The team

The Quality Assurance Office (QAO) assures the quality, consistency, and transferability of the highest-level security clearances across the Australian Government and supports the development of insider threat capabilities. We run a comprehensive audit and compliance program and actively engage with Australian Government agencies to provide high quality insider threat advice and best practice guidance. The branch is small and full of passionate and professional people who work hard to help protect our National Security interests.

The role

The Assistant Director Quality Assurance Office (QAO) Audit and Compliance position requires a combination of security policy and/or vetting expertise, coupled with strong communication and customer engagement skill. You will enable this enterprise-level capability that assures the quality, consistency, and transferability of the highest-level security clearance. You will drive the development and delivery of audit activities that cover all components of the highest-level security clearance and produce compliance reporting to inform a range of customers, including security professionals and high-level executive boards. You will provide expert policy advice and manage stakeholder engagement across the NIC and wider government. You will be part of a team of specialists that deliver this whole-of-government capability.

As Assistant Director QAO Audit and Compliance, you will be responsible for:

• Developing and improving processes and practices for quality assurance audits, including participating in and leading audit activity.
• Developing and managing assurance and compliance business intelligence reporting that informs key stakeholders.
• Reviewing and proposing updates to security clearance policies in accordance with audit outcomes.
• Ensuring audit capabilities remain contemporary, fit-for-purpose, and aligned with relevant wider government policy.
• Collaborating with other government agencies and key stakeholders to deliver audit and compliance activities.

Key attributes

To be successful in this role you will need to demonstrate:

• Experience in security policy, security vetting and/or security clearance management practices;
• Excellent customer engagement skills with a demonstrated ability to work with a broad range of stakeholders, including other government agencies and sector representatives;
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare written materials for senior executives and committees;
• Excellent analysis and assessments skills to interpret reporting and policy, respond to requests for clarification, and make recommendations for policy change; and
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and contribute to a collaborative and supportive culture.

Desirable attributes:

• Experience in security vetting, personnel security, insider threat and/or performance audit would be well regarded but not essential.
• Personnel or protective security training or qualification (for example the Certificate IV in Government Security) would be beneficial but is not mandatory as training can be provided.

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