Project Management Graduate Program null

The Organisation

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) protects Australia and Australians from threats to their security. In a complex, challenging and changing security environment, our success is built on the imagination and intelligence of our team. ASIO’s people are ordinary Australians but they do extraordinary things – they are our most important asset. To be successful in our mission, we need talented people who are highly capable, dedicated, adaptable and resilient.

We seek to reflect the diversity of 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 secretive about what we do, not what we value. Find out more about ASIOs commitment to diversity and inclusion on our website.

The opportunity

Are you seeking a career at an intelligence agency where you can contribute and make a difference to the security of Australia? Do you have an interest in coordinating the delivery and implementation of emerging, cutting edge technologies and capabilities?

ASIO’s Project Management Graduate Program is a dynamic 12-month program, commencing early 2026. We are seeking university students who will have completed their degree before the intake commences, or graduates from the past 3 years, who are looking for a meaningful career in Project Management. Fields of study we are looking for include, but are not limited to:

• Project Management.
• Technology.
• Business.

As a graduate, you will complete specialised internal training in project management as well as receiving on-the-job mentoring in capability management, ICT project delivery, practices and policies. The program will showcase the breadth of work that ASIO undertakes and set you on a pathway for a career with purpose.

On successful completion of the program, you will be promoted to the ASIO Employee Level 5 (APS5 equivalent). 

During the 12-month graduate program, you will:

• Undertake multiple placements across the Technology and Data Division, giving you opportunities to develop professional networks across multiple business areas, whilst delivering a wide range of capabilities across multiple domains.
• Be supported throughout the program by a dedicated mentor and have access to a range of organisational support mechanisms.
• Develop and refine your project management skills by:
  • Assisting in planning, and implementing the delivery of critical projects;
  • Working on projects at all stages of the project lifecycle, including; inception, planning, delivery and closure;
• Ensuring your project remains relevant in a technology rich environment;
• Communicating effectively in a fast-paced and exciting environment; and 
• Competently using numerous ASIO information systems to deliver the required organisational outcomes.

Role responsibilities 

As a Project Management Graduate, you will:

• Support ASIO’s professional Project Managers to deliver state-of-the-art technology projects;
• Assist in providing up-to-date project status to stakeholders, users and ASIO executives;
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders and other project professionals to identify and document stakeholder needs and requirements, and contribute to the development of capability requirements;
• Contribute to the identification, assessment and project risk management activities to enable project success;
• Contribute to tracking project finances, including preparing documentation, and seeking approval to spend Commonwealth funds;
• Utilise ICT systems to create, organise, assess, store and share critical project and technology information;
• Contribute to monitoring document security and assess risks to information security;
• Assist with the planning of project activities, establishing task plans, identifying work breakdown, including updating project schedules and key project documentation; and
• Build and sustain effective relationships with teams across diverse work domains such as IT, security, operations, finance, HR and facilities management.

What you will bring

We invite applications from people with the following attributes:

• An interest in further developing your project management skills and starting a career as a project management professional;
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills;
• A willingness to learn and assist others;
• Enthusiasm and willingness to work collaboratively;
• Strong communication and organisational skills; and 
• Personal qualities that exemplify ASIO’s values and expected behaviors.

 What we offer you 

ASIO provides a number of benefits to its staff including:

• Significant training and development opportunities.
• 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 to ensure your work-life balance.
• Flexible working arrangements to assist you to maintain your work-life balance.

        Please note: 

• Due to our unique working environment, work from home options are generally not available.
• During the Graduate Program, part-time working arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis and may require extension of the program in order to be accommodated.
• Study assistance, including financial support and study leave for tertiary education.
• Access to 7 staff-led diversity and inclusion networks.
• Tailored mentoring opportunities.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Eligibility 

To be eligible for the role, you must be: 

• An Australian citizen.
• Have completed your degree before the program commences, or graduated in the past 3 years.
• Assessed as suitable to hold and maintain a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance.

Reasonable adjustments

ASIO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for candidates to participate within all stages of the selection process. These opportunities may include reasonable adjustment to assessment methodologies to enable full participation. 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. 

Location

The Project Management Graduate Program is Canberra-based and applicants must be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is provided to successful candidates. 

How to apply

Click on ‘Apply online’ to commence your application. Your application must be complete and include the following:

• A written pitch, addressing the following questions (no more than 500 words):
  • Why are you applying for the Project Management Graduate Program?
  • What skills, knowledge and experience will you bring to the Organisation?
  • Why have you chosen a career in ASIO?
• A current CV, no more than 2 pages in length, outlining your employment history including dates, a brief description of your role, as well as any academic qualifications or relevant training you may have undertaken.
• A copy of your academic transcript.
• Details of 2 referees, which must include a current or previous manager.

*Your written pitch should reference ASIO’s People Capability Framework and with consideration of the role description and classification level you are applying for.

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.

Closing date and time

Monday 7 April 2025 at 5:00 pm AEDT

No extensions will be granted and late applications will not be accepted. 

The Recruitment Selection Process – what to expect

We thank all applicants for their interest in applying for the Project Management Graduate Program. Please be advised that 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. The stages themselves may include; application submission, eligibility checks, online testing, skills-based assessment and panel discussion.

ASIO holds all employment applications in the strictest of confidence. It is essential that you do the same. Please do not discuss your application with others as doing so may adversely affect your potential employment.

We ask all applicants for their patience throughout the process. Once complete, we will notify unsuccessful candidates but will not provide feedback on any aspect of the selection process.

The Recruitment Selection Process – Timeframes

As we are recruiting for early 2026 intakes, candidates can expect the following approximate timeframes for the recruitment selection process:

• Program advertised – from December 2024 to April 2025.
• Assessment Centers – May to June 2025.
• Notification to candidates – June to August 2025.
• Program commences – early 2026.

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. We recognise entitlements accrued under the Public Service Act 1999 and provide for continuation of superannuation under the Commonwealth schemes. Salary packaging arrangements are also available.

Enquiries

If you require further information after reading the selection documentation, please contact ASIO Recruitment at careers@asio.gov.au or phone 02 6263 7888.

More information

For more information about ASIO, please visit: www.asio.gov.au.