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 Bring your language skills to a job that makes a difference every day. As a linguist at ASIO you will be part of operational work that protects Australia and Australians from threats to their security. Working under ASIO's legislated special powers, you will use your language skills to contribute to assessments about the intelligence value of information. Your day-to-day could include reviewing warranted intercept material in the office, supporting operational activity on the ground, or attending interviews with intelligence officers as an interpreter. Using sound judgement and strong assessment skills, you will identify valuable information and communicate it effectively. You will develop unique perspectives which will inform decision-making. Your work will be a mix of autonomous and team efforts, working closely with others across ASIO. You will have access to new technologies to support your work. We are seeking applicants with intermediate to advanced language proficiency. You will be supported with individualised learning and development opportunities depending on your skill levels and language proficiency. This could include uplifting your language skill level, language capability maintenance, or cross-training in another language. We are seeking applications from candidates with proficiency in the following languages: • Arabic • Chinese (Mandarin) • Farsi/Dari • Hindi • Russian • Urdu. Please note foreign language skills will be subject to initial and subsequent periodic testing. Positions are available on a part-time or full-time basis. The key duties of the position include Role responsibilities As an AE4/5 Linguist, your role will include: • accessing information from a variety of foreign language resources • identifying information of potential security relevance and referring it to more senior staff for further action • continual development of your foundational assessment and language skills • collaboration with team members. As an AE6 linguist, your role will include: • providing linguistic and interpreting support to ASIO's investigative, operational and liaison functions • actively contribute to developing the Organisation's language capability, using expert language and intermediate analytical skills • highly effective collaboration with key stakeholders • supporting and developing other team members. What you will bring We are seeking applicants who have the following attributes: • curiosity • adaptability • resilience • problem solving • an ongoing commitment to learning • an interest in new technology and how it can be integrated into ways of working • personal qualities that exemplify ASIO's values and expected behaviours. We are seeking applicants who can demonstrate the following capabilities: AE4: • intermediate foreign language proficiency • sound analytical and critical thinking skills • sound written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to prepare written reports • the ability to work with a range of technologies • interpersonal skills and willingness to work both independently and in a team environment as needed. AE5: • advanced or intermediate foreign language proficiency • ability to retrieve and critically analyse information and use this information to prepare reports and papers • strong written and verbal communication skills in English • the ability to work with a range of technologies • strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work both independently and in a team environment as needed. AE6: • advanced foreign language proficiency • the ability to make sound and defendable assessments on information • interpreting experience • highly effective collaboration with stakeholders • experience in developing and leading teams and prioritising work. Qualifications While formal qualifications are valued, it is not a requirement, however applicants must be able to demonstrate their language proficiency at one of the following levels: • intermediate skills (either heritage, native or learned) and a commitment to further develop advanced level proficiency. • advanced skills (either heritage, native or learned) in one or more of the languages listed in the opportunity section above. Successful candidates will be offered a role at a classification commensurate with their level of foreign language proficiency and demonstrated skills and attributes. To learn more about the capabilities and attributes we seek at the AE4, AE5 and AE6 levels, please refer to the ASIO People Capability Framework and Core Capability Guide available on our website.
