Assistant Director-general

**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.

**The Opportunity**

Are you interested in providing expert legal advice on cutting edge issues? Do you want to have a key role in building ASIO's in-house legal capability? Do you want to play a critical role in navigating emerging aspects of National Security law?

ASIO is seeking an outstanding legal leader to join our Legal Services Division. As an Assistant Director-General in Legal Services, you will lead a team providing complex legal advice and other services. You will work with the General Counsel to contribute to the strategic leadership of the division, manage a busy legal practice and work collaboratively with other colleagues to provide coordinated legal services to ASIO.

This is a newly created role which will focus on the provision of legal services relating to Part IV and IVA of the _ASIO Act 1979_, legal services relating to ASIO's enabling services functions including advice on administrative, commercial and employment matters, and legal advice relating to legislative reform.

Reporting to the General Counsel, the successful applicant will:

- Lead the provision of clear, accurate and timely written and oral advice on complex legal matters in accordance with legal professional obligations.
- Provide professional supervision, management and leadership of a team of lawyers and other professionals providing practical, timely and client focused legal advice and services to clients across ASIO.
- Represent Legal Services at various forums and collaborate across ASIO and externally on legal and other issues.
- Be responsible for the leadership of a Branch, modelling high quality leadership and management practices to support a positive workplace culture.
- Exercise good judgment to balance competing demands for resources and provide a high-quality internal legal service in accordance with the Legal Services Directions 2017.
- Collaborate across ASIO, and with colleagues across the National Intelligence Community and broader government, on critical legal and other issues.
- Actively participate in the strategic leadership of the Division, particularly in the fostering and management of change and renewal.

**What you will bring**
- Demonstrated expertise and experience in statutory interpretation and administrative law, and in providing legal advice on complex issues in a government context.
- A proven track record in leading busy, high performing legal teams and commitment to work as part of a dedicated leadership team.
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to identify and clearly explain legal issues and risk in a clear and concise matter.
- A strong commitment to client service, with a focus on valuing different contributions, perspectives and backgrounds.
- The ability to manage a number of important issues simultaneously and to meet tight deadlines.
- A focus on supporting ASIO's strategic objectives.

**Eligibility**

To be eligible for the role, you must:

- Be an Australian citizen.
- Be assessed as suitable to hold and maintain a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance.
- Hold a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor from an Australian university (or comparable overseas qualification) and possess, or be eligible to possess, a current unrestricted practising certificate in your State or Territory of residence.
- Have at least 10 years post qualification experience, preferably in administrative/government law.

**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.

**Location**

**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 to ensure your work-life balance.
- Flexible working arrangements to assist you to maintain your work-life balance. Please note, due to our unique working environment, work from home options are generally not available.
- Study assistance, including financial support and study leave for tertiary education.
- Access to 7 staff-led diversity and inclusion networks.
- Tailored mentoring opportunities.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

**How to apply**
- A succinct (up to 1,