General Counsel - Australian Signals Directorate - ExecutiveCareer

First listed on: 12 October 2018

General Counsel

 

The Director-General Australian Signals Directorate is seeking a highly qualified and experienced legal practitioner to fill the Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD) General Counsel position. The role of the position is at the SES Band 1 or SES Band 2 level, depending on the skills, qualifications and the experience of the successful candidate.

ASD’s purpose is to defend Australia against global threats and advance our national interests through the provision of foreign signals intelligence, cyber security and offensive cyber operations as directed by the Australian Government. The role of ASD’s General Counsel is critical in assisting ASD to fulfil its purpose in accordance with the law. This is reflected in ASD’s values to be meticulous in execution, always acting legally and ethically, and being accountable to the public through government for everything ASD does.

ASD recognises that its signals intelligence capabilities are uniquely intrusive, and its offensive cyber operations even more so. That is why maintaining the Australian Government’s and the Australian public’s trust, by demonstrating that ASD operates legally and with propriety, is of the utmost importance to ASD.

The successful applicant will report directly to the Director-General and lead a team of lawyers who will provide advice on all aspects of ASD’s functions, covered under the Intelligence Services Act 2001:

-        collect foreign signals intelligence

-        communicate foreign signals intelligence

-        prevent and disrupt offshore cyber-enabled crime

-        provide cyber security advice and assistance to Australian governments, businesses and individuals

-        support military operations; protect the specialised tools ASD uses to fulfil its functions

-        cooperate with and assist the national security community in the performance of their functions.

The successful applicant will also have the demonstrated ability to operate in accordance with, and actively promote ASD’s values and the Defence Leadership Behaviours, which will continue to be adopted and implemented within ASD. To be a strong contender, you will be self-aware, positive in considering and respecting a diversity of ideas and perspectives, and have the courage to challenge the status quo when it does not serve the required outcome. You will be innovative, consultative, resilient and personally accountable for the quality of advice and the delivery of results.

Engagement may be negotiated on an ongoing basis or for a specified term. To be eligible for engagement, an applicant must be admitted (or eligible for admission) in Australia, require a Bachelor of Laws or a Juris Doctor from an Australian tertiary institution (or a comparable overseas qualification) and have at least 10 years post qualification experience, and have considerable legal experience. This is a security-designated position. The successful applicant will be required to undergo security assessments to the highest level and must be able to be cleared to Top Secret Positive Vetting.

To discuss the requirements of this position, after first obtaining the selection documentation, please telephone Jonathan Beaumont, Director, Gillian Beaumont Legal on 02 6126 4500 quoting reference GBL4849.

For Senior Executive Service administrative recruitment enquiries please contact the Directorate of Senior Officer Management on (02) 6265 1742 or via email at DSOM@defence.gov.au.