Job Title

Who are we? 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 Australias 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. The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 established that the following intelligence agencies are under IGIS jurisdiction: Office of National Intelligence (ONI) Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO) Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO) 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. With the passage of the Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Act 2025, the jurisdiction of the IGIS will expand in June 2026 to all ten agencies within the National Intelligence Community with the inclusion of all of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC); and the intelligence functions of the Australian Transaction Report and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), the Australian Federal Police (AFP), and the Department of Home Affairs. The IGIS is expected to further grow in light of these additions, providing new and exciting opportunities for motivated Intelligence Oversight Officers to join the Office. The key duties of the position include:The Opportunity The Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) is seeking motivated and capable applicants to fill APS4 and APS5 Intelligence Oversight Officer roles. Intelligence Oversight Officers support the core work of IGIS by contributing to the delivery of efficient, effective and independent oversight of the intelligence agencies within IGIS jurisdiction. The work of the Office is critical to ensuring intelligence activities are lawful, proper and consistent with human rights. Working under appropriate direction, Intelligence Oversight Officers apply analytical and critical thinking skills to understand agency activities, identify issues, form informed views and contribute to findings and recommendations. Officers regularly engage with stakeholders across the National Intelligence Community (NIC) and actively contribute to the broader work of IGIS. These roles offer the opportunity to undertake meaningful and important work in a small, professional and values driven organisation. You will be supported by experienced colleagues and exposed to complex issues, legislative frameworks and the practical operation of intelligence oversight. APS4 roles are suitable for those early in their APS career or seeking to apply skills from previous work or study in an oversight, intelligence or regulatory environment. APS5 roles are suited to applicants with demonstrated experience who can apply sound judgement, manage competing priorities and contribute to more complex oversight activities. Key responsibilities of APS4/APS5 Intelligence Oversight Officer include: contribute to reviews (also known as inspections and inquiries) of intelligence agency activities by conducting research, examining documentation, analysing data, undertaking physical observation and meeting with agency staff analyse issues and complex material, applying professional judgement to support the development of findings and recommendations (with increasing independence at APS5) contribute to clear, accurate and timely written and verbal communication for a range of audiences, including external agencies and senior managers build and maintain productive, independent working relationships with intelligence agencies and broader government stakeholders contribute to accurate record keeping and documentation of oversight activities support oversight planning and prioritisation activities contribute to the application of legislation, policies and procedures to agency activities, seeking guidance where required handle highly classified and sensitive information on a daily basis, exercising discretion and professionalism support broader Office activities and, at APS5, provide guidance and support to less experienced staff. As a small agency, officers may also be asked to undertake tasks outside their usual span of duties, consistent with their capability, as part of a collaborative and supportive workplace culture. To be successful in this role you will have: demonstrate interest and aptitude in analysing issues and activities and developing informed views are motivated to work in a values driven organisation delivering outcomes of national importance work effectively as part of a small team and contribute to a positive workplace culture demonstrate integrity, professionalism and respect in all interactions can organise their work, adapt to changing priorities and meet deadlines at APS5, show an ability to apply judgement, support others and contribute to more complex tasks. Essential skills For both APS4 and APS5 roles: analytical and critical thinking skills clear written and verbal communication skills ability and willingness to learn, develop new skills and show initiative ability to work productively and discretely in a highly sensitive environment ability to work effectively in a small team, including during periods of change. Desirable skills understanding of, or experience in, the National Intelligence Community and/or the APS experience undertaking inspections, audits, reviews, investigations or other analytical or regulatory work experience engaging with a range of stakeholders to support organisational outcomes. IGIS is a small portfolio agency within the Attorney Generals Department. Our size provides opportunities to gain exposure across the Office, build strong professional relationships and develop a broad skill set. Supporting one another is integral to our culture and enables innovative, flexible ways of working. EligibilitySecurity, 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/Privileged Access clearance being granted and maintained. You must be willing to undergo a security clearance vetting process at the Top-Secret Positive Vetting/Privileged Access 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. 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. NotesApplicants must be submitted through IGIS Recruitment Portal on our website by 11:30pm AEST on the closing date. NOTE: All applications must be provided at the OFFICIAL level. Classified applications will not be accepted. As part of your application you will need to provide: your current resume; contact details of two referees (one of these must be your current supervisor/manager) a written statement explaining why you are interested in IGIS and how your education, skills, knowledge and experience make you suitable for the position (maximum 750 words) When framing your response, you should also refer to the Integrated Leadership System (ILS) and the capabilities required to be successful at the APS4 / APS5 Level. Information about the ILS is available on the Australian Public Service Commission website. Getting to know the Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security is an independent statutory office holder who reviews the activities of six intelligence agencies within IGIS jurisdiction: Australian Security Intelligence Organisation ASIO Australian Secret Intelligence Service ASIS Australian Signals Directorate ASD Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation AGO Defence Intelligence Organisation DIO Office of National Intelligence ONI The purpose of this review is to ensure that these agencies act legally and with propriety, comply with ministerial guidelines and directives and respect human rights. The functions of the Inspector-General are prescribed under sections 8, 9 and 9A of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 (Comlaw). The Inspector-General can undertake a formal inquiry into the activities of an agency in response to a complaint or a reference from a minister. The Inspector-General can also act independently to initiate inquiries and conducts regular inspections and monitoring of agency activities. In conducting an inquiry, the Inspector-General has significant powers which include requiring the attendance of witnesses, taking sworn evidence, copying and retention of documents and entry into the premises of an agency within jurisdiction. The Inspector-General can also conduct preliminary inquiries into matters in order to decide whether to initiate a full inquiry.