Senior Advisor, Geopolitical Risk

• Employment Type: Full-time, continuing position
• Remuneration: Level 8 position: 132k-$149k + 17% superannuation
• Location: Kensington, NSW (Hybrid Working)

Why your role matters
As geopolitical complexities continue to influence the global research landscape, universities continue to navigate complex international partnerships while maintaining the free exchange of ideas that underpins world-class research. As Senior Advisor, Geopolitical Risk, you’ll play a key role in UNSW's National Security Team to support safe, compliant and sustainable international engagement across the University.

This is an advisory position which supports researchers to confidently navigate risk and continue international engagement in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment. Working directly with stakeholders across UNSW, alongside government agencies and external partners, you’ll assess geopolitical risk and provide practical, balanced advice to UNSW management and researchers.

Reporting to the Manager, Geopolitical Risk, this role operates at the intersection of international relations, national security and emerging technologies to enable international research collaboration.

As Senior Advisor, Geopolitical Risk, you will:

•  Use your understanding of Australian foreign policy and the geopolitical environment to assess a broad range of UNSW’s international activities, to deliver practical advice that enables global research engagement in line with the Australian University Foreign Interference Taskforce Guidelines.
• Build trusted relationships with academics, researchers, University leaders and external stakeholders.
• Engage with government agencies and monitor emerging geopolitical, national security and policy developments.
• Provide guidance on foreign interference, critical technologies, sanctions and related risk frameworks.
• Support strategic responses to emerging geopolitical and international engagement issues.
• Escalate complex or high-risk matters while maintaining a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach.
  
  

Who You Are:
We're looking for a strong relationship builder and trusted advisor who is comfortable exercising judgement in an environment where risks are continually evolving. Holding a background in international relations, geopolitical risk consulting or strategic advisory services, you’ll be confident in navigating risk assessments across this field.

You will bring:

• Relevant qualifications and experience in a discipline such as law, international policy, intelligence or international relations, or equivalent skills gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Expertise in national security matters relating to the higher education sector, advanced research environments or sensitive security environments.
• Strong understanding of Australian foreign policy settings.

• Demonstrated experience gained working in a strategic advisory or consultancy role with international exposure in a large complex organisation.
  Experience working with the Australian Government in an international relations or intelligence role would be beneficial
• Excellent consultation, influencing, communication, negotiating and networking skills.
• Proven collaborative and team-oriented approach, with the ability to quickly establish and maintain a high level of personal and professional credibility across the organisation.

• Strong organisation and time management skills.
• Ability to work on highly sensitive and confidential matters while maintaining integrity and information security.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use innovative thinking when developing a robust approach or finding solutions to problems.
• An understanding of the Foreign Arrangements Scheme, Defence Export Controls, UNSC and Australian Autonomous Sanctions, or Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) is also beneficial.
  
  

About UNSW
At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work. We aspire to be Australia's global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society.

Benefits and Culture
People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff that make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible working options
• Additional leave over the December festive period
• Career development and learning opportunities
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• 17% superannuation and salary packaging benefits
• Access to a range of health, wellbeing and lifestyle programs

How to Apply: Submit your CV & cover letter addressing the ‘who you are’ selection criteria above (1-2 pages) before 11.55pm Monday 28 September 2026.
Applications assessed as submitted, we reserve the right to closure applications early in periods of high interest.
Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

Job queries contact: Katherine Molloy, Talent Acquisition Consultant E: katherine.molloy@unsw.edu.au
(applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online)

Pre-Employment Checks 
As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

Position Description