Lead User Experience Designer

Application closing date :  Wednesday, 25 February 2026

• 11 : 59pm, Canberra time

Estimated start date :  Monday, 30 March 2026

Location of work : ACT

Working arrangements : Candidates must work on-site at the Departments Canberra office, 40 hours per week

Length of contract :  12 months

Contract extensions :  2x 12 months

Security clearance : Must have a current and active Positive Vetting clearance

Rates : $120 - $150 per hour (inc. super)

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) promotes and protects Australia's international interests to support our security and prosperity. DFAT collaborates with international partners and other countries to tackle global challenges, increase trade and investment opportunities, protect international rules, keep our region stable and help Australians overseas. DFAT manages Australia's international presence – a network of over 120 embassies, high commissions, consulates-general and representative offices across five continents – and we have over 6,000 staff across Australia and overseas.

The Information Management and Technology Division (IMD) within DFAT is a client service driven division, dedicated to delivering high quality, fit-for-purpose ICT solutions to DFAT's global workforce. The division includes six branches : Business Solutions Branch (BSB), Infrastructure & Operational Support Branch (ISB), Cyber Security, Cloud and Networks Branch (CRB), Data and Service Delivery Governance (DAB), Global Modernisation Branch (IGB) and ICT Strategy and Investment Management Branch (IPB). The division delivers complex, high value and high-risk ICT programs and multi-year digital transformation initiatives.

The Department of the Foreign Affairs and Trade is seeking experienced User Experience Designers to up lift existing systems and contribute to the design of new systems as part of a large transformational program of work.

The User Experience Designer will be responsible for creating intuitive, user centred digital experiences that balance user needs with business objectives. The successful candidate will conduct thorough research to understand user behaviours, translate insights into wireframes and prototypes, and deliver visually appealing, accessible designs. Collaboration is key— the successful candidates will work closely with business analysts, developers, product owners, end users and stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation. UX Designers are also expected to continuously test, iterate, and refine designs based on feedback and data, while effectively communicating design decisions and advocating for the user throughout the product development lifecycle.

The key positions responsibilities are :

Essential criteria

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 responses to the essential and desirable criteria which is no more than 3000 characters for each response. Your application will be reviewed based on ability to demonstrate, or potential to develop, the capabilities required.