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
ASIO is looking for team members at the AE5 (APS5) level to fill multiple positions in our 24/7 Intelligence Response Centre (IRC) where you will help support ASIO's mission to protect Australia and Australians from threats to their security.
To be successful in this mission, we need people who are highly capable, dedicated, adaptable and resilient. The IRC is responsible for monitoring, alerting and reporting on rapidly unfolding domestic and international security-related incidents during ASIO's out-of-hours operations. As an IRC officer you will strive to achieve best practice in assessing and responding to national security incidents and threats in support of ASIO's mission.
The role requires officers to undertake 12-hour shifts covering a mix of day, night, weekend and public holidays. Shift rosters are 4 shifts on and 4 days off, or 5 shifts on and 5 days off. Shift work positions attract a penalty rate of 38.95 per cent, with regular rosters available to enable officers to manage their work/life balance.
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 an AE5 IRC officer, your role will include but may not be limited to:
- Supporting ASIO's operational activity outside business hours.
- Triaging and assessing time sensitive lead information from multiple sources.
- Responding to time critical threats and security incidents as they arise.
- Communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
- Delivering high quality intelligence outcomes to internal and external clients.
- Building professional relationships with external partners, including Department of Home Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, - Australian Federal Police and other government agencies.
- Managing a number of other investigative and analytical duties.
What you will bring
We invite applications from people with the following attributes:
- The ability to manage competing priorities and progress assigned work both individually and as part of a team.
- Commitment to achieving high quality outcomes in a dynamic high-volume and high tempo environment.
- The ability to work as part of a collaborative team.
- Good judgement and strong interpersonal skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- The ability to learn and build proficiency across different IT systems and software platforms.
- Analytical, research and liaison skills are desirable, however training will be provided.
You are not required to address each capability separately in your application. Consider providing examples that illustrate multiple capabilities at once.
Refer to ASIO's Core Capability Framework to understand what is expected at the AE5 level.
What we offer you
ASIO provides a number of benefits to its staff including:
- A competitive salary, including a Weighted Average Shift Penalty of 38.95 per cent.
- A 7.5 per cent service allowance for maintaining a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance.
- Employer superannuation contributions of 15.4 per cent.
- A variety of leave options, including 5 weeks annual leave for shift workers.
- Access to7 staff-led diversity and inclusion networks.
- Study assistance, including financial support and study leave for tertiary education.
- 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 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.
Location
These positions are located in Canberra and applicants must be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is provided to successful candidates where ASIO requires you to relocate.
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. 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 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.
- Details of 2 referees, which must include a current or previous 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 artificial intelligence in recruitment processes
ASIO does not use any form of artificial intelligence (AI) 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, 2025 and 2026, 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.
