The Australian Strategic Policy Institute was established by the Australian Government as an independent source of policy ideas on defence and strategic issues.

We provide Government with alternative views on key strategic questions, and help inform public debate on Australia's defence. ASPI is non-partisan and enjoys the support of both Government and Opposition. 

Vacancies

VACANCIES

Currently there are no vacancies at ASPI.

If you have specialist skills in defence and strategic issues, and are interested in short-term contract positions, see below.

Because the core staff of the Institute is very small, most of our project delivery will be contracted out. These Project Staff will be people with specialist skills in defence and strategic security issues. If you think you have the skills and experience to deliver results against tight deadlines you should register your interest with us. We continually build and update our stable of potential contract staff.

In the first instance you should contact ASPI to discuss the opportunities. You can also send us a copy of your resume, some information about your experience and expertise, and if possible, some short examples of your writing on defence or related issues (these might be newspaper articles, journal articles or anything relevant that supports your application).

INTERNSHIPS WITH ASPI

PAID INTERNSHIPS FOR GRADUATES - SHORT-TERM CONTRACTS

ASPI has a short-term internship program for Australian citizen graduates. Our aim is to offer new graduates with strong academic backgrounds in defence studies, international relations or associated fields an opportunity to make that all important first step into their careers.

Who are we looking for?

You will need to demonstrate excellent academic results, at either the undergraduate or postgraduate level in a field relevant to ASPI's work.

You will also need to demonstrate a strong interest in the work that ASPI undertakes. That is, your focus should be on the strategic policy challenges that face Australia.

As the internships are for only limited periods we will also look for people who are enthusiastic, motivated and able to adapt to the work environment quickly.

What are we offering?

The intern will acquire practical experience in seeing how strategic policy is developed and delivered to our key customers. You will work in a research assistant capacity, under the guidance of one of our senior staff. The duration of the internships is for between three and four months. We will offer up to three internships across the year.

You will receive remuneration for your efforts, approximately equivalent to a junior university research assistant or a graduate on a public service program. Please note that ASPI does not offer employment under the Public Service Act. All ASPI staff are employed on contracts. We can discuss with successful candidates some assistance with meeting the costs of moving to Canberra in order to take up an internship.

How will this benefit you?

Our aim is to nurture the next generation of strategic thinkers in Australia. We want to give you the opportunity to make a practical contribution to developing strategic policy, and in the process, gain some valuable 'on the job' training. The aim is to help you form a clear understanding of what it means to work in this field and help you think about the ways you can make a contribution as a professional in this field.

An ASPI internship will provide access to some of Australia's liveliest minds in the field by working with our staff and through observing roundtable discussions with some of the important visitors to ASPI.

The internship will be a valuable opportunity to experience policy work in Canberra - the home of national strategic policy making for government. Your internship might be your first experience of getting your teeth into real policy work, gaining a different perspective from that gained at university.

Next Steps

You should send a copy of your CV, your academic transcript and a covering letter to ASPI. In your letter should spell out why you wish to be considered for an internship and what qualities and expertise you would bring. Include, for example, your main areas of interest in the defence and foreign policy field. Your CV should include the names of at least two referees, of which at least one must be an academic who is able to comment on your strengths.

Do not send copies of other written material at this stage. As we develop a short list we might ask you to provide a copy of your written work, such as an essay you completed for your university qualification.

The preferred method of correspondence is via e-mail to jobs@aspi.org.au The program is managed by ASPI's Business Manager.

Important Dates

Internship dates

30 August 2010 - 3 December 2010 (applications closed)
17 January 2011 - 22 April 2011 (applications close 3 December 2010)

This is a competitive process. We will not be able to accept every applicant for an internship so give serious thought to how you present information about yourself in order to give yourself the best chance.

STUDENT INTERNSHIPS

As well as people wanting to gain work experience with ASPI, we also receive interest from students asking about the possibility of unpaid internships, either during their summer holidays, or as a way of meeting one of their course requirements. Unfortunately, ASPI cannot offer work experience internships during the summer period. However, through our involvement with the Australian National Internship Program (ANIP) we do offer a place for a student to work on a major research project for each of the academic semesters. The ANIP is managed through the Australian National University in Canberra and attracts students from around the country. ANIP staff manage student placements and it is through them that approaches should be made. Visit their website: http://www.anu.edu.au/anip/

ASPI is not resourced to undertake supervision of students other than through this established scheme.