The Organisation

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) protects Australia and Australians from threats to their security. ASIO’s people are ordinary Australians but they do extraordinary things – they are our most important asset.

To be successful, we need talented people who are highly capable, dedicated, adaptable and resilient.

We seek to reflect 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. We are culturally and linguistically diverse, language skills enhance our collective ability to protect Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply. We are secretive about what we do, not what we value.

At a time when Australia’s security environment is dynamic, diverse and degrading, our work is more important than ever. Join the mission and make a difference every day.

The opportunity

The TOP SECRET-Privileged Access (TS-PA) security clearance is Australia’s highest-level of security clearance and is managed by the TS-PA Vetting Authority within ASIO.

ASIO is seeking highly motivated candidates to join our team as Vetting Analysts and Vetting Assessors in the TS-PA Vetting Authority. You will be an integral part of a dynamic new function undergoing a sustained period of growth, where collaboration, innovation and continuous development are both supported and encouraged. We are currently hiring for multiple roles as we increase our vetting capability:

1. AE4 Vetting Assessors (APS4 equivalent)
2. AE5 Vetting Assessors (APS5 equivalent)
3. AE6 Vetting Analysts (APS6 equivalent)

In these roles you will build a unique set of skills, receiving comprehensive training including a Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting), and on-the-job mentoring and support.

ASIO is looking for people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, bringing transferrable skills from professions as broad as (though certainly not limited to):

1. Human resources and procurement
2. Defence, government or policy
3. Psychology and counselling
4. Complex office management or business administration
5. Consulting or contracting.

A merit pool may be created to fill future vacancies which have the same or similar requirements to this position. This merit pool will be valid for up to 18 months.

Responsibilities

As part of the TS-PA Vetting Authority team, you will directly contribute to vetting assessments in line with whole of government policy and ASIO security policies. You will use your highly developed research skills to gather and analyse information, making assessments and recommendations about a person’s suitability to hold a security clearance.

As a Vetting Administrator at the AE4 level, you will:

1. Work as part of a team to support vetting activities.
2. Record vetting activities, liaise with clearance subjects and external stakeholders to initiate and conclude the vetting process.
3. Undertake data entry, perform general administrative duties, and respond to general queries.
4. Support the vetting assessment process with discretion and in accordance with policy and legal requirements.

As a Vetting Assessor at the AE5 level, you will:

1. Work with your team to assess whether clearance applicants are suitable to hold a TS-PA security clearance.
2. Conduct research, undertake checks and perform administrative functions for vetting assessments.
3. Engage with clearance applicants and external stakeholders to fill gaps in information.
4. Conduct analysis, write assessments and provide advice that identifies areas for further resolution in the vetting process.

As a Vetting Analyst at the AE6 level, you will:

1. Assess an individual’s suitability to hold or maintain a TS-PA security clearance that permits access to national security classified material.
2. Manage a case load autonomously, conduct interviews, develop assessments and make recommendations about an individual’s suitability to hold a TS-PA security clearance in accordance with risk management principles.
3. Use your excellent interpersonal skills and strong communication skills to build and maintain rapport, engage internally and externally representing ASIO and operating in a complex security environment to deliver intelligence assessments.
4. Domestic travel in order to conduct vetting assessments as required.

What you will bring

We invite applications from people with the following attributes:

1. Curiosity, empathy, and resilience.
2. Understanding of and sensitivity to the customs, practices, cultures, and beliefs of others.
3. Comfortable discussing sensitive and personal information.
4. Excellent interpersonal and strong communication skills.
5. The ability to form and maintain strong working relationships with people from different backgrounds.
6. Strategic thinking and problem solving.
7. Strong written communication skills.

Experience in one of the following is not required but highly regarded:

1. Insider threat analysis
2. Personnel vetting
3. Intelligence assessments
4. Cyber security

You do not require any specific qualifications for this position as ASIO provides relevant training and education to successful candidates upon commencement in their role.

What we offer you

ASIO provides a number of benefits to its staff including:

1. A competitive salary, including a 7.5% allowance for maintaining a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance.
2. Employer superannuation contributions of 15.4%.
3. A variety of leave options in addition to the standard 4 weeks annual leave, including stand down between Christmas and New Year.
4. Flexible working arrangements. Please note due to our unique working environment, work from home options are not available.
5. Study assistance, including financial support and study leave for tertiary education.
6. Access to 7 staff-led diversity and inclusion networks.
7. Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Eligibility

To be eligible to work at ASIO, you must be:

1. an Australian citizen
2. assessed as suitable to hold and maintain a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access (TS-PA) security clearance.

Reasonable adjustments

Please let us know if you require any additional assistance or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process in order to fully participate in the recruitment process or the workplace. This may include reasonable adjustments to assessment methodologies to enable full participation.

How to apply

ASIO officers’ identities are protected by law. Under section 92 of the ASIO Act, the only declared ASIO officers are the Director-General and Deputy Directors-General. To protect our people’s identities, 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.

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

1. A written pitch of up to 500 words that addresses the required capabilities for the role. Use examples to demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the capabilities.
2. 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 have undertaken.
3. Details of 2 referees, which must include a current or former supervisor. ASIO will not contact your referees without advising you prior to doing so.

Before applying read the ASIO People Capability Framework and Core Capability Guide, both available on the ASIO website. To increase your chances of success, tailor your application responses to align with the relevant capabilities and levels outlined in these frameworks.

Use of AI in recruitment processes

ASIO does not use any form of artificial intelligence at any point in the recruitment process.

All applications are reviewed by a selection panel. We recognise some applicants may use AI technologies to draft applications or prepare for interviews. If you wish to use AI, we recommend doing this only for initial drafts and ensure that your application is personalised and accurately reflects your skills, experience and qualifications.

Additionally, be aware of the privacy policies of any AI tool you use. Be mindful of the information you are entering into AI tools (personal details, work history, etc) and how using it may link you to potential ASIO employment, noting that you are expected to be discreet and maintain confidentiality with your application.

If you are invited to attend interview, the use of AI tools and recording devices during interview is strictly prohibited. Should AI tools or recording services be detected, your application, and any future applications may be discontinued.

The recruitment selection process

Our selection process is rigorous and extensive. All employment decisions and selection processes at ASIO are based on merit principles and candidates must be prepared to undergo various selection stages. The stages may include application assessment, eligibility checks, online testing, skills-based assessment and interview.

We ask all applicants for their patience throughout the process.

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

ASIO has achieved the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold Standard in 2024, 2025 and 2026, recognising ASIO’s inclusion work and positive culture. ASIO was the first Australian intelligence agency to achieve this status.

Enquiries

If you require further information after reading the selection documentation, please contact ASIO Recruitment at *******@asio.gov.au or phone 02 6263 7***.

More information

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