Vetting Analyst (Oct 2024)

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, orientation, ethnicity, religious affiliation, age or disability. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply. Our people are introverted, extroverted and neuro-diverse. We are secretive about what we do, not what we value.

The “TS-PA Authority” 

The TS-PA Authority within the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) is now the central Commonwealth authority responsible for the grant, denial, revocation, and maintenance of TS-PA highest-level security clearances, including the persistent, and more frequent rather than point in time, validation of an individual’s suitability to hold a TOP-SECRET-Privileged Access (TS-PA) security clearance. 

Through successive phases spanning the next three years, ASIO will integrate existing Positive Vetting (PV) functions from across the Commonwealth and assume responsibility for the management of existing PV security clearances as they are gradually transitioned to the TS-PA Authority.

The Opportunity

ASIO and other National Intelligence Community (NIC) agencies are looking to fill various positions at the AE4, AE5 and AE6 (APS4, APS5 and APS6 equivalent) level to support our critical mission.

In a challenging and dynamic work environment, you will be part of a professional and committed team where you will play a valuable role in assessing an individual’s suitability to hold, or maintain, a security clearance that permits access to national security classified material. You will use your highly developed attention to detail and organisational skills to meet the diverse challenge of working in a national security environment. 

You will assess an individual’s suitability to hold, or maintain, a security clearance that permit access to national security classified material. You will use your highly developed research skills to gather and analyse information and make security assessments and recommendations about clearance suitability in accordance with standards set by the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF), and other policies and guidelines.

AE5 and AE6 Vetting Analysts are required to undertake a Certificate IV in Government (Personnel Security), which is facilitated on commencement (if you do not already hold the qualification).

Who are we looking for? 

Candidates do not require any specific qualifications to be a Vetting Analyst, as you will undertake the relevant education on commencement. 

You will be empathetic, conscientious and resilient. You will be sensitive to the customs, practices, cultures and beliefs of others, and demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills. You will have strong communication skills and the ability to form strong working relationships with people from different backgrounds. Importantly, you will be comfortable discussing sensitive and personal information.

Role specific capabilities

As a Vetting Analyst in ASIO, you will conduct vetting assessments in line with whole of government policy and ASIO security policies. You will:

• Conduct checks and perform administrative functions for vetting assessments.
• Effectively represent ASIO and liaise with a range of stakeholders and clearance subjects from diverse backgrounds.
• Contribute to ongoing policy reform and vetting capability development.

As an AE4 Vetting Analyst, you will:

• Liaise with clearance applicants and coordinate security interview appointments.
• Undertake data entry and perform general administrative duties.
• Support the vetting assessment process with discretion and in accord with policy and legal requirements.

As an AE5 Vetting Analyst, you will:

• Work with your team to assess whether clearance applicants are suitable to hold the highest level of security clearance. 
• Manage your own allocation of vetting assessments.
• Conduct research and review existing holdings.
• Engage with clearance applicants and external stakeholders to fill gaps in information.
• Conduct analysis, write assessments and provide advice that identifies areas for further resolution in the vetting process.

As an AE6 Vetting Analyst you will:

• Assess an individual’s suitability to hold or maintain security clearances that permit access to national security classified material. 
• Gather and analyse security relevant information. 
• Conduct interviews, develop assessments and make recommendations about an individual’s security suitability to hold a clearance in accord with risk management principals. 
• Travel in order to conduct vetting assessments as required.

What we offer you

ASIO and the NIC provides a number of benefits to its staff including:

• A competitive salary, including an allowance for maintaining a Top Secret security clearance at the highest level.
• Employer superannuation contributions of 15.4 per cent.
• A variety of leave options, including four weeks annual leave.
• Flexible working hours/arrangements to assist you to maintain your work-life balance (please note: due to our unique working environment, work from home options may not be available).
• Staff-led diversity and inclusion networks.
• Study assistance, including financial support and study leave for tertiary education.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

A merit pool will also be created and will be valid for 18 months. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for the role, you must be: 

• An Australian citizen.
• Assessed as suitable to hold and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance at the highest level.

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 people are encouraged to apply.

Preferred location

The majority of these roles will be in based in Canberra, with a small number of roles potentially available in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. Mandatory training (2-3 weeks) must be completed in Canberra. Relocation assistance may be provided to successful candidates where ASIO requires you to relocate.  

How to apply

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

• A written pitch of up to 2 pages showcasing your skills, knowledge and experience and what you will bring to the role at the AE4, AE5 or AE6 levels.
• An up-to-date CV, no more than two pages in length.
• Two referees, one of which should be a current manager. 
  • Please note, if a current employee within the Australian Public Service, one of your referees should be a manager at least one level above the position you are applying for
• Confirmation of whether you wish to be considered for shift work roles (noting this is not a requirement to be considered for these roles).

All applicants will be assessed based on their demonstrated skills and experience relevant to the role using the ASIO People Capability Framework at the AE4, AE5 or AE6 levels (APS4, APS5 or APS6 equivalent). Please note, it is not necessary to address each of the capability criteria individually in your application.

ASIO holds all employment applications in the strictest of confidence. It is essential that you do the same. Please do not discuss your application with others as doing so may adversely affect your potential employment.

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

Employment conditions

Employment with ASIO is under the ASIO 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.

Enquiries

If you require further information, please contact ASIO Recruitment at careers@asio.gov.au or phone 02 6257 4916.

We thank all applicants for their interest in applying. In accordance with ASIO policy, we will notify successful and unsuccessful candidates but will not provide feedback on any aspect of the selection process.

For more information about ASIO, please visit: www.asio.gov.au