The Organisation

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) protects Australia and Australians from threats to their security. In a complex, challenging and changing security environment, our success is built on the imagination and intelligence of our team. ASIO's people are ordinary Australians but they do extraordinary things – they are our most important asset. To be successful in our mission, we need talented people who are highly capable, dedicated, adaptable and resilient.

We seek to reflect the diversity of the community we protect. ASIO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, where all staff are valued and respected. We welcome applications from all eligible candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious affiliation, age or disability. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply. We are secretive about what we do, not what we value.

The opportunity

ASIO is currently seeking to fill various Executive Assistant positions at the AE4 (APS4) and AE5 (APS5) level.

These roles involve working closely with all functional areas across ASIO as well as Australian government partner agencies to ensure timely and accurate advice can be provided relating to Australia's national security.

As an Executive Assistant in ASIO, you will work in a high-tempo environment and contribute directly to mission outcomes, with exposure to a variety of ASIO work and activities. You will work closely with other Executive Assistants, and be part of a supportive network.

A merit pool may be created to fill future vacancies which have the same or similar requirements to this position. This merit pool will be valid for up to 18 months.

Role responsibilities

As an AE4 Branch Executive Assistant, you will:
- Provide administrative support to senior officers and the branch more broadly.
-Perform diary management including providing logistical support including room bookings, meeting invites and travel arrangements.
- Print and collate meeting papers, meeting minutes, reports and briefs.
- Work closely and collaboratively with other executive assistants, and senior leadership more broadly.
- Monitor, track and prioritise responses to incoming and outgoing communications.

As an AE5 Executive Assistant, you will:
- Provide comprehensive administrative and executive support to senior officers.
- Liaise effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders, exercising judgement and professionalism to build productive working relationships.
- Manage and coordinate calendars and work schedules, providing logistical support including travel arrangements and senior level liaison commitments.
- Prioritise, triage and coordinate responses to tasks in accordance with expectations.
- Respond to incoming and outgoing communications.
- Prepare, collate and manage the timely distribution of meeting papers, meeting minutes, reports and briefs.
- Work collaboratively with the broader Senior Leadership team and other executive assistants.

What you will bring

We invite applications from people with the following attributes:

- Excellent administration and organisational skills with attention to detail, thoroughness and consistency.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to coordinate tasks effectively, multi-task and manage competing priorities.
- An exceptional level of professionalism, initiative and the ability to self-direct.
- Be highly organised, motivated, responsive and resilient.
- Deliver outcomes consistent with the Organisation's practices and values.
- Be confident meeting timeframes and managing your own workload.
- Demonstrate a can-do attitude plus the initiative and discretion to manage the role effectively.

What we offer you

ASIO provides a number of benefits to its staff including:
- A competitive salary, including a 7.5% allowance for maintaining a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance.
- Employer superannuation contributions of 15.4%.
- A variety of leave options, in addition to the standard 4 weeks annual leave to ensure your work-life balance.
- Flexible working arrangements to assist you to maintain your work-life balance. (Please note: due to our unique working environment, work from home options are generally not available).
- Study assistance, including financial support and study leave for tertiary education.
- Access to 7 staff-led diversity and inclusion networks.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Eligibility

To be eligible for the role, you must be:
- An Australian citizen.
- Assessed as suitable to hold and maintain a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance.

ASIO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, where all staff are valued and respected. We welcome and value applications from all eligible candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious affiliation, age or disability. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

Reasonable adjustments

Please advise us if you require any additional assistance in order to fully participate in the recruitment process or the workplace.

Location

These positions are located in Canberra, ACT with limited opportunities available in Sydney and Melbourne. Relocation assistance is provided to successful candidates where ASIO requires you to relocate.

We advertise positions nationally to give everybody the opportunity to apply. Due to this, some external advertising platforms may display other capital cities.

How to apply

Click on ‘Apply online' to commence your application. Your application must be complete and include the following:

- A written pitch of up to 500 words using examples to demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.
- A current CV, no more than 2 pages in length, outlining your employment history, the dates and a brief description of your role, as well as any academic qualifications or relevant training you may have undertaken.
- Details of 2 referees, which must include a current or previous manager.

All employment decisions and selection processes at ASIO are based on merit principles and candidates must be prepared to undergo various selection stages.

ASIO holds all employment applications in the strictest of confidence. It is essential that you do the same. Please do not discuss your application with others as doing so may adversely affect your potential employment.

Closing date and time

Monday 17 March 2025 at 5:00pm AEDT.
No extensions will be granted and late applications will not be accepted.

The Recruitment Selection Process – what to expect

We thank all applicants for their interest in applying for the Executive Assistant roles. Please be advised that our selection process is rigorous and extensive.

All employment decisions and selection processes at ASIO are based on merit principles and candidates must be prepared to undergo various selection stages. The stages themselves may include; application submission, eligibility checks, online testing, skills-based assessment and panel discussion.

ASIO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for candidates to participate within all stages of the selection process. These opportunities may include reasonable adjustment to assessment methodologies to enable full participation. Please let us know if you require any additional assistance or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process in order to fully participate in the recruitment process or the workplace.

ASIO holds all employment applications in the strictest of confidence. It is essential that you do the same. Please do not discuss your application with others as doing so may adversely affect your potential employment.

We ask all applicants for their patience throughout the process. Once complete, we will notify unsuccessful candidates but will not provide feedback on any aspect of the selection process.

Employment conditions

Employment is under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979. Conditions of service are similar to those applying in the Australian Public Service. We recognise entitlements accrued under the Public Service Act 1999 and provide for continuation of superannuation under the Commonwealth schemes. Salary packaging arrangements are also available.

Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI)

In 2024, ASIO achieved the AWEI Gold Standard, recognising ASIO's inclusion work and positive culture. ASIO was one of only 7 public sector employers, and the first Australian intelligence agency, to achieve this status.

The ASIO Diversity and Inclusion Strategy reflects ASIO's commitment and recognises the benefits of being a diverse and inclusive organisation. For further information about ASIO's Diversity and Inclusion networks, please visit: www.asio.gov.au/about/diversity-and-inclusion.

Enquiries

If you require further information after reading the selection documentation, please contact ASIO Recruitment at [email protected] or phone 02 6263 7888.

More information

For more information about ASIO, please visit: www.asio.gov.au.