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 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 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? This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for talented and committed senior lawyers to take on a unique leadership role within ASIO's Legal Services Division. Our Legal Services Division is a fast-paced practice with a supportive and collegiate culture. Led by the General Counsel, ASIO's Legal Services Division is a professional in-house legal practice. It provides expertise across a full range of legal services to support ASIO's operational and corporate functions, and to manage its representation in courts and tribunals. The Division works with international and domestic partners including law enforcement, intelligence agencies and other Commonwealth and State departments and agencies. We have two opportunities for outstanding legal practitioners to join ASIO's Legal Services Division. We are looking for highly skilled and dedicated lawyers who are strong leaders, excellent problem solvers, collaborative colleagues and subject-matter experts in particular fields. As an Executive Director in the Legal Services Division, you will be part of the Division's senior leadership team. You will work closely with colleagues across ASIO and external partners and stakeholders, to inspire teams to deliver high quality legal services and champion the Organisation's values. You will provide leadership, coordination and oversight on complex areas of law in accordance with the Legal Services Directions 2017 and the Statement of Expectations of Government Lawyers. We have two roles available in the operations law advisory practice and in the litigation and dispute resolution practice. 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. The key duties of the position include Role responsibilities As an Executive Director in the Legal Services Division in ASIO, you will: • Coordinate the provision of clear and accurate legal advice on ASIO operational matters in accordance with legal professional obligations. • Triage incoming requests at the branch-level for advice and allocation, in consultation with the Legal Executive. • Coordinate the provision of legal advice in respect of legislative amendments impacting on ASIO activities to advance ASIO's interests and ensure ASIO's legislative framework is fit for purpose. • Assist with the mentoring and development of lawyers within the Branch. • Represent the Legal Services Division at various forums and collaborate across ASIO and externally on oversight matters. • Coordinate and manage information retention and sharing within the Branch. • Provide advice on trending legal issues across the Branch to Legal Executive. What you will bring We invite applications from people with the following attributes: • Extensive experience in providing legal advice on complex issues in a government context, with a focus in administrative, criminal, public law or other relevant field. • Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to identify and clearly explain legal issues and risk in a clear and concise manner. • Demonstrated ability to explain complex legal issues to a wide range of audiences. • A strong commitment to client service, with a focus on valuing different contributions, perspectives, and backgrounds. • Demonstrated experience in leading complex issues across entities, responding flexibly to changing circumstances and adapting plans to achieve results. • A dedication to mentoring early-career lawyers and fostering learning and development more broadly. 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 TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance. • Employer superannuation contributions of 15.4 per cent • 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. • Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
