Our client is a critical national‑level intelligence and cyber security organisation within the Australian Government. Their mission is to protect Australia’s interests by delivering foreign signals intelligence, safeguarding government information systems, and supporting national‑level cyber operations. Working here means contributing to complex, meaningful work that directly impacts national security and the safety of all Australians. You’ll join a high‑performance environment that demands integrity, technical excellence, and a commitment to safeguarding Australia’s digital future.
About the Role
As a Lead ICT Security Specialist, you will operate as a senior subject matter expert, exercising a high degree of independence, judgement, and technical authority. In this role, you’ll shape the organisation’s ICT security posture by developing policies, leading complex risk assessments, and guiding the implementation of secure, resilient systems.
You will engage in very complex problem‑solving activities, oversee sensitive or high‑impact security projects, and influence operational and strategic outcomes. You’ll also collaborate closely with technical stakeholders across the organisation, contributing to the evolution of security standards, policies, and best practices.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the development and implementation of ICT security strategies
- Delivering risk assessments, business impact analyses, and system assurance activities
- Analysing and communicating complex security risks
- Guiding and mentoring junior staff and managing workflows
- Responding to security incidents and recommending control improvements
- Shaping security policy, standards, and guidelines through expert advice
The ideal candidate will bring deep technical knowledge, strong leadership qualities, and a proactive, risk‑aware mindset. You will be confident operating at SFIA Level 5 across security operations, information security, and information assurance.
Technical requirements:
- IRAP Assessor certification
- Minimum 3 years’ experience across security architecture, security operations, or cyber risk
- Strong understanding of Essential Eight, ISM & PSPF frameworks
- Experience developing SOPs, policies, and accreditation documentation
- Highly effective communication and stakeholder‑management skills
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Accountability and sound judgement
- Leadership capability and willingness to challenge traditional approaches
- Adaptability and resilience in dynamic environments
- A collaborative mindset and ability to work with geographically dispersed teams
Candidates must also be willing to undergo an Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA) prior to engagement.
Why partner with Whizdom?
We’re Whizdom. We view you as an extension of our strong, dependable brand and have differentiators which really are different! The Whizdom way:
- We pay our contractors same day you submit your timesheet!
- We are Level 3, DISP certified and have signed the Veteran Employment Commitment and been awarded the highest level of compliance to this important initiative, proactively assisting veterans transitioning from the forces to civilian roles. We’ve been lucky enough to win industry awards for our high level of process compliance and are ISO 9001 certified. Our commitment to reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions has been accredited in line with large global organisations.
- We value diversity and welcome applications from Indigenous Australians, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people living with a disability.
Location: The role is based in Canberra ACT.
Contract terms: Until 28th February, 2027, plus 2x 12-month extensions
SFIA level required: The Specified Person will be expected to demonstrate attributes of SFIA Level of Responsibility 5.
Security Requirements: Current Top-Secret Positive Vetting (TSPV) security clearance is strongly preferred, however candidates who have held a TSPV in the previous 12-month period (which has since been downgraded) may be considered. An OSA(Organisational Suitability Assessment) will be required for this position.
How to Apply: Please upload your resume to apply. Please note you will need to complete selection criteria to complete this application process. We will be in touch with instructions for suitably skilled candidates.
Candidates will need to be willing to undergo pre-employment screening checks which may include, ID and work rights, security clearance verification and any other client requested checks.
Applications open until 8am 18 March 2026.
Reach Damien on 0480 002 503 or damienm@whizdom.com.au for any further information.
