Director, Legal

From 1 April 2025 the Public Service Regulations introduce a new approach to review of promotion decisions. To find out more go to mpc.gov.au

Canberra based – hybrid working arrangements can be negotiated

Opportunity Type

Full-Time

Opportunity Status

Ongoing

Date Closed

18/05/2025

Job Category

Communication,

Legal

Learn how a merit list or pool may be usedLearn how a merit list or pool may be used
Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy, may be placed in a merit list or pool. If the applicant agrees, the results may be shared with other Australian Public Service (APS) agencies for filling similar roles. Applicants may be offered a future role, without the need to reapply. A merit list or pool may be used for up to 18 months.

This merit list or pool may be used to fill other vacancies in Canberra

For more information about Merit Lists or Merit Pools please go to APSC's website - The APS Merit Principle

Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security

Canberra ACT

Who are we?
The Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) is central to the independent oversight of the Australian intelligence and security agencies. The Inspector General is an independent statutory office holder who reviews the activities of Australia's intelligence and security agencies to ensure they act legally and with propriety, comply with ministerial guidelines and directives, and respect human rights. All IGIS staff members assist the Inspector-General to provide assurance to ministers, the parliament and the public that these agencies are using their powers as intended.

We are a small portfolio agency, proud of our contribution to the national interest. We recognise that our people are our greatest asset – we recruit and retain highly capable, motivated professionals with high levels of integrity and personal drive; and we invest in, and value, their development. Further, we offer a rewarding, positive, and inclusive environment, empowering staff to work flexibly in their contribution to the achievement of agency goals.

What we offer
At IGIS, we offer an attractive package which includes a combination of competitive remuneration, rewarding job opportunities and a high performing team environment, including:

• generous employee benefits with competitive salary and the potential for other allowances and benefits
• flexible working arrangements including family friendly, caring and work-life balance provisions
• professional development opportunities including further study, training and professional memberships
• a team of intelligent, experienced and engaged leaders committed to achieving outcomes
• the opportunity to liaise across a range of agencies including security and intelligence agencies
• a supportive, balanced culture that fosters inclusion, personal growth and the balance between professional and personal endeavours.

The key duties of the position include:

The opportunity
The Legal team within the Legal and Assurance Branch of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) is a dedicated team of legal officers and legal policy officers responsible for the provision and facilitation of legal advice, services, training and support in fulfilment of the IGIS' functions.

The Director, Legal, is an experienced legal officer who plays a critical role in managing the IGIS' legal practice to meet organisation and strategic objectives. As a senior leader, the Director Legal provides strategic advice and direction, translates strategy into operational goals and engages peers and team members to deliver service excellence and continuous improvement. Director Legal is responsible for supervising two work streams within the Legal team: Legal Advising and Legislation & Legal Policy.

Key responsibilities of Director, Legal

• provide high quality legal advice on:
  • the functions of the IGIS, including in relation to oversight, complaints and public interest disclosures
  • issues relating to procurement processes, including contract formation and tendering procedures
  • office policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and statutory obligations
  • employment related matters
  • ad hoc issues including relating to privacy and confidentiality
• work alongside complaints and oversight officers to provide advice on matters relating to current inspections, investigations and inquiries on foot, which may include:
  • assisting in the initial assessment of complex complaints or public interest disclosures, and advising on whether oversight activities are best conducted under the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 or the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013.
  • planning for and participating in the interviewing of both members of the public and staff of intelligence agencies, which in some cases may occur using compulsive powers
  • evaluating evidence and providing input into findings and recommendations made with respect of intelligence agency activities
• lead, manage and mentor staff
• contribute to legislative development and reform relevant to the functioning of the IGIS and oversight of intelligence and security matters
• prepare and conduct internal and external legal training and development for both the Legal team and the office
• build effective and solutions driven relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, including legal policy agencies
• prepare decision briefs relating to requests from the Freedom of Information Commissioner for the Inspector-General to give evidence under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth)
• draft submissions and prepare briefing packs to support the appearance of the Inspector-General before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, Independent National Security Legislation Monitor and other parliamentary committees
• provide leadership and contribute to the effective functioning of the Agency Oversight, Enterprise Management, and Legal and Assurance Branches, and the IGIS more broadly.
• the ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Positive Vetting clearance
• a degree in law from an Australian university, or a comparable overseas degree which is recognised in Australia for admission to practice
• a practicing certificate, or eligibility to hold a practicing certificate, in the ACT.
• admission on the roll of an Australian State or Territory Supreme Court, or of the High Court of Australia
• a minimum of six years Post Admission Experience
• a highly developed understanding of national security and intelligence legislative frameworks
• strong understanding of the legislative process, including Cabinet and Parliamentary processes.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• experience in providing legal advice, especially in the context of statutory interpretation and/or administrative law
• experience in legislation reform and review, including considering new policy proposals and/or experience providing legal advice in a regulatory or investigative environment in support of investigations or other compliance activity
• a demonstrated ability to guide, mentor and develop team members
• high-level management skills, to manage a complex work load and lead a small team with two different work streams
• a desire to work in a productive, values-driven organisation and to achieve results
• a positive attitude, energy and commitment to the objectives of the IGIS
• the ability to conduct thorough legal research and have excellent familiarity with legal research tools and resources
• a collaborative and respectful approach to all aspects of your work
• the ability to conduct your work in an organised and flexible manner
• a demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, show initiative and work effectively in a small team
• a demonstrated ability to work in a highly sensitive workplace and to resolve complex problems
• an aptitude for relationship building, and the ability to influence and build relationships with senior executives and a network of stakeholders
• strong interpersonal skills, including excellent written and verbal communication

Security, suitability and integrity requirements

Positions at IGIS are positions of trust. Appointment to our Office depends on the outcome of an employment suitability assessment. Appointment and ongoing employment at the Office are subject to a Positive Vetting clearance being granted and maintained. Security vetting may take many months to complete and requires candidates to provide significant personal information to the vetting authority. In addition, all IGIS staff are required to make annual conflict of interest declarations to ensure the independence and integrity of the Office.

Am I eligible to apply?

• You must be an Australian citizen and you must have a checkable background
  • Note: we must be able to practically verify, from independent and reliable sources, [cumulative] periods of 12-months or more spent outside Australia.
• You must be willing to undergo a comprehensive security clearance suitability assessment
  • Note: 'willing to undergo' means fully cooperating in the assessment process, including the timely provision of information and documentary evidence.

How to apply
Applicants are required to apply using the webform on the IGIS website (https://www.igis.gov.au/careers/current-opportunities ) by Sunday 18 May 2025 at 11:30pm AEST. No extensions will be granted and late applications will not be accepted.

All applications must be provided at the OFFICIAL level. Classified applications will not be accepted.

As part of your application you will need to provide:

• your resume;
• the contact details of two referees; and
• a statement of no more than 750 words explaining how your education, skills, knowledge and experience make you suitable for the position.

When framing your response, you should also refer to the Integrated Leadership System (ILS) and the capabilities required to be successful at the Executive Level 2. Information about the ILS is available on the Australian Public Service Commission website at: (https://www.apsc.gov.au/working-aps/aps-employees-and-managers/classifications/integrated-leadership-system-ils ).Getting to know the Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security

The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security is an independent statutory office holder who reviews the activities of six intelligence agencies within IGIS jurisdiction:
• Australian Security Intelligence Organisation - ASIO
• Australian Secret Intelligence Service - ASIS
• Australian Signals Directorate - ASD
• Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation – AGO
• Defence Intelligence Organisation - DIO
• Office of National Intelligence - ONIThe purpose of this review is to ensure that these agencies act legally and with propriety, comply with ministerial guidelines and directives and respect human rights.The functions of the Inspector-General are prescribed under sections 8, 9 and 9A of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 (Comlaw).The Inspector-General can undertake a formal inquiry into the activities of an agency in response to a complaint or a reference from a minister. The Inspector-General can also act independently to initiate inquiries and conducts regular inspections and monitoring of agency activities.In conducting an inquiry, the Inspector-General has significant powers which include requiring the attendance of witnesses, taking sworn evidence, copying and retention of documents and entry into the premises of an agency within jurisdiction.The Inspector-General can also conduct preliminary inquiries into matters in order to decide whether to initiate a full inquiry.

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