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 with oversight of 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. The work of the Inspector-General and his staff provides 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. It is an exciting time for our office, as we undergo a period of change and growth. As a result of an expected expansion in our jurisdiction and new powers granted to intelligence agencies in recent years, the office is expected to grow to strengthen our capabilities. 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 Assistant Director, Legal Advising is a diverse role that includes providing legal advice, conducting legal education and training, and preparing submissions for parliamentary committees. The Assistant Director Legal will be expected to provide clear and practical legal advice to senior management and internal stakeholders on a range of different legal matters. Key responsibilities of Assistant Director, Legal Advising include: provide high quality legal advice on: The functions of the IGIS, including in relation to oversight, complaints and public interest disclosuresIssues relating to procurement processes, including contract formation and tendering procedures Office policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and obligations Employment related matters Ad hoc issues including relating to privacy, confidentiality and work, health and safety prepare and conduct internal and external legal training and development for both the Legal team and the office 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) or Archives Act 1983 (Cth) where required, work effectively with policy departments on the development of legislation relevant to the functioning of the IGIS and oversight of intelligence and security matters build effective and solutions driven relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including policy agencies and other oversight bodies provide advice, draft submissions and support the appearance of the Inspector-General before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security and other parliamentary committees contribute to the effective functioning of the Agency Oversight, Enterprise Management, and Legal and Assurance Branches, and the IGIS more broadly undertake other duties relating to the work of the section, which may include acting in the role of Director, Legal, as required. 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 a demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, show initiative and work effectively in a small team a demonstrated ability to guide, mentor and develop junior team members 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 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 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. Essential requirements 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 five years Post Admission Experience. Desirable skills experience drafting high quality legal advice, especially in the context of statutory interpretation and/or administrative law relevant experience in legal policy and legislation review a developed understanding of national security and intelligence legislative frameworks.
