Public Release Officers (Rolling Intake)

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

We are seeking applications from interested individuals committed to releasing historical Commonwealth records to the public. As an AE6 Public Release Officer, you will research, analyse and assess historical ASIO records for public release, ensuring that any contemporary national security sensitivities remain protected.

As the AEE1 Assistant Director, you will lead and manage the Directorate to ensure that the agency’s obligations and responsibilities under the Archives Act are met.

A merit pool may be created to fill future vacancies which has the same or similar requirements as this position. This merit pool will be valid for up to 18 months.

Role responsibilities 

As an AE6 Public Release Officer in ASIO, you will:

• Interpret and apply relevant legislation and internal guidelines for the accurate and timely assessment of ASIO’s archival records for public release through the National Archives of Australia, while balancing the interests of national security and ensuring the protection of the Organisation’s capabilities, sources and officials. 
• Engage within ASIO and other Commonwealth bodies regarding archival records releases.
• Conduct research and analysis into ASIO’s historical record collection.
• As an AEE1 Public Release Officer in ASIO, you will:
• Manage the workload of the Public Research Directorate to ensure the Organisation's obligations & responsibilities under the Archives Act are met.
• Act as an Adjudicator for staff in the interpretation and application of relevant legislation for the accurate and timely assessment of ASIO’s archival records for public release. 
• Interpret and apply relevant legislation for the accurate and timely assessment of ASIO’s archival records for public release through the National Archives of Australia, while balancing the interests of national security and ensuring the protection of the Organisation’s capabilities, sources and officials. 
• Undertake strategic relationships and engagements within ASIO and other Commonwealth bodies in the assessment of Commonwealth records for public release.  Conduct research and analysis into ASIO’s historical record collection.
• Provide briefings and draft advice to the Executive and the Minister’s Office.

What you will bring

At the AE6 level, we invite applications from people with the following attributes:

• The ability to interpret and apply legislation, agency-specific policies and guidelines. 
• Strong analytical skills, lateral thinking and superior attention to detail.
• The ability to maintain focus and concentration, and to make and justify decisions in a clear and rational manner.
• Sound written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated persistence with difficult tasks and the ability to work to limited direction.
• Experience with record release assessments under the Archives Act or the Freedom of Information Act is desirable but not essential as training will be provided.

At the AEE1 level, we invite applications from people with the following attributes:

• Experience with record releases under either the Archives Act or the Freedom of Information Act.
• Team Leadership and teamwork experience, including the development of skillsets to complement workplace pressures and workloads.
• The ability to successfully lead and manage a team with limited resources.
• The ability to identify and mitigate business risks, as well as an ability to remain flexible and adaptative to changing priorities and urgencies. 
• The ability to interpret and apply legislation, agency-specific policies and guidelines, and to justify decisions in a clear and rational manner.
• The ability to develop and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and clients.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

What we offer you 

ASIO provides a number of benefits to its staff including:

• A competitive salary, including a 7.5 per cent allowance for maintaining a Positive Vetting security clearance.
• Employer superannuation contributions of 15.4 per cent.
• 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.
• 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 Positive Vetting 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.

Location

Canberra. Relocation assistance is provided to successful candidates when relocating. 

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 800 words using examples to demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the requirements.
• A current CV, no more than 2 pages in length, outlining your employment history, the dates and a brief description of your role.
• 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 21 October 2024 5.00pm 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 Public Release Officer roles. 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.
 

Enquiries

If you require further information after reading the selection documentation, please contact ASIO Recruitment at careers@asio.gov.au or phone 02 6257 4916.

More information

For more information about ASIO, please visit: www.asio.gov.au.