Assistant Inspector-General, Agency Oversight

Who are we?

The Inspector General of Intelligence and Security 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.

What we offer

We offer an attractive package which includes a combination of competitive remuneration, rewarding job opportunities and a high performing team environment, including:

• generous employee benefits with competitive salary and the potential for other allowances and benefits
• flexible working arrangements including family friendly, caring and work-life balance provisions
• professional development opportunities including further study, training and professional memberships
• a team of intelligent, experienced and engaged leaders committed to achieving outcomes
• the opportunity to liaise across a range of agencies including security and intelligence agencies 
• a supportive, balanced culture that fosters inclusion, personal growth and the balance between professional and personal endeavours.

The Opportunity

The Assistant Inspector-General, Agency Oversight, provides strategic leadership and direction of oversight operations within the Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (OIGIS). This role leads a key branch responsible for executing OIGIS’ mission to assure Ministers, the Parliament and the Public of high standards of compliance with legislation and policy across the intelligence agencies under the IGIS's jurisdiction.

The role requires extensive knowledge of intelligence policy, operations, and national security, along with significant executive management experience in a government setting. The occupant must apply strategic influence, shape policy development, and deliver programs with a long-term perspective.

High-level stakeholder engagement is essential, balancing objective inspections with fostering cooperation with intelligence agencies. The role demands a deep understanding of the National Intelligence Community (NIC), government regulations, and statutory functions with proven experience in managing both internal and external stakeholders as well as contributing to policy development and legislative reform. Recognised as an authoritative source of intelligence advice, the occupant must operate independently, providing critical judgement and authoritative recommendations.

Key responsibilities of the Assistant Inspector-General

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the Agency Oversight Branch, providing high-level oversight and strategic direction to ensure effective intelligence operations and governance.
• Operational Direction: Oversee the development and implementation of annual inspection and review plans for intelligence agencies, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including agencies and departments with operational and policy responsibilities for intelligence and security, parliamentary committees, ministerial offices and international partners to facilitate effective collaboration and information sharing.
• Policy Development: Shape and influence policy development and legislative reform initiatives, ensuring alignment with national security priorities and legal standards.
• Change Management: Drive organisational change initiatives within the Agency Oversight Branch, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Capability Building: Mentor and develop staff, enhancing the branch's capacity to deliver high-quality oversight and governance services.
• Risk Management: Implement comprehensive risk management frameworks and practices to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of intelligence operations.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilise data analytics to inform strategic decisions, identify trends, and improve operational efficiency within the branch.
• Strategic Resource Management: Make strategic decisions in resource allocation to ensure efficient and effective operations. Ensure efficient budget management and optimal utilisation of assets, while anticipating future resource needs and planning strategically.
• Training and Development: Enhance training programs on emerging technologies and intelligence practices to maintain a high level of expertise within the branch.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Leadership: Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a diverse team towards achieving strategic objectives
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and influence commonwealth national security and intelligence policy and legislative development
• Stakeholder Management: High-level stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships across government and external partners
• Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts to a variety of audiences
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide critical judgement and authoritative recommendations
• Integrity: Exemplify APS Values and the highest standards of ethical behaviour.

Essential skills and experience

• Extensive experience in intelligence policy, operations, and/or the national security environment
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams in complex operating environments
• Highly developed communication skills and demonstrated experience building and maintaining strong professional and collaborative relationships with stakeholders
• Tertiary Qualifications in a relevant field will be highly regarded. 

Why work for us

We support and encourage flexible work practices and policies to the extent possible given our remit, to enable a work-life balance where you thrive at work, and at home. We are committed to exploring and enabling flexible working arrangements that provide genuine support for those with carer responsibilities and those seeking a balanced wellbeing and home life. We know that a balanced arrangement brings out the best in our team.

We offer a range of benefits including:

• ­generous leave entitlements
• commitment to exploring and enabling flexibility 
• access to a range of benefits and entitlements
• study assistance
• embrace diversity and inclusion.

Remuneration

A Total Remuneration Package (TRP) will be negotiated with the successful candidate, reflecting the importance of this senior role.

The TRP comprises of: 

• ­Base salary 
• OIGIS Allowance 
• Superannuation 
• Car parking

Eligibility

Security, suitability and integrity requirements

Positions at the IGIS are positions of trust. Appointment to our Office depends on the outcome of an employment suitability assessment. Appointment and ongoing employment at the Office are subject to a Positive Vetting clearance being granted and maintained. Security vetting may take many months to complete and requires candidates to provide significant personal information to the vetting authority. In addition, all IGIS staff are required to make annual conflict of interest declarations to ensure the independence and integrity of the Office.

Am I eligible to apply? 

• You must be an Australian citizen and you must have a checkable background. 
• Note: we must be able practically to verify, from independent and reliable sources, [cumulative] periods of 12-months or more spent outside Australia. 
• You must be willing to undergo a comprehensive security clearance suitability assessment. 
• Note: ‘willing to undergo’ means fully cooperating in the assessment process, including the timely provision of information and documentary evidence.

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.

How to apply

For further details and to apply, click on the 'Apply' button. Applicants are required to submit an application using the webform on the IGIS careers page by Monday 24 February 2025 at 11:30pm AEDT.