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.

Our HR practice has two distinct areas, HR Operations incorporating HR Advisory, IR/ER, WHS, L&D and payroll; and HR Strategy incorporating People Strategy, Strategic Reporting and Recruitment. Both areas are led by a Director, with both teams working collaboratively to deliver the OIGIS HR priorities for the Office.

The Director, HR Operations position is an important leadership role within the OIGIS. We are seeking a suitably qualified candidate who is enthusiastic about working in our HR Practice to deliver this important function for the Office.

The position will apply a significant understanding of the HR function to provide high level advice, to senior management, the Executive Leadership Team and OIGIS staff. It is responsible for developing and influencing HR policies, priorities and operational practices in support of OIGIS’s objectives. The Director, HR Operations will use high-level decision-making, judgement and independence. The role will be required to coordinate and assume responsibility for a range of complex or sensitive HR matters across the operational and transactional HR functions.

Please note, this position is Canberra-based with opportunity to negotiate flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working arrangements.

Key responsibilities of Director, HR Operations include:

• Effectively undertake the director role in the HR practice in line with the branch plan; responsible for functional areas of HR including policy, pay and conditions, learning and development, performance management, health, wellbeing and safety and workplace relations.
• Drive the design and implementation of employee relations frameworks, policies, guidelines and conditions to ensure short, medium, and long-term alignment with OIGIS objectives.
• Manage and advise on complex HR matters including but not limited to Code of Conduct, case management, rehabilitation, external legal matters and a variety of industrial relations areas.
• Provide high-level, strategic advice and policy direction on HR issues whilst promoting a positive, safe, inclusive and diverse culture in OIGIS.
• Work closely with the Director, Agency Expansion to support and enable HR strategy within the Office.

The HR Practice seeks to:

• enhance HR capability across OIGIS
• deliver strategic and tailored initiatives that enhance the delivery of HR and People solutions and work practices
• drive improvements to systems, processes, and the use of technology and data management.

As a member of the Enterprise Management Unit’s Executive team, actively contribute to shaping the strategic direction of the branch and OIGIS’s corporate agenda. Including:

• liaising, negotiating and representing OIGIS’s workplace interests with other government agencies
• engage within the Portfolio and manage the relevant provision of services under our existing Memorandum of Understanding with our service provider
• managing the HR budget and related reporting.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• broad experience in managing and leading a team providing a broad range of support, systems and solutions through the analysis, development and implementation of HR strategies, frameworks, guidance and reporting materials.
• a proven track record at overseeing the development of HR policies, procedures and programs to achieve corporate objectives, and contributing to the effective operation of the team, branch and divisional priorities.
• experience in managing the implementation of best practice HR approaches to developing capabilities and increasing operational effectiveness and informing business decisions.
• current technical knowledge of relevant employment legislation and APS frameworks.
• strong communication skills to engage with clients and to work effectively with the Branch and HR team.

Highly Desirable skills

• experience in the breadth of HR activities
• tertiary qualifications in in Human Resources Management or a similar/equivalent field
• eligibility for individual membership of the Australian HR Institute.

Security, suitability and integrity requirements

• Citizenship - you must be an Australian citizen
• Employment Suitability Assessment (ESA)– appointment to our Office depends on the outcome of an ESA.
• Security Clearance – appointment and ongoing employment at the Office are subject to a Positive Vetting clearance being granted and maintained. You must be willing to undergo a security clearance vetting process at the Top-Secret Positive Vetting clearance level and must be willing to fully cooperate in the assessment process, including the timely provision of information and documentary evidence. Security vetting may take many months to complete and requires candidates to provide significant personal information to the vetting authority.

Positions at IGIS are positions of trust. In addition to the above, all IGIS staff are required to make annual conflict of interest declarations to support the independence and integrity of the Office.

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 7 September 2025 at 11:30pm AEST