Team Member, Vetting Authority
The Organisation
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) protects Australia and Australians from threats to their security. In a complex, challenging and changing security environment, our success is built on the imagination and intelligence of our team. ASIO’s people are ordinary Australians but they do extraordinary things – they are our most important asset. To be successful in our mission, we need talented people who are highly capable, dedicated, adaptable and resilient.
We seek to reflect the diversity of the community we protect. ASIO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, where all staff are valued and respected. We welcome applications from all eligible candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious affiliation, age or disability. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply. We are secretive about what we do, not what we value.
The opportunity
The TOP SECRET-Privileged Access (TS-PA) security clearance is Australia’s highest-level of security clearance and is managed by the Vetting Authority within ASIO. Join the TS-PA Vetting Authority, undertaking security vetting to assess applicants’ suitability to hold a TS-PA security clearance.
In a complex, challenging and changing security environment, Australia must protect its most sensitive information, capabilities and secrets. Security vetting assures that individuals who require privileged access are suitable to do so.
ASIO are currently hiring to multiple roles as we scale this capability:
- AE6 Vetting Analysts (APS6 equivalent)
- AE5 Vetting Assessors (APS5 equivalent)
In this role, you will build a unique set of skills and receive mentoring and support to be successful. Successful candidates at the AE6 level will receive comprehensive training, including a Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting). We are looking for people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, bringing transferrable skills from professions as broad as (though certainly not limited to):
- HR & Procurement
- Defence / Government / Policy
- Psychology & Counselling
- Complex Office Management or Business Administration
- Consulting or Contracting
You do not require any specific qualifications for this position, as ASIO provides relevant training and education to successful candidates on commencement in their role.
A merit pool may be created to fill future vacancies which have the same or similar requirements to this position. This merit pool will be valid for up to 18 months.
Role responsibilities
As part of the Vetting Authority team, you will directly contribute to vetting assessments in line with whole of government policy and ASIO security policies. You will use your highly developed research skills to gather and analyse information, making assessments and recommendations about a person’s suitability to hold a security clearance.
As an AE6 Vetting Analyst, you will:
- Assess an individual’s suitability to hold or maintain security clearances that permit access to national security classified material.
- Manage a case load autonomously, conducting interviews, developing assessments and making recommendations about an individual’s suitability to hold a TS-PA security clearance in accordance with risk management principals.
- Use your excellent interpersonal skills and strong communication skills to build and maintain rapport, engaging widely, internally and externally representing ASIO, and operating in a complex security environment to deliver intelligence assessments.
- Travel in order to conduct vetting assessments as required.
As an AE5 Vetting Assessor, you will:
- Work with your team to assess whether clearance applicants are suitable to hold a TS-PA security clearance.
- Conduct research, checks and performing administrative functions for vetting assessments.
- Engage with clearance applicants and external stakeholders to fill gaps in information.
- Conduct analysis, writing assessments and providing advice that identifies areas for further resolution in the vetting process.
What you will bring
We invite applications from people with the following attributes:
- Curiosity, empathy and resilience.
- Understanding and sensitivity of the customs, practices, cultures and beliefs of others, and are comfortable discussing sensitive and personal information.
- Excellent interpersonal and strong communication skills.
- The ability to form and maintain strong working relationships with people from different backgrounds.
- Have a natural talent for strategic thinking and solving problems.
- Strong written communication skills.
What we offer you
ASIO provides a number of benefits to its staff including:
- A competitive salary, including a 7.5% allowance for maintaining a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance.
- Employer superannuation contributions of 15.4%.
- A variety of leave options, in addition to the standard 4 weeks annual leave to ensure your work life balance.
- Flexible working arrangements to assist you to maintain your work-life balance. (Please note: due to our unique working environment, work from home options are not available).
- Study assistance, including financial support and study leave for tertiary education.
- Access to 7 staff-led diversity and inclusion networks.
- Mentoring opportunities.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Eligibility
To be eligible for the role, you must be:
- An Australian citizen.
- Assessed as suitable to hold and maintain a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance.
ASIO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, where all staff are valued and respected. We welcome and value applications from all eligible candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious affiliation, age or disability. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.
Reasonable adjustments
Please advise us if you require any additional assistance in order to fully participate in the recruitment process or the workplace. We will seek to provide any reasonable adjustments within the recruitment and vetting process where possible and when required. We encourage you to contact ASIO Recruitment to discuss any specific adjustments to the process you may need.
Location
These positions are located in Canberra and Sydney. Relocation assistance is provided to successful candidates where ASIO requires you to relocate.
How to apply
Click on ‘Apply online’ to commence your application. Your application must be complete and include the following:
- A written pitch of up to 500 words using examples to demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.
- A current CV, no more than 2 pages in length, outlining your employment history, the dates and a brief description of your role, as well as any academic qualifications or relevant training you may have undertaken.
- Details of 2 referees, which must include a current or previous manager.
All employment decisions and selection processes at ASIO are based on merit principles and candidates must be prepared to undergo various selection stages.
ASIO holds all employment applications in the strictest of confidence. It is essential that you do the same. Please do not discuss your application with others as doing so may adversely affect your potential employment.
Closing date and time
Monday, 27 January 2025, 17:00pm AEDT
No extensions will be granted and late applications will not be accepted.
The Recruitment Selection Process – what to expect
We thank all applicants for their interest in applying for the Vetting Authority. Please be advised that our selection process is rigorous and extensive.
All employment decisions and selection processes at ASIO are based on merit principles and candidates must be prepared to undergo various selection stages. The stages themselves may include; application submission, eligibility checks, online testing, skills-based assessment and panel discussion.
ASIO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for candidates to participate within all stages of the selection process. These opportunities may include reasonable adjustment to assessment methodologies to enable full participation. Please let us know if you require any additional assistance or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process in order to fully participate in the recruitment process or the workplace.
ASIO holds all employment applications in the strictest of confidence. It is essential that you do the same. Please do not discuss your application with others as doing so may adversely affect your potential employment.
We ask all applicants for their patience throughout the process. Once complete, we will notify unsuccessful candidates but will not provide feedback on any aspect of the selection process.
Employment conditions
Employment is under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979. Conditions of service are similar to those applying in the Australian Public Service. We recognise entitlements accrued under the Public Service Act 1999 and provide for continuation of superannuation under the Commonwealth schemes. Salary packaging arrangements are also available.
Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI)
In 2024, ASIO achieved the AWEI Gold Standard, recognising ASIO’s inclusion work and positive culture. ASIO was one of only 7 public sector employers, and the first Australian intelligence agency, to achieve this status.
The ASIO Diversity and Inclusion Strategy reflects ASIO’s commitment and recognises the benefits of being a diverse and inclusive organisation. For further information about ASIO’s Diversity and Inclusion networks, please visit: www.asio.gov.au/about/diversity-and-inclusion.
Enquiries
If you require further information after reading the selection documentation, please contact ASIO Recruitment at careers@asio.gov.au or phone 02 6263 7888.
More information
For more information about ASIO, please visit: www.asio.gov.au.