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.

The Governance and Coordination team plays a critical role in ensuring the Office has an effective governance framework, engages with stakeholders including the Minister and Parliament, meets a number of legislative requirements under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and has the policies and procedures necessary to meet organisational and strategic objectives.

Under the direction of the Director, Governance and Coordination, and in combination with other team members, the Assistant Director is responsible for the following duties:

• coordinate whole-of-office governance projects, including the development of the IGIS Annual Report and Corporate Plan
• coordinate IGIS’s parliamentary workflow
• manage the IGIS Enterprise Risk Framework
• manage the OIGIS’s fraud and corruption policy
• assist in developing and managing IGIS’s assurance framework
• provide professional secretariat support for senior committees
• oversee management of internal and external communication

Essential requirements

• the ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Positive Vetting clearance

Highly desirable skills

• experience in a governance, ministerial, policy or corporate area and a good working knowledge of the PGPA Act and Commonwealth Performance Framework, or an ability to quickly gain an understanding
• high-quality verbal and written communication skills and an ability to communicate clearly with stakeholders including the ability to listen, understand, and adapt to the audience
• high-level time management skills, and the ability to prioritise competing deadlines
• the ability to maintain effective relationships, whilst working independently against established priorities, practices and methodologies to deliver quality outcomes
• a demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and work effectively in a small team.

Desirable skills

• demonstrated experience in the coordination and preparation of parliamentary material, including submissions, briefs and packs in support of senior executive engagement with Senate Estimates or other Parliamentary Committees
• demonstrated experience in a governance discipline, such as enterprise risk, fraud or internal Audit within a Government context
• demonstrated experience in developing an Annual Report and/or Corporate Plan for a Government entity
• demonstrated experience in providing secretariat support to senior boards or committees, including Audit Committees
• demonstrated ability to work within a highly sensitive workplace and desire to resolve complex problems
• the ability to lead and mentor junior staff.

To be successful in this role you will:

• have a desire to work in a productive, values-driven organisation and to achieve results
• have a positive attitude, energy and commitment to the objectives of the IGIS
• have a collaborative and respectful approach to all aspects of your work
• have the ability to conduct your work in an organised and flexible manner
• provide strong intellectual and principled leadership to shape, inform and support the critical analysis and strategic perspective of the Office
• be approachable, creative and innovative in developing new ideas and methods to progress the work and priorities of the Office
• possess excellent stakeholder relationship skills and the ability to work collaboratively across government and outside.

Why work for us?

We support and encourage flexible work practices and policies to enable a work-life balance where you thrive at work, and at home. Whilst the suitable candidate must be located in Canberra, the IGIS supports hybrid working arrangements where possible given our remit. We are committed to exploring and enabling flexible working arrangements that provide genuine support for those with carer responsibilities and those seeking a balanced wellbeing and home life. At the IGIS we know that a balanced arrangement brings out the best in our team. We embrace diversity and offer a range of benefits and entitlements, including generous leave entitlements and access to study assistance.

Security, suitability and integrity requirements

Positions at IGIS are positions of trust. Appointment to our Office depends on the outcome of an employment suitability assessment. Appointment and ongoing employment at the Office are subject to a Positive Vetting clearance being granted and maintained. Security vetting may take many months to complete and requires candidates to provide significant personal information to the vetting authority. In addition, all IGIS staff are required to make annual conflict of interest declarations to ensure the independence and integrity of the Office. You must be an Australian citizen with a checkable background, and you must be willing to undergo a comprehensive security clearance suitability assessment.

For further information, please review the Candidate Information Kit.

How to apply

Applicants are required to apply using the webform on the IGIS website by Sunday 1 June 2025 at 11:30pm AEST.