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 provide 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 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.
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 based on technology driven risks to the legality, propriety or transparency of agency activities
* Support and Educate employees on the technical capabilities used by agencies and their impact on legality, propriety and consistency with human rights
* 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
* 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
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
Essential skills and experience
* technology literacy, skills and experiences in one or more relevant technology field, for example:
o Cyber Security and Offensive Cyber
o Network Engineering and Communications
o Software development and Testing
o Advanced and big-data analytics and artificial intelligence
o 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.
Appointment to our Office depends on the outcome of an Employment Suitability Assessment, and appointment and ongoing employment are subject to a Positive Vetting clearance being granted and maintained.
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.
For full details on the role, please refer to the Candidate Information Kit on the IGIS careers portal.