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
The Executive Officer will provide critical administrative support to senior executives. You will work closely with senior executives and staff across the Organisation, reaching out to all levels and areas within ASIO, government, business and industry partners to keep senior leaders focused on protecting Australia's national security.
ASIO looks for candidates who are curious, resilient and enjoy problem solving. To be successful in this role, you will be adaptable, forward thinking and a highly effective multitasker, acting as a central point of contact where divisional and executive input is required.
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 an Executive Officer in ASIO, you will have the unique opportunity to be a key member of the executive team, working directly to senior executive and providing critical support to assist them with their responsibilities as division heads.
This will include, but is not limited to:
- Lead the development and coordination of senior‑level briefings and advice, supporting senior executives to engage effectively across ASIO and with external partners.
- Under broad direction, prepare agendas and meeting material, record meeting minutes, outcomes and decisions for internal and external meetings as well as committees and forums.
- Coordinate, delegate and ensure that administrative support is completed in a timely manner for the senior executive.
- Provide comprehensive planning and executive support, preparing reports and coordinating executive attendance to meetings.
- Act as the primary liaison for internal senior leaders and key external stakeholders, also managing expectations and the flow of information.
- Assist junior executive assistants and team members in fostering collaborative stakeholder relationships and building a supportive culture throughout the executive network.
- Safeguard sensitive information in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Undertake other administrative tasks and ad hoc activities for the executive as required.
What you will bring
We are seeking candidates with the following capabilities:
- Highly organised, motivated, responsive and resilient, with sound administrative skills.
- Have a sound knowledge of ASIO's role and functions, and a broader awareness of its place in the national security community.
- Have a depth and breadth of experience across the Organisation, including a strong understanding of ASIO's intelligence and enterprise priorities.
- Have a demonstrated capability to anticipate requirements and deliver high-quality outcomes in a challenging, changing and fast-paced environment.
- Ability to represent ASIO by engaging with a wide range of individuals and groups.
- Ability to make sound independent judgements and exercise discretion.
- Be willing to travel as required.
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 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.
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 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.
Work Location: In person
