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 Opportunity 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. The Legal team fulfils a diverse role that includes the provision of legal advice, supporting legislative development, drafting briefings, preparing submissions for parliamentary committees and conducting legal education and training. The APS 4 Legal Officer, Legislation & Legal Policy role is open to legal graduates, and students entering the final year of their law degree. Key responsibilities of a Legal Officer, Legislation & Legal Policy 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 relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, including policy agencies and other oversight bodies 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 are 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 with preparation of legal resources for the office, including the drafting of case and legislation notes support the drafting of submissions and briefing materials to assist the Inspector-General in appearances before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security and other parliamentary committees where required, assist in the drafting of practical and technically sound legal advice on matters related to the functions of the IGIS contribute to the effective functioning of the Agency Oversight, Enterprise Management, and Legal and Assurance Branches, and the IGIS more broadly. Desirable skills strong written and verbal communication skills strong decision-making skills, including the ability to demonstrate good judgement and reach sensible conclusions the ability to assess and respond to requests for legislation reform in a professional and objective manner. 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. Applications from students entering the final year of their law degree will also be considered 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 an ability to interpret legislation, including by understanding and applying basic principles of statutory interpretation 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, within a small team a commitment to support an inclusive and diverse workplace strong interpersonal skills, including excellent written and verbal communication the ability and aptitude to learn, develop new skills and show initiative.