Intelligence officer
Intelligence officers plan, develop and manage intelligence operations overseas, with the aim of protecting Australia's national interests and security.
Turning intellect into intelligence
Ever found yourself trying to figure out what someone else is thinking? That's intelligence gathering - the process of learning the intentions of others in order to make more informed decisions.
The intelligence officer's role, in essence, is to collect, manage and plan intelligence gathering from sources outside of Australia's borders. In many cases, the intelligence they're collecting involves an active threat to Australia's security or economic interests.
To do this, they use superior intellect, interpersonal skills and judgement to lead successful intelligence operations. Although they share these common traits, there is no stereotypical intelligence officer. So if you're highly motivated, curious about people and like to travel, this may be the role for you.
Intelligence officer
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Overview
Skills
To succeed as an intelligence officer, you will need to demonstrate strong interpersonal and liaison skills in order to build effective relationships with people. You will have presence and impact, with a proven ability to interact well with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Intelligence officers must be curious, quick-thinking and highly self-motivated, with excellent written communication skills, high levels of maturity, excellent judgement and the ability to assess risk. As intelligence officers operate in difficult and high-pressure environments, you will also need to demonstrate the highest level of resilience, personal integrity and professionalism.
Requirements
Candidates also require the following to be eligible to apply for the intelligence officer role:
- Australian citizenship
- a current driver's licence
- tertiary degree or currently undertaking tertiary studies and due to complete these studies within the next 12 months; or significant relevant work experience
- overseas experience is desirable but not mandatory
Live in Canberra, travel the world
ASIS's office is located in Canberra, and this is where you will live when you are not posted overseas. With easy access to an international airport, plenty of parks, cultural institutions and restaurants, it’s an excellent home base for an aspiring intelligence officer. -
Testimonials
In the words of an intelligence officer
Mikhail - Intelligence officer
When I finished high school, I took a gap year and worked for an aid organisation in South America, and then I backpacked around Africa and Southeast Asia. When I returned home, I started my degree in political science, taking subjects in Asian studies, where I had the opportunity to study for a semester overseas. It was really interesting to see life and have a perspective from the other side of the world.I had seen advertisements for ASIS and was drawn to the opportunity to do something meaningful with my life. It took quite a while from the time when I applied to the time I was hired. I was assessed on a range of things, including intelligence and aptitude, communications skills, and a host of other things I wasn’t even aware of at the time.My career with ASIS began as a trainee intelligence officer. I enjoyed the training, as it taught me what I needed to know to do the job of an intelligence officer operating overseas. I also learnt a lot about myself, both my strengths and weaknesses, and my training was done with a group of people who I've remained close friends with.I am privileged to be working with really capable and professional colleagues from all walks of life. I feel that the work I do as an intelligence officer really does make a difference. I am proud to be part of this organisation.Gabriella - Intelligence officer
Having spent a number of years working in my chosen career as a contracts lawyer I realised that I no longer found my work to be as professionally rewarding as it once was.I saw advertisements for ASIS careers and found them quite intriguing, the idea of living and working overseas and meeting with a diverse range of people really appealed to me. I was strongly attracted to the significance of ASIS's work and the idea of my job contributing to the benefit of my country.The work I undertake is varied and challenging and requires me to be responsible and accountable, and to show initiative and creativity. I’m grateful for the significant investment the Service has made in training me and sending me overseas, and for all the opportunities this has provided me and my family.Being an intelligence officer for ASIS is a demanding yet highly rewarding career. The world, and Australia’s place in it, is increasingly complex and performing the work of foreign intelligence collection is a great honour. I take great satisfaction in knowing that I have made a unique contribution to Australia’s national interests. I now can’t imagine doing anything else. -
How to apply
How to apply
Applying for a role at ASIS is a confidential process.
Do not discuss your application with anyone, as this could impact on your career with ASIS. Applying with ASIS is more detailed than your average employment application, the process takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes to complete. You will be asked to supply the following information:
Personal
- Citizenship details
- Drivers licence details
- Digital passport sized photo (does not however need to be a professionally taken passport photo)
- Relationship/spouse details
Education and employment
- Education details - secondary and tertiary institutions and qualifications if applicable
- Resume
- Previous 10 years of employment history- approximate dates and supervisor details
Extra-curricular and foreign experience
- Previous 10 years of international travel history (work or leisure) - approximate dates and countries
- Extra-curricular and/or foreign experience details
- Passport details
- Languages
- Professional memberships
Extended reponse
- Provide responses against specific questions while considering the competencies for the position
Once you have submitted your completed online application form, you will receive an on-screen confirmation that your application has been successfully received by ASIS. Beyond this, you will only be contacted again if you progress to the next stage of the application process. ASIS does not provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.More About Applying -
Selection process
Selection process
The specialist nature of ASIS's work demands the highest levels of dedication, integrity and professionalism from our staff. For this reason, our selection processes are competitive and rigorous. As a rough guide, the selection process for intelligence officers generally takes around 7 to 12 months from the date of application to the offer of employment and covers a range of different selection phases. The selection process may include some, or all, of the following:
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written application
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written test
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interview
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referee checks
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psychological testing
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assessment centre
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security assessment
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medical assessment, including testing for prohibited substances
Following this lengthy selection process, as a successful applicant you will still need to undertake extensive and demanding training in a residential environment. After passing the training course, you will then become an intelligence officer.
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FAQs
FAQs
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What type of degree is required?
We recruit intelligence officers from a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to arts, politics, international relations, science, engineering, law, IT, finance/business and economics.
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Where are our intelligence officer jobs located?
Our intelligence officers work in Canberra with the opportunity to undertake postings in a range of overseas locations.
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How do I know ASIS received my application?
Once you’ve submitted your completed online application form, you will receive an on-screen confirmation that your application has been successfully received by ASIS. Beyond this, you will only be contacted again if you’ve progressed through to the next stage of the application process.
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What type of degree is required?
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Current vacancies
ROLE
Intelligence Officer
ROLE
Intelligence Officer
You'll have an innate sense of curiosity, enjoy connecting with people from different cultures, and know what it takes to strive for results. You'll be put in situations that draw on your judgement, intellect and inner strengths like no other type of job. Please note there is no job description for download, however the below document contains the questions you will be asked as part of the application process.
SALARY
$93,591 - $129,063
APPLY BY
31 December
23:59 PM AESTJOB TYPE
Full Time
LEVEL
Trainee
Keep an eye on this page
We can only advertise roles when we have a specific need, and due to confidentiality requirements, you are unable to register for notifications. So be sure to keep checking back regularly if you believe you're a good fit.
Importance of confidentiality
All applications for employment with ASIS are handled in the strictest confidence. It is essential that you maintain a similar level of confidentiality and that you do not discuss your application with anyone, as this could impact your career with ASIS.
