At a glance
| Classification | IET.0 (APS5 equivalent) – upon commencement IET1.0 (APS6 equivalent) – upon successful program completion |
Exceptional careers for exceptional people
Intelligence professionals play a critical role in delivering accurate, relevant and timely intelligence that supports informed decision making.
The Intelligence Development Program (IDP) provides participants with 12 months of comprehensive training in intelligence assessment, analysis and advice. The IDP is the entry point for those seeking to apply their analytical skills and tradecraft to operational contexts and a career as an intelligence officer.
As an intelligence professional, you will have a diverse and rewarding career, making a difference every day. You will embrace the complexity of the security environment, confront challenges and drive investigative outcomes that contribute to the core of ASIO’s mission. Along with your team, you will use your critical thinking and communication skills to collect and connect the dots – to stop terrorists and catch spies.
In your role at the centre of the intelligence cycle – you will:
- Assess and validate incoming information.
- Direct investigative action to mitigate emerging threats.
- Play a critical role in delivering accurate, relevant, and timely intelligence to support informed decision-making.
Over the 12-month development program you will undertake comprehensive training in intelligence assessment, analysis and advice. Participants will develop the fundamental skills and knowledge required to gain an Intelligence Analyst licence. This is also the entry point for those seeking a career as an Intelligence Officer, an internally selected program offering training in the collection of human intelligence (HUMINT).
As an Intelligence Analyst you will have the opportunity to build a diverse career across a range of specialised analytical areas. You will identify and investigate patterns and anomalies, draw intelligence value from large volumes of information, solve complex problems, developing subject-matter expertise to make intelligence assessments and produce high-quality advice. Intelligence Analysts drive ASIO’s identification and mitigation of national security issues – delivering impactful advice and assessments that inform government, national security partners and industry.
ASIO Intelligence Analysts are proactive team players who work together to drive outcomes. We encourage you to apply if you are curious and creative, have good judgement, are a critical thinker and enjoy working with a dynamic team.
This program is Canberra based only, and applicants must be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance and support is provided to successful candidates.
Opportunities for licenced ASIO Intelligence Analysts
Once you have obtained an Intelligence Analyst licence, there are multiple opportunities to specialise or to further develop your skills. Intelligence professionals in ASIO regularly move positions, meaning you can have a diverse career across the Organisation.
Following 12-months of training, you may be placed in:
- Discovery. Finding the crucial piece of intelligence in a large dataset, discovering the ‘unknown unknowns’.
- Investigations. Taking one piece of security intelligence and finding how it fits into the big picture, to uncover the individuals seeking to harm Australia.
- Strategic analysis. Appling high-level analytical tradecraft to identify early indicators of change in the security environment and generating advice for decision-makers at all levels of Government.
- Targeting analysis. Employing specialised analytical tradecraft to identify, develop, and enhance operational opportunities and outcomes.
- Threat analysis. Using a range of information sources to build thematic expertise and develop an understanding of threats to Australia and Australians.
Intelligence officer
The skills and context you gain as an Intelligence Analyst are crucial to becoming an Intelligence Officer. Before applying to be an Intelligence Officer, all applicants will complete a minimum two-year domestic posting. You will further your skills, gain critical corporate knowledge with on-the-job experience, and develop a deep understanding of the security environment – all of which will help you in the field.
Intelligence Officers meet with members of different communities to help mitigate security threats, while also building ongoing confidential relationships with people to collect information to assist ASIO in its mission. As an Intelligence Officer you will be trained in human intelligence (HUMINT) skills, equipping you to collect privileged information from valued human sources to inform security intelligence requirements.
It takes a team with a mix of skills to collect the dots and connect the dots. No matter what role you are in, you will contribute to our mission and our success. A multitude of careers in ASIO are unlocked via an Intelligence Analyst licence, allowing you to find your fit.
Intelligence officers must be willing to be mobile throughout their career. This means potentially relocating to an Australian capital city every 3 to 5 years.
Find out what it's like to be an intelligence analyst with ASIO and see what skill we are looking for by completing our virtural internship at Prosple.
Eligibility
There are no mandatory qualifications for the Intelligence Development Program.
ASIO has a number of requirements for all prospective employees. We recommend making sure you meet these requirements before you apply.
To find out when recruitment is open, visit our current vacancies page or follow us on Instagram.
You can also find out more about working at ASIO through stories of real ASIO officers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to move to Canberra?
Yes. The majority of the 12-month Intelligence Development Program (IDP) takes place in our headquarters in Canberra.
Upon successful completion of the IDP our intelligence analysts are mainly based in Canberra. Following a period of employment as an intelligence analyst, officers may receive additional training to apply and extend their analytical skills and tradecraft to work in operational roles in ASIO. They participate in 3-to-5 year postings where they may move between analytical and operational roles across a number of geographical locations, including Canberra, across Australia and sometimes even overseas.
We offer relocation assistance if you are required to move interstate.
What if I’m not an Australian citizen right now?
To be eligible you must be an Australian citizen. If you are a dual Australian citizen you remain eligible.
What are you looking for in the ideal candidate?
There is no one ideal candidate. We are however seeking those that want to make a difference, who are naturally curious, enjoy variety and are adaptable. The sort of qualities we are looking for include good judgement, analysis, critical thinking, resilience, communications skills and interpersonal skills.
Do I need a degree?
No, a degree is not required to apply for the IDP.
ASIO is looking for clever, curious people who can think outside the box. We know that people from different backgrounds with varied life experience can bring great value to our work with the Australian community. We are committed to reflecting the community we protect.
Is the IDP just for those under a certain age limit?
No. We welcome applications from eligible candidates who have completed formal tertiary qualifications or are able to demonstrate work/life experience relating to the job specific capabilities. We value life and practical skills and experience as highly as formal qualifications.
Do I need military/police/intelligence experience?
No. There is no ASIO ‘type’. People of all types can, and do, work at ASIO. We will train you to become an ASIO intelligence professional. You just need the right attitude and aptitude to do our work.
Can I tell people where I work?
You should not discuss your application with others. And once you work here, you’ll be required to be discreet throughout your career. It can be challenging at first but it’s something you get used to. We will provide you with support to discuss your employment with your family.
How do I get through the security clearance process?
The most important thing about completing our security clearance process is honesty. We understand that people have led full and interesting lives, and being honest about that is the best approach to take. This enables us to make a risk-based decision on your suitability to work in a Top Secret environment.
Do I need to have, or be in the process of obtaining, a security clearance in order to apply?
No. We will coordinate all security vetting arrangements (at the appropriate time).
Find out more about the security clearance process.