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 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.
The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act **** provides that the IGIS has jurisdiction over the following agencies that make up the national intelligence community:
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)
Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC)
Australian Federal Police (intelligence functions only)
AUSTRAC (intelligence functions only)
Department of Home Affairs (intelligence functions only)
This is a pivotal time for our agency, as our jurisdiction has recently grown and we are looking to expand our capacity to meet this new environment.
There are significant opportunities to demonstrate and develop professional skills and leadership within the legal function of the agency.
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.
The key duties of the position include:
The Opportunity
The Legal and Assurance Branch of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) is a dedicated team that is responsible for the provision and facilitation of legal advice, legal policy support, training and services to support the IGIS's statutory functions.
The role involves providing high‐quality legal advice on a range of matters relevant to the operation of the Office, as well as contributing to legislative analysis, reform and policy development affecting the IGIS and the national intelligence community.
The role requires the ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, exercise sound judgement, and operate effectively in a small, highly sensitive workplace.
The salary for this position will be based on the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Enterprise Agreement ********* and negotiated based on skills and experience.
The IGIS is able to offer attractive arrangements for the right candidate and has generous allowances for health and wellbeing, in recognising our unique operating environment.
Key responsibilities of a Senior Lawyer include:
Providing high‐quality legal advice on matters relating to the functions of the IGIS, including oversight activities, complaints and public interest disclosures
Providing legal advice involving statutory interpretation and administrative law
Providing legal advice on employment‐related matters, procurement and contract matters, and on issues relating to privacy, confidentiality,



work health and safety and other ad hoc legal issues
Preparing decision briefs and advice in relation to requests for the Inspector‐General to give evidence under the Freedom of Information Act **** (Cth) or the Archives Act **** (Cth)
Preparing and delivering internal legal training for the Legal team and the Office, and working with external providers to supplement internal legal training
Working with policy departments on the development and review of legislation relevant to the functions of the IGIS and the oversight of intelligence and security matters
Leading or contributing to the analysis of new or amended legislative proposals
Assisting with legislative reform initiatives and legal policy projects
Ensuring that policy and legislative proposals are compatible with the IGIS's statutory oversight role
Providing advice, drafting submissions and supporting the Inspector‐General's appearance before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security and other parliamentary committees
Assisting with submissions to reviews and inquiries, including those conducted by parliamentary bodies
Building and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders, including policy agencies and other oversight bodies
Guiding, mentoring and developing junior team members
Contributing to the effective functioning of the Legal and Assurance Branch and the Office more broadly
Undertaking other duties as required, including acting in the role of Director, Legal.
To be successful in this role you will have:
experience providing legal advice, particularly in relation to statutory interpretation and/pr administrative law
experience in legal policy, legislative review or legislative reform processes
the ability to exercise sound judgement and work effectively in a small team
the ability to work effectively in a highly sensitive environment and manage complex issues
strong written and verbal communication skills
an aptitude for building and maintaining effective working relationships with senior executives and other stakeholders
experience guiding, mentoring or supporting junior staff
a desire to work in a productive, values-driven organisation and to achieve results
a positive attitude, energy and commitment to the objectives of the IGIS
a collaborative and respectful approach to all aspects of your work
Essential Skills
a degree in law from an Australian university, or a comparable overseas qualification recognised in Australia
as a legal practitioner to an Australian State or Territory Supreme Court or the High Court of Australia
a practising certificate, or eligibility to obtain a practising certificate in the ACT
minimum of five years Post Admission Experience, or substantial contemporary and relevant knowledge and experience in relevant areas of law, including knowledge of the Commonwealth legal environment.
Desirable Skills
experience with legislation reform
familiarity with parliamentary, Cabinet or whole‐of‐government policy processes
a developed understanding of national security and intelligence legislative frameworks
Eligibility
Security,



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.
Notes
How to Apply
Applicants 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 Executive Level 1.
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 **** (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.

📌 Senior Lawyer (Canberra)
🏢 Office of the Inspector-General
📍 Canberra