Human Resources and Learning and Development Officers in Canberra

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. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

We are seeking motivated individuals to join Human Resource (HR) and Learning and Development (L&D) teams across multiple levels, from AE4 to AE6 (APS4–APS6 equivalent). Whether you are an experienced specialist, or looking to transition into the field, this is an opportunity to contribute to the growth of ASIO’s people capability.

Depending on your skills, background and aspirations, there are two primary pathways within our team:

• As part of the HR team, you’ll contribute to a range of operational and strategic people functions aimed at attracting, retaining and safeguarding the health, safety and wellbeing of ASIO’s workforce. This includes roles in Employment Relations and WHS functions, such as performance management, ethics and conduct, HR policy, workplace safety and rehabilitation & support services. Within our Workforce Strategy functions there are roles spanning workforce analytics, business partnering, position management and workforce planning.
• As part of the L&D team, you’ll be part of uplifting ASIO’s people capability by identifying skills gaps, designing impactful L&D solutions, and ensuring all employees have access to the tools and knowledge needed to excel in their roles. There are opportunities in Digital Design, Learning Advisory, Leadership Development, Induction, and Entry Level Programs.

Together, these functions ensure that ASIO attracts, develops, retains and cares for the talent required for ASIO to achieve its mission. ASIO looks for candidates who are curious, resilient and enjoy problem solving.

To be successful in these roles, you will have:

• highly developed communication and interpersonal skills
• a willingness to apply yourself and work well within a team
• be a strong collaborator.

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 an AE4 Officer, you will:

• Be a primary point of contact for employees seeking HR and L&D support. With team support, you will provide information and advice to assist employees to access various programs and services.
• Manage established HR and L&D processes including end-to-end administration and logistics coordination for L&D training programs, HR events and governance committees.
• Maintain HR and L&D databases, tracking tools, and corporate records by assisting with information and data management.
• Support HR projects and proactively identify opportunities to streamline administrative workflows and increase efficiency.
• Ensure all actions adhere strictly to security protocols, privacy requirements, and the HR legislative framework, including always upholding professional values and ethics, particularly when managing sensitive personnel matters.

As an AE5 Officer, you will:

• Be a HR and L&D advisor to employees across the organisation by engaging, coordinating, building productive working relationships, and providing advice and services to address their needs.
• Lead HR and L&D processes, including managing discrete projects and programs from development through to implementation.
• Leverage professional expertise including adult learning principles or performance management strategies.
• Manage data, reporting requirements, development and delivering workforce metrics, to respond to requests from ASIO’s managers.
• Identify gaps and issues raised through feedback and use this information to inform improvements to L&D and HR programs and services.
• Drive operational outcomes by developing and improving standard operating procedures and leading continuous improvement initiatives to streamline HR and L&D workflows.
• Ensure all actions adhere strictly to security protocols, privacy requirements, and the HR legislative framework, including always upholding professional values and ethics, particularly when managing sensitive personnel matters.

As an AE6 Officer, you will:

• Manage a small team responsible for the delivery of HR and L&D programs and functions aimed at attracting, developing, retaining and caring for ASIO’s people.
• Mentor and coach junior staff, serving as the primary point of escalation for complex matters and managing high-sensitivity workforce requests with absolute discretion.
• Be accountable for the delivery of discrete HR and L&D processes, including overseeing the work of others, and leading programs and services from development through to implementation.
• Be a senior HR or L&D advisor, engaging with leaders and managers across the organisation on their operational and strategic needs, navigating a range of HR and L&D issues, and providing them advice and assistance to drive improved outcomes.
• Be responsible for the professional expertise of the HR or L&D function you work in, ensuring that advice is sound and all programs and services consider best practice approaches.
• Use professional expertise to proactively identify opportunities to streamline administrative workflows and increase efficiency, especially through the use of technology.
• Oversee HR and L&D databases, tracking tools, and corporate records to ensure they are up to date, accurate and capable of providing information to support ASIO’s functions.
• Ensure all actions adhere strictly to security protocols, privacy requirements, and the HR legislative framework, including always upholding professional values and ethics, particularly when managing sensitive personnel matters.

What you will bring:

We are seeking candidates with the following capabilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Good judgment, resilience, and professional ethics
• Ability to operate in a high tempo environment
• Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritise work
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• A strong commitment to work collaboratively
• A willingness to apply yourself and work well within a team.

You are not required to address each capability separately in your application. Consider providing examples that illustrate multiple capabilities at once. Refer to ASIO’s Core Capability Framework to understand what is expected at each level for each capability.

Skills and qualifications:

At the AE4 and AE5 levels, work experience in a related field and/or demonstration of transferable skills is desirable but not mandatory. At the AE6 level, HR and L&D skills, experience and/or qualifications are highly desirable.

What we offer you:

ASIO provides a number of benefits to its staff including:

• A competitive salary, including a 7.5% allowance for maintaining a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance.
• Employer superannuation contributions of 15.4%.
• A variety of leave options in addition to the standard 4 weeks annual leave, including stand down between Christmas and New Year.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Study assistance, including financial support and study leave for tertiary education.
• Access to 7 staff-led diversity and inclusion networks.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

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

Use of artificial intelligence in recruitment processes:

ASIO does not use any form of artificial intelligence (AI) at any point in the recruitment process. All applications are reviewed by a selection panel.

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.

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.

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.