ONI is seeking high-performing, motivated professionals to join the NIC Capability and Performance Branch as National Security Assistant Directors and Directors.

The Roles

The work of our National Security Assistant Directors and Directors is varied and unique. There are multiple roles across the branch that involve activities such as:

• Managing and engaging with Cabinet processes and senior-level National Intelligence Community (NIC) forums to provide insights on the NIC's ability to realise Government objectives, as well as recommend strategies to mitigate future risks.
• Identifying and delivering capability investment options to enhance enterprise intelligence outcomes for Government.
• Advising and leading on systems of strategic mission management (at the whole-of-community level), including engaging, coordinating, evaluating and reporting on the NIC’s collective health, performance and posture to deliver the Government’s intelligence priorities.
• Building relationships and working with stakeholders across the national security community and with policy agencies to ensure the advice provided to Government on the approach to national security and strategic matters is informed by Australia’s intelligence priorities, interests and posture.
• Identifying and leading high-priority intelligence integration activities on behalf of the NIC.
• Managing the NIC governance structure, including by managing the NIC Principals Committee, the NIC Deputies Committee, and other senior-level NIC governance bodies.

The Team

ONI’s NIC Capability and Performance Branch works to maximise the value of Australia’s intelligence capabilities. We evaluate how the NIC is working together on common missions; provide advice to Government on intelligence priorities, requirements, performance and resourcing; and work with agencies on the development of collective capabilities.

We are focused on how the NIC can work together on common challenges, such as intelligence mission management, technology, innovation, workforce, as well as how we can align our strategic engagement and streamline governance arrangements.

The NIC Capability and Performance Branch operates in a dynamic and high tempo environment, working with stakeholders across the NIC and broader Government to drive collective capability, support investment decisions and lead ONI’s mission performance and evaluation role.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for driven and enthusiastic individuals with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, and a commitment to excellence.

If you are resilient, adaptable and collaborative and enjoy working in a multidisciplinary, dynamic, and busy environment, then we want to hear from you.

Key Attributes

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A strong strategic awareness (or ability to quickly gain knowledge) of the national security landscape and an understanding of how the broader strategic environment can impact whole of government/ NIC outcomes and outputs and Government decision making.
• Excellent judgement and stakeholder engagement skills, including confidence to engage directly with senior leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive and collaborative relationships across government, the NIC and with key policy agencies.
• Outstanding organisational skills, excellent problem-solving, written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and shifting deadlines.
• A high degree of initiative and the ability to build and foster a collegiate work environment.

Desirable but not essential:

• Experience with Cabinet /policy processes.
• Understanding of intelligence mission management across the national intelligence or security communities and/or an understanding of the relationship between policy and intelligence communities.
• Understanding of performance measurement, benefits management and evaluation principles.
• Experience in a complex coordination role.
• Provision of committee secretariat services.

Please refer to the Candidate Information Kit for more information about this opportunity, what ONI has to offer, and how to apply.