DIGO Intelligence Development Program
The DIGO Intelligence Development Program for the 2010 intake is now closed. Applications for the 2011 Intake will be open on Thursday 11th March 2010 until Sunday 18th April 2010. Applications can be submitted via our online recruitment tool, which will be activated, between these dates.
This page contains further information regarding attendance at university career fairs, the selection process and how to apply.
About the DIGO Intelligence Development Program (DIDP)
DIGO produces Imagery and Geospatial Intelligence in support of the Government and the Australian Defence Force. We offer you the chance to develop or enhance your skills in an imagery, geospatial or scientific role whilst working in a supportive, structured, team-based environment. As an intelligence analyst you will contribute to the Australian national security effort, examining issues of global and regional strategic importance. The work is constantly evolving, offering exciting and unique opportunities. DIGO forms part of the Australian Intelligence Community, which plays a crucial role in informing the Government about developments overseas and in Australia that affect Australia’s national security and international interests.
DIGO is seeking Graduates for the 2011 program, applications will be accepted from Thursday 11 March to Sunday 18 April 2010. Suitable applicants will start the program between November 2010 and February 2011. All positions are located in Canberra with generous relocation assistance available (see Work Conditions).
The DIDP runs for approximately 16 months. This period is carefully managed to introduce participants to the range of analytical areas in DIGO. After an initial period of formal training participants undertake two 6 month work rotations. These rotations consolidate skills, knowledge and liaison networks vital for a successful career within the Intelligence and Security Group and the Department of Defence. Participants are considered to be a part of the program until they complete the two rotations, or until they are promoted to an APS 4 (whichever comes first).
Participants undertake a wide variety of training during the Program including courses to enhance analytical, writing, and personal skills. The crucial one of these is the 16 week Defence Imagery Analysis Course, which specifically targets the intelligence analyst (imagery) stream. Other training programs include basic and advanced geospatial analysis.
Intelligence Analysts (imagery)
Intelligence Analysts (imagery) (IA(i)) study and interpret digital images and photographs collected by satellites and aircraft. Combining imagery analysis skills with in-depth knowledge of foreign political, economic and military issues, IA(i) produce a range of intelligence products and presentations for customers throughout the Australian Government, including the Australian Defence Force. IA(i) study and report on a country or region of the world, or particular thematic or international issue such as terrorism.
Intelligence Analysts (geospatial)
Intelligence Analysts (geospatial) (IA(g)) collect and analyse information about features on the ground, their relationship to the earth and to each other. Using GIS (computers and software specifically designed to utilise this data) you can sort, analyse, draw conclusions and display data in a multitude of ways to produce a variety of products to support DIGO’s customers.
Imagery Scientists
The role of DIGO Imagery Scientists (IS) is to enhance geospatial intelligence capabilities through the planning and conduct of applied research and development into systems and processes used in the exploitation of digital imagery.
IS work closely with analysts to identify systems enhancements and new capabilities. You will build concept demonstrators, develop capability business cases and develop and provide training as new systems and capabilities move into operational use.
IS monitor developments in a range of fields associated with imagery processing, and/or geospatial technologies, identify promising technologies and develop a sound understanding of them in order to evaluate their potential for use within DIGO.
Ideally you would have a degree in the “hard sciences”.
Who We Need
If you are analytical, creative in solving complex problems, able to work individually and in a team, have very good communication skills, and have an interest in current affairs and national security issues, you would enjoy working with us. DIGO is seeking members with at least undergraduate degrees or equivalent training and experience, we generally recruit from the following areas, but are not limited to:
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Testimonials
“I joined DIGO as a graduate in July 2003 through their DIGO Intelligence Development Program with a BA Psychology/International Relations. I had little knowledge of the work of an intelligence analyst but the idea of being part of the community of intelligence organisations, supporting Australia’s national security really appealed to me. The initial training I received on joining DIGO was top class and gave me the skills I needed to analyse imagery and other intelligence using technologically advanced systems. Since my initial training I represented DIGO on an analyst exchange in the UK and have briefed senior people in the intelligence community on my work. These experiences have been great for my professional confidence and credibility, and I really feel like I have made a great contribution to DIGO and to Australia’s defence. DIGO, through the Department of Defence, has also supported my completion of a Master of Arts in Strategy and Policy (Intelligence). Whether it is training or rewarding work, DIGO is a great place for my career.”
- Rose
“As a result of my participation in the DIGO graduate program I have been given extensive professional, training, travel and personal development opportunities that I suspect are not available at many other workplaces. Starting as a graduate gives you a built in support group and a structured career path that makes entry in to the work force enjoyable as well as challenging, and ensures that the important social aspect to work is always present. While the workload as a participating member of DIGO can be extremely high, the opportunities to carry out innovative and rewarding work in a professional atmosphere are outstanding.”
- Stuart
Living in Canberra
With a population of about 325,000 people, Canberra is one of the most convenient and pleasant cities in which to live. Canberra has all the attractions of larger cities – restaurant, cinemas, theatres, shopping centres and sporting facilities, but without the traffic, pollution and safety problems.
Canberra is under an hours flight time to Sydney and Melbourne and is close to both beaches and snowfields. There are spacious parks and lakes that provide great opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation. There is an excellent public transport system, while the roads are first-rate with traffic delays almost non-existent.
For more information on Canberra, check out the following websites:
Work Conditions
DIGO provide you with a competitive salary and excellent working conditions. You will commence as an APS Level 3 with a salary of $55,880. There are generous provisions for superannuation. Further promotion in the Department and the APS is based on merit.
Terms and conditions for ongoing employees in the Department are covered by the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement 2009. The Agreement allows for a range of flexible work conditions and leave provisions including:
- 4 weeks annual leave
- minimum of three weeks personal leave each year for illness and caring purposes
- access to up to 52 weeks maternity leave, including up to 12 weeks paid leave
- flextime and access to other flexible working arrangements
- assistance for further formal study
- Christmas stand down
- paid long service leave
Within DIGO we offer:
- Comprehensive formal and on-the-job training
- A range of development opportunities such as overseas secondments and attendance at national and international conferences
- Commitment to Equity and Diversity
All positions are located within Canberra. The Department offers a generous relocations package, which includes:
- Uplift and removal costs
- Flights/Vehicle costs to Canberra
- 3 weeks accommodation
- Meals and disturbance allowance
How To Apply
Applications are open from Thursday 11 March to Sunday 18 April 2010. Please see University Visits for Career Fairs DIGO will be attending throughout February-April 2010.
Note: Although there are multiple streams available applicants are only required to submit one application and DIGO will discuss their preferred stream, in conjunction with suitable skills, at a later date.
Submitting your application
All applications are required to be lodged online via the online recruitment tool link which will be activated from Thursday 11th March 2010 until Sunday 18th April 2010.
Eligibility
You must have Australian citizenship to work with DIGO, and a verifiable background for the past ten years. You will be employed as a member of the Australian Public Service (APS) on probation (9 mths) and must complete extensive security vetting procedures and an organisational suitability assessment prior to commencement.
General Information
Fit and Proper Person
To be appointed you must show that you are a fit and proper person to be an officer of the APS. The "fit and proper person" assessment involves checking, where appropriate, police records, employment history and employment referees.
Employment of Persons who have taken a Voluntary Redundancy
Persons who have:
- Received a Commonwealth funded redundancy benefit (eg APS, Australian Defence force, Government Business Enterprise); and
- 12 months has not passed since employment ended,
are ineligible to be engaged as an APS employee.
Selection Process
Your application will be subject to rigorous assessment processes. The first stage considers whether your application includes all of the information we require, including information about citizenship, academic results (undergraduate degree), personal details and responses to questions. If you meet these requirements you will then be considered for aptitude testing, assessment centre and interview.
As soon as possible after the closing date, those applicants short listed will be invited to attend aptitude testing at major cities around Australia (see Key Dates). If you are found suitable after that testing, you will be invited to attend one of four assessment centres scheduled, which will include an interview.
Please note: Aptitude testing and assessment centres will only be conducted on the dates provided. DIGO will endeavor to contact applicants as early as possible to notify them if they are required to attend. Interstate applicants will be required to travel to Canberra the afternoon/evening prior to assessment centres. DIGO will arrange transport. Employment with DIGO is subject to satisfying the requirements of an Psychological Assessment (PA), this will involve undergoing psychological testing and interview with a psychologist.
Members found suitable will be required to undergo a Top Secret security clearance. Offers of employment can only be made once a security clearance has been granted. Applicants who accept this offer will then be required to undertake a health assessment. Successful applicants will be expected to commence work by February 2011.
DIDP employees are subject to a probationary period of 9 months.
Organisational Suitability Assessment
Psychological assessments are mandatory for all potential and existing Defence intelligence agency employees/contractors/military personnel as part of the requirement to hold a Top Secret Positive Vetted (TSPV) clearance. The psychological assessment process in the Defence intelligence agencies is called the Organisational Suitability Assessment— the OSA— and involves several stages of assessment.
The first stage consists of two consent forms and a collection of questionnaires. The second stage, is a face-to-face psychological interview with a registered psychologist. You may be asked to participate in another test if further psychological testing is required i.e., written tests or psychological interview.
Before submitting an application you will need to consider your own preparedness for questions that may include the following information: personal relationships, living circumstances, personal values, financial situation, physical and mental health history including substance use, and civil/military record. It is in your best interest to be honest and accurate in disclosing details about yourself. The process is necessarily more intrusive than you will encounter in most other employment applications. If you feel uncomfortable about having to disclose such detail, and about our expectations regarding disclosure, then please think carefully before applying.
Your application and the detail that you subsequently provide will be handled in the strictest confidence. Psychological testing and assessment is conducted by registered psychologists in accordance with relevant legislation board requirements.
A psychological assessment is a mandatory requirement in order to obtain a TSPV security clearance. You must obtain and maintain a TSPV security clearance to work within a Defence intelligence agency.
Feedback
To protect the integrity of the process no feedback is available on the assessment process. The psychologist will provide you with feedback on your questionnaire responses. It is important for security reasons that you do not discuss details of the questionnaires, your responses, or the interview with others.
University Visits
DIGO will be visiting the following universities in 2010: As dates and venues are confirmed this information will be updated.
ACT |
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Tertiary To Work |
Tuesday 30 March 2010 |
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Victoria |
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RMIT University |
Tuesday 9 March 2010 |
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University of Melbourne Monash University |
2010 |
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Monash University |
Thursday 11 March 2010 |
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New South Wales |
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Charles Sturt University |
2010 |
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University of Sydney |
Tuesday 23 March 2010 |
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University of New South Wales |
2010 |
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University of Newcastle |
2010 |
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Queensland |
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Queensland University of Technology |
2010 |
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Griffith University |
Tuesday 30 March 2010 |
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University of Queensland |
20109 |
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South Australia |
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University of Adelaide |
2010 |
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Tasmania |
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University of Tasmania |
Friday 5 March 2010 |
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Key Dates
The timeline for the DIGO Intelligence Development program will include:
March - April 2010 |
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11 March – 18 April 2010 |
Applications accepted |
17 May – 28 May 2010 |
Aptitude Testing - Date TBA
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21 June - 9 July 2010 |
Assessment Centres (including interviews) in Canberra |
July - December 2010 |
Suitable applicants undertake security clearances |
November 2010 -January 2011 |
Offers of employment |
February 2011 |
Program commences in Canberra |
Contact Details
Queries regarding the DIGO Intelligence Development Program can be made to:
Email: PSS.DIGOGradRecruitment@defence.gov.au