Team Member - Linguists (Rolling Intake)

Classifications and Salary Range

AE4 (APS4 equivalent) - $85,270 to $91,486 (including service allowance) plus 15.4 per cent superannuation.
AE5 (APS5 equivalent) - $93,565 to $100,430 (including service allowance) plus 15.4 per cent superannuation.
AE6 (APS6 equivalent) - 103,415 to $116,518 (including service allowance) plus 15.4 per cent superannuation.

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 diversity of 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. Find out more about diversity and inclusion at ASIO.

The Opportunity

Do you have an advanced level of proficiency in one of the below languages? Or do you have intermediate skills and are looking to further develop advanced-level proficiency?

We are seeking people with current advanced proficiency - or those with a demonstrated record of intermediate skills who are willing to develop to an advanced level of proficiency - to be employed as a Linguist in the following languages:

• Arabic
• Chinese
• Hindi
• Farsi
• Russian

Linguists work as part of a diverse team to provide direct support to ASIO’s investigations, operations and international partnerships.

Linguists use sound judgement and strong analytical skills to identify valuable information and communicate it effectively. Through their work, Linguists develop unique perspectives which are drawn upon to inform decision-making and directly contribute to protecting Australia.

ASIO provides generous upskilling support for language development. This is available to successful applicants with intermediate level foreign language skills who display a demonstrated aptitude for foreign language learning, as well as a commitment to further developing their foreign language skills. This support is also available to successful applicants with an advanced level of language proficiency, to ensure the maintenance of their language capability. You may be keen to build on your current advanced level language proficiency by cross-training in one of the other languages listed above. If so, this is something ASIO would love to discuss supporting as part of your ongoing development.

What you will bring

We invite applications from people with the following attributes:

• An advanced level of proficiency (either heritage, native or learned) in one of the above languages.  
• Intermediate skills (either heritage, native or learned) and a commitment to further develop advanced level proficiency.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Sound report writing skills in English.
• The ability to work with a range of technologies.
• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work in a team environment.
• An ongoing commitment to learning.
• Personal qualities that exemplify ASIO’s values and expected behaviours.

Successful candidates will be offered a role at a classification commensurate with their level of foreign language proficiency, as well as other demonstrated capabilities and attributes they’re able to bring to the position. 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.

Please note foreign language skills will be subject to initial and subsequent periodic testing.

 
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 of annual leave ensure your work-life balance.
• Flexible working arrangements to assist you in maintaining 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.
• Mentoring opportunities.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Eligibility

To be eligible for the role, you must be: 

• An Australian citizen.
• Assessed as suitable to hold and maintain a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance.

ASIO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, where all staff are valued and respected. We welcome and value 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.

Reasonable Adjustments

Please advise ASIO Recruitment if you require any additional assistance in order to fully participate in the recruitment process or within the workplace.

Location

Subject to conditions, these roles are available in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin.  Relocation assistance associated with a geographic move may be considered for successful candidates.

How to apply

Click on ‘Apply online’ to commence your application.  Your application must include the following:

• A written pitch of up to 500 words using examples to demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the requirements.
• A current CV, no more than 2 pages in length, outlining your employment history, the dates and a brief description of your role, as well as any academic qualifications or relevant training you may have undertaken.
• Details of 2 referees, which must include a current or previous manager.

Closing date and time

28 October 2024 at 5.00pm AEDST.

No extensions will be granted and late applications will not be accepted.  

Employment conditions

Employment is under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979. Conditions of service are similar to those applying in the Australian Public Service. We recognise entitlements accrued under the Public Service Act 1999 and provide for continuation of superannuation under the Commonwealth schemes. Salary packaging arrangements are also available.

Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI)

In 2024, ASIO achieved the AWEI Gold Standard, recognising ASIO’s inclusion work and positive culture. ASIO was one of only 7 public sector employers, and the first Australian intelligence agency, to achieve this status.

The ASIO Diversity and Inclusion Strategy reflects ASIO’s commitment and recognises the benefits of being a diverse and inclusive organisation. For further information about ASIO’s Diversity and Inclusion networks, please visit: www.asio.gov.au/about/diversity-and-inclusion.

More information

For more information about ASIO, please visit our website.