Description:
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 Are you seeking a career within an intelligence agency where you can contribute and make a difference to security of Australia? An exciting opportunity exists for suitably qualified senior lawyers to fill Assistant Director roles. We are looking for experienced and passionate individuals across various legal disciplines. There are a number of positions available, and we provide access to ongoing training and professional development and offer various experiences across the practice. We also offer flexible working arrangements to assist you to maintain your work-life balance.ASIO's Legal Services Division is a professional in-house legal practice providing expert legal advice to support ASIO's operational and corporate functions, and to manage ASIO's representation in courts and tribunals. The Division works with international and domestic partners including law enforcement, intelligence agencies and other Commonwealth and State departments. Role responsibilities We are looking for senior lawyers with excellent technical skills across one or more of these key areas:- Statutory interpretation. - Administrative law.- Criminal law and law enforcement.- Litigation.- Commercial and employment law.Reporting to a Director in the Legal Services Division, you will collaborate closely with business areas and focus on quality client service. You will work as part of a team, across various geographic locations, to support ASIO's mission and priorities, and will engage directly with senior officers. What you will bring We invite applications from people with the following attributes:- Experience in providing excellent legal services, ideally in an operational environment.- Familiarity with, or the ability to quickly become familiar with, national security legislation.- A client focus providing practical approaches to complex legal and policy issues in an uncertain environment.- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and consult stakeholder proactively.- Innovative thinking with strong strategic awareness, including engaging with risk.- Strong oral and written communication skills. - At least 5 years post admission experience in legal practice, or comparable experience (where applicable) if less than 5 years legal experience. Qualifications Applicants must have a recognised law degree from an Australian tertiary institution or a comparable overseas qualification recognised in Australia. Applicants must be admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in a State or Territory of Australia. 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.- Flexible working hours/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). - Employer superannuation contributions of 15.4 per cent.- A variety of leave options, including 4 weeks annual leave.- Seven staff-led diversity and inclusion networks.- Study assistance, including financial support and study leave for tertiary education.- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their families. 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 Positions are available in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.Relocation assistance is provided to successful candidates where ASIO requires you to relocate.