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. 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 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 5 relevant 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 6 familiarity 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.