Lead ICT Security Specialist RFQ ID: LH-01721 ASD 2025

Due to the nature of clients we work with here at Kinexus and the projects these roles will be based on, an Australian Government Top Secret Positive Vetting (TSPV) clearance is essential.

These opportunities do not have the ability to obtain sponsorship for a security clearance (including applicants who currently hold a security clearance seeking to upgrade).

ABOUT THIS ROLE

ICT Security Specialists will exercise a considerable degree of independence and perform a subject matter expert role. They will exercise sound decision making and judgement to provide expert policy advice. They will have in-depth knowledge of the ICT service delivery function and are responsible for the development, implementation, compliance and review of policies and procedures relevant to their work within that function area. They will engage in very complex problem solving and issues management and may coordinate and perform detailed or sensitive projects that impact on strategic, political or operational outcomes for the agency.

Estimated start date: Tuesday, 01 July 2025

Initial contract term: Up to 18 months

Extension term: 12 months

Number of extensions: 2

Experience level: Lead - EL1 equivalent

Location of work: Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth

Working arrangements: Onsite. Onsite 5 days a week. Candidates must be willing to undergo ASD's Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA) prior to engagement.

Maximum hours: 40 hours per week

Security clearance: Positive Vetting

ABOUT THE COMPANY

• Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is the federal agency responsible for foreign signals intelligence, cyber warfare and information security. ASD's purpose is to defend Australia from global threats and help advance our national interests.
• Situated in Canberra, ASD employs over 2000 TSPV cleared workers. ASD's workforce is growing rapidly. Areas of growth include PMO, cyber security, systems administration and engineering, software development and network engineering.
• A top-security, complex and highly technical environment, ASD plays a vital role in the defence of Australia. Long contracts (12 months+) available.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accountable for managing allocated resources, setting work priorities and managing workflows to ensure accurate completion of work within timeframes and quality requirements.
• Accountable for accurate completion of work within timeframes and quality requirements, sharing own expertise with others and guiding and mentoring less experienced employees.
• Lead the development and implementation of strategies and the evaluation of business outcomes to ensure continuous improvement in the delivery of ICT security.
• Deliver risk assessments, business impact analysis and assurance for information systems within the organisation.
• Analyse security risks and business impacts and provide guidance on security strategies to manage identified risks.
• Maintain knowledge, skills and experience of general security issues and apply to IT security risk analysis.
• Communicate risks of a complex nature to managers and other peers.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders from other technical specialties to share and develop ICT security policy.
• Identify areas of risk and evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of the Australian Signals Directorate's approach to risk in the use of ICT.
• Assess and resolve identified security incidents in accordance with established procedures and recommend any required actions or policy amendments.
• Interpret security policy and contribute to the development of standards and guidelines.

Technical Skills:

• Certified as an Infosec Registered Assessors Program (IRAP) Assessor
• At least 3 years' experience as a security specialist working across security architecture, security and risk management, communication and network security or security operations domains.
• Experience ensuring technical systems adhere to Essential Eight, ISM, and PSPF frameworks
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Proven record building, managing, and enhancing relationships with stakeholders
• Experience developing, managing, and implementing SOPs and procedures in support of security accreditation frameworks

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE NEEDED

• SCAD 5 - Security operations: Level 5 (SFIA) Monitors the application and compliance of security operations procedures. Reviews actual or potential security breaches and vulnerabilities and ensures that they are promptly and thoroughly investigated. Recommends actions and appropriate control improvements. Ensures that security records are accurate and complete and that requests for support are dealt with according to agreed procedures. Contributes to the creation and maintenance of policy, standards, procedures and documentation for security.
• SCTY 5 - Information security: Level 5 (SFIA) Provides advice and guidance on security strategies to manage identified risks and ensure adoption and adherence to standards. Contributes to development of information security policy, standards and guidelines. Obtains and acts on vulnerability information and conducts security risk assessments, business impact analysis and accreditation on complex information systems. Investigates major breaches of security, and recommends appropriate control improvements. Develops new architectures that mitigate the risks posed by new technologies and business practices.
• INAS 5 - Information assurance: Level 5 (SFIA) Interprets information assurance and security policies and applies these to manage risks. Provides advice and guidance to ensure adoption of and adherence to information assurance architectures, strategies, policies, standards and guidelines. Plans, organises and conducts information assurance and accreditation of complex domains areas, cross-functional areas, and across the supply chain. Contributes to the development of policies, standards and guidelines.

BENEFITS

Why work for ASD?

• Work on interesting and prestigious projects vital to the ongoing defence of Australia.
• Flexible work environment; work the hours that suit you between 7am and 7pm.
• Low attrition rate: the great variety of projects and opportunities across different business areas ensure few workers leave ASD.
• Long contracts available.
• Fantastic growth opportunities available at any stage of your career.

Why Kinexus?

• Kinexus has been supplying TSPV contractors to government panels since 2004 and have a strong relationship with them. We are one of just 9 suppliers Australia-wide.
• Our experience in managing contractors in defence/national security industries means we understand the requirements from the Commonwealth, insurances and clearances.
• DISP accredited; we can hold clearances and manage renewals.
• Dedicated account manager (me!) who is your dedicated POC and offer continuous contractor care.
• Rate negotiation guidance in line with the SFIA framework.
• Dedicated payroll assistant who facilitates your taxes and super.
• We proactively chase timesheet approvers to ensure you get paid on-time and error free.
• Regular visits to Canberra for coffee, lunches and quarterly drinks events.
• We can facilitate novated car leases, LAFHA or salary sacrifice.
• We'll keep you up to date with the most appropriate, interesting opportunities in your field.
• Community matters. Kinexus supports women in Defence through our female mentoring program and rewards referrers through our Referral Rewards scheme.
• Support for your health and wellness through counselling support (EAP) available for all contractors and their families.

Kinexus is the leading recruitment partner to the defence industry in Australia. We support our community in making intelligent connections and create opportunities to help grow careers.

All applications should include your resume as a word document. For more information, visit our website, www.kinexus.com.au or contact Joshua Said 02 9492 7516 . #LI-JS