The Organisation
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) protects Australia and Australians from threats to their security. ASIO's people are ordinary Australians but they do extraordinary things – they are our most important asset. To be successful, we need talented people who are highly capable, dedicated, adaptable and resilient.
We seek to reflect 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.
At a time when Australia's security environment is dynamic, diverse and degrading, our work is more important than ever. Join the mission and make a difference every day.
The opportunity
Are you an experienced assurance and risk practitioner looking to apply your talent and skills in a unique way? If you are driven by a desire to apply your skills to our mission and make a difference to the security of Australia, we invite you to consider a career with ASIO.
ASIO looks for candidates who are curious, resilient and enjoy problem solving. Internal Audit and Risk is a key component of ASIO's governance and oversight framework, providing independent and objective assessment that provides assurance to the Director-General of Security that ASIO's financial and operational controls are operating in an efficient and ethical manner.
In this role you will promote accountability, transparency and sound governance using a systematic and disciplined approach to conducting audits and assurance activities in line with internal policies and professional standards.
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.
Responsibilities
As Director of Internal Audit and Risk, you will lead the Internal Audit and Risk Directorate and be responsible for:
- Providing independent assurance and advice on risk management, governance and internal controls.
- Developing and delivering the Annual Assurance Work Program, including monitoring budget and expenditure, tracking recommendations and outcomes of both internal and external audits, and providing quality assurance in draft and final audit reports.
- Identifying and implementing changes in standards and policies.
- Identifying implementation risks and coordinating reporting to internal and external committees in line with reporting requirements.
- Procuring audit services and coordinating the delivery of internal audit services.
- Providing secretariat services to the Fraud Management Group and the Audit and Risk Committee.
- Managing and reviewing ASIO's Risk Management Framework and ASIO Fraud and Corruption Control Framework.
- Overseeing investigations of alleged fraud.
- Building productive working relationships with internal stakeholders at all levels.
- Coordinating engagement between ASIO, the Australian National Audit Office and other external stakeholders.
What you will bring
We are seeking candidates with the following capabilities:
- Proven experience in a similar role is essential, with a minimum of 5 years professional experience ideally including 5 years in audit, assurance or risk management specific experience.
- Strong representational and negotiation skills will be critical to your success in this role, given the need to manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
- Sound understanding of the government environment and the associated risks within which ASIO operates.
- Demonstrated experience in the provision of technical advice on audit, risk management, fraud and corruption control, compliance and performance issues.
- Ability to work independently, discreetly and flexibly to management-initiated reviews.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Public Governance Performance and Accountability Act 2013, and the ability to communicate these requirements to all staff.
- The highest ethical standards, strong analytical and communication skills.
- Excellent judgment and the ability to make sound decisions.
- Professional membership with the Institute of Internal Auditors Australia or equivalent is highly desirable.
Refer to ASIO's Core Capability Framework to understand what is expected at each level for each capability.
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, including stand down between Christmas and New Year.
- Flexible working arrangements. 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 to work at ASIO, you must be:
- an Australian citizen
- assessed as suitable to hold and maintain a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access (TS-PA) security clearance.
Reasonable adjustments
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. This may include reasonable adjustments to assessment methodologies to enable full participation.
How to apply
ASIO officers' identities are protected by law. Under section 92 of the ASIO Act, the only declared ASIO officers are the Director-General and Deputy Directors-General. Due to the need to protect our people's identities, 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.
Apply online' to commence your application. Your application must be complete and include the following:
- A written pitch of up to 500 words that addresses the required capabilities for the role. Use examples to demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the capabilities.
- 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 have undertaken.
- Details of 2 referees, which must include a current or former supervisor. ASIO will not contact your referees without advising you prior to doing so.
Before applying read the ASIO People Capability Framework and Core Capability Guide, both available on the ASIO website. To increase your chances of success, tailor your application responses to align with the relevant capabilities and levels outlined in these frameworks.
Use of AI in recruitment processes
ASIO does not use any form of artificial intelligence at any point in the recruitment process.
All applications are reviewed by a selection panel. We recognise some applicants may use AI technologies to draft applications or prepare for interviews. If you wish to use AI, we recommend doing this only for initial drafts and ensure that your application is personalised and accurately reflects your skills, experience and qualifications.
Additionally, be aware of the privacy policies of any AI tool you use. Be mindful of the information you are entering into AI tools (personal details, work history, etc) and how using it may link you to potential ASIO employment, noting that you are expected to be discrete and maintain confidentiality with your application.
If you are invited to attend interview, the use of AI tools and recording devices during interview is strictly prohibited. Should AI tools or recording services be detected, your application, and any future applications may be discontinued.
The recruitment selection process
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 may include application assessment, eligibility checks, online testing, skills-based assessment and interview.
We ask all applicants for their patience throughout the 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
ASIO has achieved the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold Standard in 2024 and 2025, recognising ASIO's inclusion work and positive culture. ASIO was the first Australian intelligence agency to achieve this status.
For more information about ASIO, please visit: www.asio.gov.au.
