Assistant Director, Human Resources

Office of the Inspector-General; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of the Inspector-General in Canberra seeks an Assistant Director, Human Resources to lead strategic and operational HR services across the Office. The role collaborates with the Director, HR and the Director Agency Expansion, delivering workforce initiatives, policies and programs while guiding complex workforce matters.

The successful candidate will provide advice, manage HR portfolios, and contribute to HR strategy, reporting and policy development in a small agency environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in the delivery of human resource services and workforce initiatives.
• Significant HR generalist capability with expertise in specialist HR disciplines.
• Experience providing strategic advice on complex workforce matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational trusted advice to managers and senior leaders on complex workforce, organisational and people management matters.
• Lead the delivery of one or more specialist HR portfolios and contribute to broader HR service delivery across the organisation.
• Develop, implement and review workforce strategies, policies, programs and initiatives that support priorities and compliance.
• Manage complex and sensitive workforce matters, providing risk-based advice and practical solutions.
• Analyse workforce information, trends and issues to inform planning.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Operate in an environment with ambiguity and change, showing initiative and sound judgement.
• Adopt emerging technologies (AI) to support capability and improve HR service delivery.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive workplace culture aligned with values.

Skills

Leadership in HR

Strategic advisory

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Adaptability

Education

Tertiary qualifications in HR/Employment Relations/Business

Job description

Office of the Inspector-General – Canberra ACT

The Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) is central to the independent oversight of the Australian intelligence and security agencies. The Inspector-General is an independent statutory office holder with oversight of 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. The work of the Inspector-General and his staff provides assurance to ministers, the parliament and the public that these agencies are using their powers as intended.

The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 provides that the IGIS has jurisdiction over the following agencies that make up the national intelligence community:

• Office of National Intelligence (ONI)
• Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)
• Australian Signals Directorate (ASD)
• Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC)
• Australian Federal Police (intelligence functions only)
• AUSTRAC (intelligence functions only)
• Department of Home Affairs (intelligence functions only).

This is a pivotal time for our agency, as our jurisdiction has recently grown and we are looking to expand our capacity to meet this new environment. There are significant opportunities to demonstrate and develop professional skills and leadership within the legal function of the agency.

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.

Who are we?

The Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) is central to the independent oversight of the Australian intelligence and security agencies. The Inspector-General is an independent statutory office holder with oversight of 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. The work of the Inspector-General and his staff provides assurance to ministers, the parliament and the public that these agencies are using their powers as intended.

The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 provides that the IGIS has jurisdiction over the following agencies that make up the national intelligence community:

• Office of National Intelligence (ONI)
• Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)
• Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS)
• Australian Signals Directorate (ASD)
• Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO)
• Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO)
• Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC)
• Australian Federal Police (intelligence functions only)
• AUSTRAC (intelligence functions only)
• Department of Home Affairs (intelligence functions only).

This is a pivotal time for our agency, as our jurisdiction has recently grown and we are looking to expand our capacity to meet this new environment. There are significant opportunities to demonstrate and develop professional skills and leadership within the legal function of the agency.

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.

The key duties of the position include:

The Opportunity

The Assistant Director, Human Resources supports the delivery of strategic and operational human resource services that strengthen workforce capability, organisational performance and workplace culture across the Office.

Working closely with the Director, Human Resources and the Director Agency Expansion, the role provides strategic and operational advice on complex workforce matters and leads the delivery of workforce initiatives, policies, programs and projects. The position maintains responsibility for one or more specialist human resource portfolios while contributing broadly across the employee lifecycle and the delivery of HR services.

Operating with a high degree of independence, judgement and accountability, the Assistant Director manages complex workforce matters, contributes to organisational decision-making and supports the continuous improvement of HR policies, practices and services. As a senior member of a small team, the role is a key HR position and works collaboratively across the Office to achieve organisational outcomes.

Please note, this position is Canberra-based with opportunity to negotiate flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working arrangements; however, the majority of the work will need to be conducted at the Canberra office.

Key responsibilities for an Assistant Director, Human Resources include:

• Provide strategic and operational trusted advice to managers and senior leaders on complex workforce, organisational and people management matters.
• Lead the delivery of one or more specialist HR portfolios and contribute to broader HR service delivery across the organisation. This may include leading the Recruitment, Learning and Development, WHS, Employment Relations, HR strategy and reporting functions.
• Develop, implement and review workforce strategies, policies, programs and initiatives that support organisational priorities and legislative compliance.
• Manage complex and sensitive workforce matters, providing risk-based advice and practical solutions whist considering the strategic implications.
• Analyse workforce information, trends and emerging issues to inform strategic decision-making and organisational planning.
• Build and maintain strong and productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Operate effectively in an environment characterised by ambiguity, change and competing priorities, demonstrating initiative, adaptability and sound judgement.
• Contribute to the consideration and adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to support workforce capability and improve HR service delivery.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and respectful workplace culture consistent with APS and OIGIS values.

Leadership and team management responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision and guidance to Human Resources team members.
• Coach and develop staff, building capability and supporting professional growth.
• Provide quality assurance and oversight of HR advice, projects and deliverables.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in the delivery of human resource services and workforce initiatives.
• Significant HR generalist capability, complemented by expertise in one or more specialist HR disciplines.
• Experience providing strategic advice and managing complex or sensitive workforce matters.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop staff and build a high‑performing team culture.
• Highly developed communication, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship management skills.
• Sound judgement and the ability to deliver outcomes in environments characterised by complexity, ambiguity and change.
• A collaborative and adaptable approach, with a willingness to contribute broadly across HR priorities in a small agency environment.

Essential skills

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Positive Vetting (TSPV) security clearance.

Highly desirable qualifications and experience

• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Employment Relations, Business or a related discipline.
• Interest in emerging workforce trends and technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Eligibility

Security, suitability and integrity requirements

• Citizenship - you must be an Australian citizen
• Employment Suitability Assessment (ESA)– appointment to our Office depends on the outcome of an ESA.
• Security Clearance – appointment and ongoing employment at the Office are subject to a Positive Vetting/Privileged Access clearance being granted and maintained. You must be willing to undergo a security clearance vetting process at the Top-Secret Positive Vetting/Privileged Access clearance level and must be willing to fully cooperate in the assessment process, including the timely provision of information and documentary evidence. Security vetting may take many months to complete and requires candidates to provide significant personal information to the vetting authority.

Positions at IGIS are positions of trust. In addition to the above, all IGIS staff are required to make annual conflict of interest declarations to support the independence and integrity of the Office.

The successful candidate must be located in Canberra or willing to relocate.The IGIS offers relocation assistance to new employees relocating to Canberra from interstate.