Open source intelligence analysts (OSINT)

A great role utilising skills in OSINT and investigation to help the Department of Home Affairs.

Requisition Number: 98444
Position Number/s: 60125581
Classification: APS Level 5
Location: ACT
Division: EMA Operations
Branch: National Crisis Operations
Section: Crisis Operations Support and Analysis Section
Security Classification: Negative Vetting Level 1
Salary: $72,454.00 to $78,043.00
Contact: Megan Steinlein Phone:  02 6264 3313
Period of Vacancy: Ongoing
Number of Vacancies: 1.00

Applications close: Tuesday 20 July 2021 at 11:59pm (midnight) – AEST. Late applications will not be accepted.

Who can apply:
Please note this opportunity is available to current Australian Public Service employees and all eligible members of the community.

About the Department of Home Affairs: 
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The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for centrally coordinated strategy and policy leadership in relation to domestic national security arrangements, law enforcement, emergency management, counter-terrorism, social cohesion, the protection of our sovereignty, the integrity of our border and the resilience of our national infrastructure.

The Australian Border Force, an operationally independent body within the Department of Home Affairs, is Australia’s frontline border law enforcement agency and Australia’s customs service. The Australian Border Force’s mission is to protect Australia’s border and facilitate the legitimate movement of people and goods across it.

Overview of the Section:
The National Situation Room (NSR), Emergency Management Australia (EMA), is the Australian Government’s 24/7 crisis management information and whole-of-government coordination facility. The Crisis Operations Support and Analysis Section is responsible for ensuring 24/7 operational teams, located within the NSR, are supported with appropriate governance, administrative support, intelligence and data capabilities, technical capabilities and technology, along with appropriate ICT infrastructure. The main purpose of this Section is to ensure 24/7 operational teams can operate in a seamless and uninterrupted manner.

The Crisis Operations Support and Analysis Section is also responsible for the implementation of two new Australian Government initiatives; National joint Common Operating Picture and physical refurbishment. In addition, the Section’s main functions are ensuring the NSR is equipped with geospatial mapping and spatial data capabilities, open source intelligence and social media capabilities, ICT systems future design and ongoing maintenance, along with providing governance and oversight activities across a number of high profile operational activities, such as the National Security Hotline (NSH).

The Section manages EMA’s geospatial strategy and provides analytical activities to support detection of events, validation of information and analytical data modelling during disaster events. The Section also undertakes an administrative support function that includes procurement activities, contract management, and facility management of Zone 4 and Zone 5 work areas. During a disaster event, the Crisis Operations Support and Analysis Section lead coordination efforts and provide secretariat support to operational staff and facilitate whole-of-government crisis meetings/committees.

About the role:

The APS 5 Open Source Intelligence analyst will undertake high-end analysis using intelligence tradecraft skills and specialist techniques in open source intelligence to support other analysts and discover new and emerging threats. The position will assist the Open Source Intelligence team and NSR Shift Managers by obtaining, sourcing and evaluating pertinent information on unfolding natural disaster, security and terrorism related incidents or events. The APS 5 will work across both anticipated and actual issues that impact the wider portfolio, to develop sophisticated, predictive and timely intelligence assessments. These assessments will contribute to briefing and analytical products in relation to national security and crisis management events, inform decision making and support the Department’s mission.

Our ideal candidate:

The Department is looking for people who enjoy working in a rapidly evolving and forward thinking environment. With a focus on innovation and progression, our ideal candidate will help by utilising their tradecraft expertise to ensure effective online research, interrogation of social media platforms, and assist in planning activities, as well as ensure quality of analysis by shift teams. They will be expected to manage concurrent situations and maintain and develop subject matter expertise on a variety of issues to identify threats and areas for exploitation at the global level, which pose a threat to Australia’s interests.

Specific duties/responsibilities:

• Assist in the design and implementation of EMA’s open source strategy to support detection of events, validation of information and analytical data modelling during disaster events
• Contribute technical expertise to inform the development of software solutions to support technology that will provide early indicators of high-impact events and emerging risks
• Assist in the development of digital interactive reporting and contribute to data dashboards for web-based impact reports, providing information into EMA’s Common Operating Picture (COP)
• Expand and increase engagement of content across social media platforms, using both paid and organic strategies
• Work effectively in a small team of open source intelligence specialists, providing input into EMA’s open source strategic direction and developing work plans that remain abreast of social media trends and best practices.

Role requirements/qualifications:

Open Source Intelligence qualifications and/or minimum 2 years’ experience in Intelligence field is highly desirable.

Applicant response:

As part of your application, you will be required to prepare a response document (minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format), which you will upload in the next section.

Please ensure you read the instructions carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.

Please prepare a one-page Applicant Response in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

• How your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role
• Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us
• Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.

How to apply:
Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level Standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership System information relevant to the classification. You are required to submit your application in Home Affairs’ online recruitment system (ourPeople).

As part of your application you will need to provide:

• Your CV
• Your Applicant Response document
• Details of referees
• Include your full name and the Requisition Number – 98444 in the footer of any documents being uploaded.

Eligibility and Specific Conditions of Employment
To be eligible to work with the Department of Home Affairs you must:

• Be an Australian Citizen
• Fulfil the Department’s minimum requirements by satisfactorily answering all screening questions during the application process
• Obtain and maintain the required AGSVA clearance
• Obtain and maintain a current Employment Suitability Clearance
• Satisfy a probation period
• Undergo a health assessment (if applicable).

Technical Assistance

If you are experiencing problems submitting your application online, please email the nature of the issues you are experiencing to Recruitment (recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au) including screen captures if necessary. A response will be sent during business hours.

Notes:
Remuneration: The Department offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position.

Information about employment in the Department of Home Affairs, and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department’s website at http://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about/careers-recruitment

If you are experiencing problems submitting your application online, please email the nature of the issues you are experiencing to recruitment at recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au. A response will be sent during business hours.

If you have identified as having a disability, please indicate whether you require any support throughout the selection process. For further information please contact Recruitment: recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au