We welcome applications from individuals at all career stages and from any sector. We recruit staff through open, competitive processes and support them through the security vetting and onboarding process.
Recruitment process
Positions with National Intelligence Community agencies usually involve a two-stage recruitment process. The first stage is job-specific where your skills, experience and abilities are measured against the job requirement. The second stage is security vetting, where we assess your eligibility and suitability for a security clearance.
You will not receive an offer of employment until you have completed both stages. The complete selection process – from advertising to employment – can be lengthy and, in some cases, take 12 months or more. Agencies will be able to provide advice on approximate timeframes when you apply.
To work at the Office of National Intelligence, you must be an Australian citizen and be willing and able to undergo security vetting. You must be able to maintain the highest levels of discretion. But, unlike some other National Intelligence Community agencies, you can tell people you trust about your employment with us.
Australian citizenship
Nearly all National Intelligence Community roles require the holder to be an Australian citizen, which will usually require you to hold Australian citizenship at the time you submit your application. Holding a dual citizenship may not prevent you from applying for a role but it will be reviewed as part of the security vetting process.
Participation in security vetting
Nearly all National Intelligence Community staff must hold a security clearance, although not all staff need to hold the highest level of clearance.
To be considered suitable for a security clearance, your agency will need to establish that you have the highest level of trustworthiness and commitment to Australia, its values and its democratic system of government. The clearance process is a comprehensive assessment and covers all aspects of your life. You will need to provide a significant amount of information during the clearance process, as summarised on our security clearances page. While the process can seem intrusive, it is a fundamental component of the employment process in ensuring we can continue to protect Australia's national interest.