Who are we?
The Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) is central to the independent oversight of the Australian intelligence and security agencies. The Inspector General is an independent statutory office holder with oversight of the activities of Australia’s intelligence and security agencies to ensure they act legally and with propriety, comply with ministerial guidelines and directives, and respect human rights. The work of the Inspector-General and his staff provides assurance to ministers, the parliament and the public that these agencies are using their powers as intended.
We are a small portfolio agency, proud of our contribution to the national interest. We recognise that our people are our greatest asset – we recruit and retain highly capable, motivated professionals with high levels of integrity and personal drive; and we invest in, and value, their development. Further, we offer a rewarding, positive, and inclusive environment, empowering staff to work flexibly in their contribution to the achievement of agency goals.
With the passage of the Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Act 2025, the jurisdiction of the IGIS will expand in 2026 to all ten agencies within the National Intelligence Community with the inclusion of all of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC); and the ‘intelligence functions’ of the Australian Transaction Report and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), the Australian Federal Police (AFP), and the Department of Home Affairs. The IGIS is expected to further grow in light of these additions, providing new and exciting opportunities for a motivated Technical Advisor to join the team.
The key duties of the position include:
The Opportunity
As the agencies use of technology to deliver intelligence outcomes invariably increases, so does the need for IGIS to maintain a strong practical and current understanding of those technologies and the implications to the legality and propriety of intelligence agency activities.
Fundamentally, the Technical Advisor leverages their strong technical knowledge and experience to inform and/or deliver relevant and effective oversight activities. These oversight activities provide assurance to Ministers, the Parliament and the public of the legality, propriety and consistency with human rights of the activities of intelligence agencies in IGIS’ jurisdiction.
You will maintain a strong, practical knowledge of relevant technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, and the legal and ethical frameworks around their use.
We will help you build an understanding of the legislative frameworks that underpin the agencies responsible for national security, and we will support and encourage you to develop a network of professional colleagues both in the National Intelligence Community (NIC) and across the APS to help you deliver the technical advice function effectively.
Key responsibilities of the Technical Advisor include:
* shape the focus areas for IGIS’ oversight based on technology driven risks to the legality, propriety or transparency of agency activities
* help oversight officers understand and review the technical capabilities used by agencies and their impact on legality, propriety and consistency with human rights
* educate oversight officers on the opportunities and risks advanced technologies pose to the legality and propriety of agency activities
* lead technology focused oversight activities on behalf of the IGIS
* provide technical advice and support to the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer regarding technological developments and potential risks as required
* engage in the IGIS Working Group on Artificial Intelligence to support safe and appropriate adoption and use of approved AI technologies as required
* build productive, but independent, working relationships with colleagues in the agencies IGIS oversees to further the work of the Office
* contribute to accurate record keeping and documentation of review activities
* contribute to communication (verbally and in written form) of oversight outcomes to a wide variety of audiences, including with external agencies
* handle highly classified and sensitive information on a daily basis
* support broader IGIS activities by completing a range of tasks related to the mission of IGIS as required
* exercise professional discretion.
To be successful in this role you will have:
* an interest in analysing a technology, issue or activity to understand its implication to legality, propriety and consistency with human rights and report on findings and recommendations accordingly
* provided advice relating to technology issues, including Artificial Intelligence
* a desire to work in a productive, values-driven organisation and to achieve results
* a desire to work as part of a small team to deliver significant outcomes
* a positive attitude, energy and commitment to the objectives of IGIS
* a collaborative and respectful approach to all aspects of your work
* the ability to conduct your work in an organised and flexible manner.
Essential skills and experience
* technology literacy, skills and experiences in one or more relevant technology field, for example:
* Cyber Security and Offensive Cyber
* Network Engineering and Communications
* Software development and Testing
* Advanced and big-data analytics and artificial intelligence
* Hardware engineering
* analytical and critical thinking skills
* good written and verbal communication skills
* ability to work productively and discretely within a highly sensitive workplace and classified environment
* ability to work effectively in a small team environment during a period of change.
The Office is a small portfolio agency within the Attorney-General’s Department. In addition to your core duties, at times you may be asked to undertake tasks that are outside your usual span of duties but that are within the range of your capabilities. Supporting one another provides our people with exposure to functions across the Office and is an integral part of our positive workplace culture, providing opportunities for diverse work, building relationships and innovative methods of working.
Eligibility
Security, suitability and integrity requirements
* Citizenship - you must be an Australian citizen
* Employment Suitability Assessment (ESA) – appointment to our Office depends on the outcome of an ESA.
* Security Clearance – appointment and ongoing employment at the Office are subject to a Top-Secret Positive Vetting/Privileged Access clearance being granted and maintained. You must be willing to undergo a security clearance vetting process at the Top-Secret Positive Vetting/Privileged Access clearance level and must be willing to fully cooperate in the assessment process, including the timely provision of information and documentary evidence. Security vetting may take many months to complete and requires candidates to provide significant personal information to the vetting authority.
Positions at IGIS are positions of trust. In addition to the above, all IGIS staff are required to make annual conflict of interest declarations to support the independence and integrity of the Office.
The successful candidate must be located in Canberra or willing to relocate. The IGIS offers relocation assistance to new employees relocating to Canberra from interstate.
Notes
How to apply
Applicants must be submitted through IGIS Recruitment Portal on our website by 11:30pm AEDT on the closing date.
NOTE: All applications must be provided at the OFFICIAL level. Classified applications will not be accepted.
As part of your application you will need to provide:
* your current resume;
* contact details of two referees (one of these must be your current supervisor/manager)
* a written statement explaining why you are interested in IGIS and how your education, skills, knowledge and experience make you suitable for the position (maximum 750 words)
When framing your response, you should also refer to the Integrated Leadership System (ILS) and the capabilities required to be successful at the Executive Level 2. Information about the ILS is available on the Australian Public Service Commission website.