The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is an Australian Government intelligence, effects, and cyber security agency.  We have three principal missions:

• the collection of foreign signals intelligence;
• cyber security; and
• our offensive cyber (effects) role

In all cases, our primary imperative is to protect Australians and the integrity of Australian systems, and our digital borders, from serious threats. From the threat of terrorism through to protecting and supporting ADF personnel when deployed overseas, ASD plays a key role in Australia’s national security.

We are seeking highly motivated, outcome driven senior executives to fill the positions of Assistant Director-General, Access and Effects Enablement and Assistant Director-General, Critical Infrastructure & Technology based in Canberra ACT. 

The successful applicants will be flexible and collaborative leaders who are prepared to take calculated risks. 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 operate in accordance with, and actively promote, ASD’s values and the Defence Leadership Behaviours. And you will be innovative, consultative, resilient and personally accountable for the quality of advice and the delivery of results.

As part of this selection process, a merit pool will be established and may be used to fill similar positions over the next 12 months.

Before applying, please obtain selection documentation by emailing admin@amandaorourke.com.au quoting Ref. No. 960.  Further information may be obtained by contacting Amanda O’Rourke on 0452 199 031.  Applications close 11:30pm (AEST) Thursday, 17 September 2020.

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

Assistant Director-General, Access and Effects Enablement Duty Statement

In this role you will lead a large Branch with a significant proportion of ASD’s developer and technical workforce to deliver capabilities for ASD’s missions. This includes provision of capability to all three of ASD’s missions.

The Branch has an operational role and includes one of ASD’s largest dev/ops sections responsible for a number of leading-edge signals intelligence collection operations. And in addition, the Branch is home to ASD’s cryptanalytic capability which undertakes analysis and exploitation of foreign encrypted communications.

ASD’s workforce builds and operates many of its mission systems, so this role is a hands-on one where you will be expected to provide leadership to the many development activities underway, including aspects of program governance. You will also be responsible for building collaborative and productive industry relationships where ASD chooses to outsource mission system development and sustainment.

Within a framework of workplace diversity and a safe working environment, perform the following duties:

• Lead and manage the work of Access and Effects Enablement Branch

• Develop and manage capabilities to support ASD’s Passive Access, Computer Network Operations and Offensive Cyber Operations, in accordance with ASD priorities and within approved resources;

• Develop and foster strong Australia-based industry capacity, particularly in the cyber operations domain, and build relationships with industry partners and vendors;

• Plan for and build integrated intelligence and operational capabilities with National Intelligence Community and other domestic partners, the ADF, Five-Eyes, and other partners;

• Lead, retain and grow a significant proportion of ASD’s technical workforce, which includes software and hardware engineers, cryptanalysts and signals development professionals;

• Represent ASD at senior forums and other agencies as required; and

• As a member of the ASD Senior Executive, contribute towards ASD’s corporate objectives.

Assistant Director-General, Critical Infrastructure & Technology Duty Statement

In this role, you will lead a small and highly specialised Branch focussed on cyber security issues as they relate to Critical Infrastructure and Emerging Technology security.  While this role has a primary focus on cyber security, it is expected that you will work across the agency as required to support all missions.

The Branch will be required to work closely with key Government partners and State & Territory governments.  Additionally, strong and ongoing engagement will be required across a range of critical infrastructure sectors at the management, engineering and technical levels.  

Australia’s critical infrastructure remains an important focus for the Australian Cyber Security Centre within ASD.  To this end, you will be on the front line of assisting Australia’s critical infrastructure security, ensuring we provide accurate and timely advice and assistance to empower organisations to appropriately secure themselves against a wide range of threats. 

This role will also be responsible for keeping one eye on the horizon, providing expert technical advice to government and industry on the cyber security implications of the ever changing technology landscape.

Within a framework of workplace diversity and a safe working environment, perform the following duties:

• Lead and manage the work of Critical Infrastructure and Technology Branch

• Develop and manage capabilities to support ASD’s cyber security activities with a focus on Operational and Emerging Technologies, in accordance with ASD priorities and within approved resources;

• In line with the Cyber Security Strategy 2020, deliver underpinning technical advice and assistance driving the uplift of Australia’s National Critical Infrastructure;

• Lead and manage a team of expert staff focussed on the technical cyber security aspects of Emerging Technology and Engineering.

• Lead, retain and grow a highly technical workforce, which includes software and hardware engineers, Operational Technology specialists and cyber security professionals;

• Represent ASD at senior forums and other agencies as required; and

• As a member of the ASD Senior Executive, contribute towards ASD’s corporate objectives.