Legal Officer, Legislation & Legal Policy

Job Description

Canberra based - hybrid working arrangements can be negotiated. Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Legal Officer, Legislation & Legal Policy Canberra ACT Who are we: The Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (OIGIS) 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 OIGIS, 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 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 IGIS Legal and Assurance Branch plays a critical role in ensuring that the Office can meet the objects of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986. As key advisers to a small agency, the work is diverse, challenging and highly rewarding. Staff in the Branch are expected to operate with high levels of autonomy, and have opportunities to work collaboratively to build expertise across a range of areas. The Legal team within the Legal and Assurance Branch of the 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’s functions. Key responsibilities of a Legal Officer, Legislation & Legal Policy include: work effectively with policy departments on the development of legislation relevant to the functioning of the IGIS and the oversight of intelligence and security matters build effective and solutions driven relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, including policy agencies and other oversight bodies lead, or assist with, the coordination of the review and analysis of new or amended legislative proposals in collaboration with key stakeholders, while ensuring the overarching priorities relating to the oversight of the national intelligence community is met ensure all policy recommendations and legislative reforms are compatible with the IGIS’ oversight functions assist with the preparation or coordination of internal and external legal training and development for both the Legal team and the office assist in the drafting of briefing materials to support the appearance of the Inspector-General before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security and other parliamentary committees assist in the drafting of submissions to relevant inquiries, including the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security and the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor where required, assist in the drafting of practical and technically sound legal advice on matters related to the functions of the IGIS undertake other duties relating to the work of the section, and to support the effective functioning of the Office more broadly. Desirable skills APS 5relevant experience or transferable skills in the provision of policy development or legislation reform experience or exposure in developing relationships with internal and external stakeholders a familiarity with national security and intelligence legislative frameworks understanding of legislative and Cabinet processes. APS 6familiarity with the legislative cycle, including experience with new policy proposals and/or Parliamentary and Cabinet processes an aptitude for relationship building, and the ability to influence and build relationships with a network of stakeholders, both internal and external an understanding of national security and intelligence legislative frameworks the ability to guide, mentor and develop junior team members. Essential requirements 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 the IGIS would support suitable candidates through a Practical Legal Training program, however, a practicing certificate is not a mandatory qualification. To be successful in this role you will have: an ability to conduct thorough legal research and have excellent familiarity with legal research tools and resources a demonstrated ability to interpret legislation, including by understanding and applying principles of statutory interpretation a desire to work in a productive, values-driven organisation and to achieve high-quality results a positive attitude, energy and commitment to IGIS’s purpose and achievement of its objectives a collaborative and respectful approach to all aspects of your work the ability to conduct your work in an organised and flexible manner within a small team a commitment to support an inclusive and diverse workplace relevant legal policy and legislation drafting skills (for APS level 6) strong interpersonal skills, including excellent written and verbal communication the ability to work in a highly sensitive workplace and to resolve complex problems. Security, suitability and integrity requirements Positions at IGIS are positions of trust. Appointment to our Office depends on the outcome of an organisational 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 ( ) by Wednesday 12 February 2025 at 11:30pm AEDT. 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 APS Level for which you are applying. Information about the ILS is available on the Australian Public Service Commission website at: ( ). RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: 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 - ONI The 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr