There’s heaps of interesting work going on in defence industry right now. None more so than at Australian Signals Directorate (ASD). ASD is the federal agency responsible for intelligence gathering, cyber warfare and information security, and plays a really important role in Australia’s ongoing cyber capability development.
If you want to work in this high security environment, the recruitment process is a little different and takes a little longer than with other employers. Depending on the role you are applying for and your circumstances, this process from applying to starting can take up to 18 months.
The vast majority of the roles at ASD require you to hold a Top Security Positive Vetting (TSPV) security clearance, although there are very rare occurrences when low-level side duties can be completed with an NV1 or NV2.
This is where Kinexus comes in. Kinexus has recruited cyber security professionals for ASD for two decades and we know their processes inside out. So we’ve put this handy road map together so help interested candidates understand what’s involved.
1.A phone call with one of our knowledgeable consultants
We’ll seek to understand your personal circumstances and skills background to see if you’re a good fit. We’ll also provide you with heaps of useful tools, like more info on what working at ASD is like, and how it works contracting through Kinexus.
2. Respond to the RFQTS
When a role comes up that fits your background (in ASD land we call this an RFQTS, or Request For Quotation Tasking Statement) we’ll contact you to understand if you’d like to be put forward. We’ll work together to get the best application possible, and talk you through likely timeframes, the most appropriate rates & how to showcase your experience effectively.
3. The wait begins…
Sometimes we get an answer to our RFQ response really quickly, and sometimes it takes ages! Sometimes there’s an interview, but not always.
4. You’re the preferred candidate!
Once you’ve verbally accepted, we move onto the next stage in the process. Here you’ll enter our dedicated contractor care program, where you’ll meet with your Kinexus consultant regularly, be supported to find work whilst the security vetting is being completed and receive regular market updates from Kinexus.
5.Psychological testing and security vetting
Psychological testing (this is called an OSA) is required to ensure you can work in a high security environment. Your TSPV clearance will also be verified in preparation for ASD to take on sponsorship. This bit can be very time consuming.
6. All boxes are ticked – you’re in!
Once the OSA and security clearance sponsorship transfer process has been successfully completed you can begin work for ASD. Your close relationship with Kinexus continues, and we look forward to regular catch ups at contractor events including Christmas parties and coffee catch ups.
Does this sound interesting to you? Check out our TSPV opportunities here. For more information on security clearances in Australia’s defence industry, check out our blogs and search security clearance.
