arrivals of asylum seekers) and human trafficking (sexual and labour exploitations).  A graduate applying for this business area should possess high level written skills, research ability, well developed communication skills and cultural awareness / sensitivity particularly in relation to persons of Middle Eastern origin.

Finance

Finance requires a graduate who has a Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Commerce (Major in Accounting).  Graduates must also meet the eligibility criteria for a membership to either the Australian Society of Certified Practicing Accountants OR Institute of Chartered Accountants.

High Tech Crime

The AFP’s High Tech Crime Operations (HTCO) detects, investigates and prosecutes Technology Enabled Crime (TEC) impacting on Australian home users, businesses, and governments.  It combats TEC through the implementation of technology-led policing and innovative uses of new and emerging technologies,  HTCO develops and implements TEC prevention strategies focusing on education, awareness raising, youth and community engagement.

HTCO is seeking a graduate with an interest in either Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and how it can be used to assist law enforcement and/or how TEC can be prevented.  Suitable tertiary backgrounds include under/post graduate studies in IT; Psychology; Criminology; Computer (Forensic) Science or related disciplines.

International Deployment Group (IDG)

The International Deployment Group (IDG) was formally established in February 2004 and provides the Australian Government with a standing capacity to deploy Australian police domestically and internationally to contribute to stability and security operations.

The International Deployment Group has three core components:

Australian based – providing executive, administrative, training and technical support for deployed personnel as well as forecasting and analysing the geopolitical environment for group engagement and deployment

Operations Response Group – providing ready response, highly skilled tactical policing capability for rapid deployment to unstable domestic and international operation situations.

Mission Component – providing a blend of sworn and unsworn personnel deployed to, or ready to deploy to group missions, and other operations as required.

Currently we are operating domestically and in eleven foreign countries in both advisory and capacity development roles.

The IDG is looking for Graduates in International Law, Political Science, International Relations and related disciplines.

Policy and Future Strategies

The Policy and Future Strategies division serves the law enforcement policy development and organisational planning needs of the AFP.  The division works closely with internal stakeholders and a wide range of external partners to ensure that the AFP's policy capability is responsive to the future needs of national and international law enforcement in a rapidly evolving security and crime environment.  Graduates will undertake a range of diverse and challenging work which may include: coordination of new policy proposals within the AFP and with other government departments; preparation of AFP’s Environment Scan; development of AFP Business Plans; enhancement of the AFP's risk management framework; preparation of high level policy briefs on law enforcement issues; and coordination of the AFP's input into legislative review and reform processes.

An academic background in multi-disciplinary studies (law, arts, social sciences, international relations, political and /or cultural studies etc) and a variety of work and life experiences would be beneficial.  The division would suit graduates who are adaptable and able to work under pressure.  Applicants with post-graduate qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply.

What will the program involve?

The AFP Graduate program for 2010 will commence in March 2010 for a 12 month period. The AFP Graduate program will involve rotations within the business areas that you are selected for as well as the opportunity to do a ‘mini’ rotation to an area of interest to you.

The AFP Graduate Program will comprise of the following components:

• Induction Program;
• Graduate Mentorship Program;
• Monthly Discussion Groups;
• Access to the Graduate Network; 
• Learning and Development (including an accredited course);
• SnoG (Social Network of Graduates).

As an AFP Graduate you will be tasked with various project work, working within a team on each rotation. This is done to enable you to gain a better understanding of the organisation and the tasks that each section/area is responsible for.

How will the rotation system work?

You will rotate to various business areas within the portfolio that you have applied for, for example if you are successful for a position within the Finance portfolio, you could rotate to areas within Finance such as Budgets, Procurements and Contracts and Building and Accommodation.

What does the recruitment process entail?

Please keep in mind that due to the thoroughness of the recruitment process for any positions with the AFP it can be a lengthy process.

• Application: Applicant applies online through the web site.
• Online testing: All applicants will receive a link to perform on line aptitude testing to be done at home. 
• Short listing: Once on line testing has been successfully completed the application will progress to short listing for interview.
• Notification: You will receive notification by email telling you whether you have been successful or unsuccessful at the short listing stage.
• Short listing for interview:  If you are selected for interview you will be contacted by phone and email.  Interviews can be either face to face or by telephone dependant upon your location.
• Interview: You will be interviewed by a panel comprising the relevant business representatives and a member of the Recruitment and Diversity Strategies Team.
• Final short listing and Letter of Offer:  Applicants who are successful at interview will be required to undergo the following processes to ensure suitability for employment with the AFP.  This will include the following:
  • Security Clearance
  • Medical Clearance
  • Drug testing
• Instrument of Engagement: Once all these have been completed and cleared you will be given an Instrument of Engagement, which will outline all your terms and conditions of employment with the AFP.