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 Opportunity

An Assistant Director Intelligence Oversight drives the core work of IGIS – delivering efficient and effective oversight of the agencies within the IGIS’s jurisdiction. Fundamentally, an Assistant Director Intelligence Oversight demonstrates analytic and critical thinking skills to understand agency activities, identify issues, formulate an informed view, identify and make recommendations. They also possess the skills to provide guidance and direction to APS level Intelligence Oversight Officers to do the same.

An Assistant Director will most commonly lead, but also contribute expertise to the delivery of the oversight activities of the Office. An Assistant Director will establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders across a broad range of intelligence agencies, and actively contribute to the broader functions of the IGIS, to ensure it delivers effective oversight, as required.

Key responsibilities of Assistant Director, Intelligence Oversight include:

• plan, lead and execute reviews (including inspections and inquiries) of intelligence agency activities by conducting research and data analysis, examining documentation, meeting with agency staff to discuss issues or resolve contested views, and finalising inspection outcomes
• foster, build and maintain productive, but independent, working relationships with colleagues in the agencies IGIS oversees and broader Government as required to further the work of the Office
• critically analyse complex issues and documents by applying sound judgement to draw conclusions, including contesting other views and enabling junior officers to do the same
• communicate (verbally and in written form) to a wide variety of audiences to varying degrees of complexity, including to Senior Executive level staff
• interpret and apply legislation, policies and procedures, in relation to agency activities
• mentor and develop staff
• handle highly classified and sensitive information on a daily basis
• exercise professional discretion
• contribute to the learning and professional development activities of the Agency Oversight Branch.

Desirable skills

• highly developed analytical and critical thinking skills to tackle complex issues
• excellent written and verbal communication skills
• ability to work within, and provide guidance during, a period of change
• ability to build and maintain relationships with a network of stakeholders in a responsive and flexible way
• ability to lead individual oversight activities within a team environment
• ability to work independently and under minimal direction and supervision, in a highly sensitive workplace
• have a professional curiosity to both proactively examine issues and develop new ways of conducting business.

Highly desirable skills

• understanding of, and/or experience in, the National Intelligence Community (NIC)
• experience undertaking inspections, audits or other types of administrative reviews or analytical work
• leadership experience, including experience managing individuals or a small group of staff.

Appointment to our Office depends on the outcome of an Employment Suitability Assessment, and appointment and ongoing employment are subject to a Positive Vetting clearance being granted and maintained.

The successful candidate must be located in Canberra or willing to relocate. The IGIS offers relocation assistance to new employees relocating to Canberra from interstate.

For full details on the role, please refer to the Candidate Information Kit on the IGIS careers recruitment portal.