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.
The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 established that the following intelligence agencies are under IGIS jurisdiction:
* Office of National Intelligence (ONI)
* Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)
* Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS)
* Australian Signals Directorate (ASD)
* Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO)
* Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO)
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 June 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 motivated Intelligence Oversight Officers to join the Office.
The key duties of the position include:
The Opportunity
An Assistant Director Intelligence Oversight drives the core work of IGIS – delivering efficient and effective oversight of the agencies within the IGIS's jurisdiction. Fundamentally, an Assistant Director Intelligence Oversight demonstrates analytic and critical thinking skills to understand agency activities, identify issues, formulate an informed view, identify and make recommendations. They also possess the skills to provide guidance and direction to APS level Intelligence Oversight Officers to do the same.
An Assistant Director will most commonly lead, but also contribute expertise to the delivery of the oversight activities of the Office. An Assistant Director will establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders across a broad range of intelligence agencies, and actively contribute to the broader functions of the IGIS, to ensure it delivers effective oversight, as required.
Please note, this position is office-based in Canberra.
Key responsibilities of Assistant Director, Intelligence Oversight include:
* plan, lead and execute reviews (including inspections and inquiries) of intelligence agency activities by conducting research and data analysis, examining documentation, meeting with agency staff to discuss issues or resolve contested views, and finalising inspection outcomes
* foster, build and maintain productive, but independent, working relationships with colleagues in the agencies IGIS oversees and broader Government as required to further the work of the Office
* critically analyse complex issues and documents by applying sound judgement to draw conclusions, including contesting other views and enabling junior officers to do the same
* communicate (verbally and in written form) to a wide variety of audiences to varying degrees of complexity, including to Senior Executive level staff
* interpret and apply legislation, policies and procedures, in relation to agency activities
* mentor and develop staff
* handle highly classified and sensitive information on a daily basis
* exercise professional discretion
* contribute to the learning and professional development activities of the Agency Oversight Branch.
To be successful in this role you will have:
* a desire to work in a productive, values-driven organisation and to achieve results
* a positive attitude, energy and commitment to the objectives of the OIGIS
* a collaborative and respectful approach to all aspects of your work
* a demonstrated ability to analyse an issue or activity and, with guidance, developing clear views and recommendations
* an inquisitive mind and desire to apply your critical thinking skills to interesting and complex issues and activities
* the ability to conduct your work in an organised and flexible manner.
Desirable skills
* highly developed analytical and critical thinking skills to tackle complex issues
* excellent written and verbal communication skills
* ability to work within, and provide guidance during, a period of change
* ability to build and maintain relationships with a network of stakeholders in a responsive and flexible way
* ability to lead individual oversight activities within a team environment
* ability to work independently and under minimal direction and supervision, in a highly sensitive workplace
* have a professional curiosity to both proactively examine issues and develop new ways of conducting business.
Highly desirable skills
* understanding of, and/or experience in, the National Intelligence Community (NIC)
* experience undertaking inspections, audits or other types of administrative reviews or analytical work
* leadership experience, including experience managing individuals or a small group of staff.
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.
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 AEST 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 1. Information about the ILS is available on the Australian Public Service Commission website.
Getting to know the Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security
The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security is an independent statutory office holder who reviews the activities of six intelligence agencies within IGIS jurisdiction:
* Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
* ASIO
* Australian Secret Intelligence Service
* ASIS
* Australian Signals Directorate
* ASD
* Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation – AGO
* Defence Intelligence Organisation
* DIO
* Office of National Intelligence
* ONI
The purpose of this review is to ensure that these agencies act legally and with propriety, comply with ministerial guidelines and directives and respect human rights. The functions of the Inspector-General are prescribed under sections 8, 9 and 9A of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 (Comlaw). The Inspector-General can undertake a formal inquiry into the activities of an agency in response to a complaint or a reference from a minister.
The Inspector-General can also act independently to initiate inquiries and conducts regular inspections and monitoring of agency activities. In conducting an inquiry, the Inspector-General has significant powers which include requiring the attendance of witnesses, taking sworn evidence, copying and retention of documents and entry into the premises of an agency within jurisdiction. The Inspector-General can also conduct preliminary inquiries into matters in order to decide whether to initiate a full inquiry.