What is the role of DIO?
The role of DIO is to provide defence related intelligence assessment, advice and services, primarily to the Minister of Defence and the Defence organisation, and to support the achievement of the defence mission – to ensure the defence of Australia and its interests.
What does DIO specialise in?
DIO is the Australian Government’s source of expertise for matters relating to trends in global security, weapons of mass destruction, military capabilities, defence economics and transnational terrorism.
How is the organisation structured under the Department of Defence?
DIO is one four agencies that make up the Intelligence and Security (I&S) Group in the Department of Defence. The I&S Group is headed by a Deputy Secretary who reports to the Secretary of Defence and Chief of Defence Force. The other agencies that make up the group are the Defence Signals Directorate, Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation and the Defence Security Authority.
Is DIO a spy organisation?
No. DIO is an assessment organisation responsible for the analysis of intelligence only. DIO employees do not engage in covert ‘spy’ activities or collect intelligence of any kind.
Who are DIO’s customers?
DIO customers predominately comprise the Minister for Defence, senior leaders of Australian Government, members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), senior Defence leaders and decision-makers and Defence policy planners.
Why does the ADF need your product?
Intelligence plays a key role in supporting the personnel of the ADF. While on operations the ADF are regularly confronted with hazardous situations, particularly if they enter an unfamiliar environment. DIO’s priority is directed to supporting the ADF to ensure their safety while on deployment.
Why does Australian Government need your product?
The Australian Government requires timely, accurate and concise information in order to make decisions and implement policy. DIO’s role is to ensure that the Australian Government receives the best intelligence assessments based on all the available facts at the time.
Can members of the public request DIO product?
DIO only disseminates its product to its registered customers and does not accept requests for product from members of the public. All product that is available to the public can be located on this website.
Can I request to be briefed by DIO analysts on a particular topic?
Analysts from DIO do not conduct briefs for the general public, special interest groups or the media. However, in the past, analysts have accepted requests for briefings from Defence industry representatives and private firms involved in global security awareness. Requests for briefs are judged on a case by case basis and should be made in writing to the Director, DIO.
I am about to go on holiday to a particular country. What travel advice can DIO provide me on this destination?
DIO does not provide travel advisory information for members of the public, Defence employees or any other Government personnel. All inquiries pertaining to travel should be sought from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website; www.smartraveller.gov.au
How do I go about applying for a position in DIO?
Information on applying for a position in DIO can be found on this website under ‘Careers’.
Do you have to be a specialist to work in DIO?
You do not have to be a specialist to work within our organisation. DIO is a leading intelligence organisation because it targets exceptional individuals during the recruitment process. Staff vacancies are open to people from all disciplines and we employ people who can offer a variety of skills and not just an academic qualification. When we recruit we look for habits of the mind, approach to solving problems and the capacity to think innovatively and form judgments.
Are all positions within DIO analytical positions?
No. There is a wide variety of non-analytical positions that exist within DIO. These positions allow people to develop and utilise skills in all areas of the business function. Both analytical and non-analytical positions are listed in DIO’s current employment opportunities.
Is DIO a military organisation?
DIO is an integrated civilian–military organisation. This means that there are members of the Australian Defence Force and non-military employees of the Department of Defence that work together to deliver DIO intelligence services. This provides opportunities for personnel to work, learn and develop within a diverse employment environment.
Can I tell people that I work in DIO?
Yes. However DIO does suggest that it is in your own interests to be discreet and to limit the number of people who are aware of your employment within DIO, as well as your specific role or function.
What can I tell people about my work?
Due to the nature of the material and the context of work requirements within DIO, employees are required to restrict any work related discussions. This means that DIO employees need to limit their discussions about work with family and are not able to discuss their work or work issues with friends.
Where is DIO located?
DIO is located in the Australian Department of Defence complex in the suburb of Russell in Canberra. Russell is a centrally located suburb within a five minute drive from the centre of Canberra.
What are my Conditions of Service?
Your employment in DIO will be subject to the conditions of service outlined within the Defence Collective Agreement 2006 – 2009.
This current Certified Agreement expires on 30 June 2006. Subsequently, consultation is underway with Defence employees, leaders and staff associations (unions) to develop a successor agreement that supports Defence's and the Government's priorities as well as taking into account the views of staff.
Do I have to be an Australian Citizen to apply for a position within DIO?
To be considered for engagement as either an ongoing or non-ongoing employee, applicants must hold Australian citizenship or be eligible for Australian Citizenship and be actively pursuing citizenship and be eligible for consideration under existing Commonwealth Government Security Guidelines.
In addition to the above, applicants must have at least ten years of checkable background and be willing to undertake an extensive security and background checking process.
Do I require tertiary qualifications?
Not necessarily. Selection for positions in DIO are made on the basis of merit. Merit requires that an assessment be made on the basis of relative suitability of the candidates for the duties, using a competitive selection process. Work qualities that may be taken into account in making an assessment include:
DIO values the contribution of a wide and diverse range of employees that utilise the knowledge, skills and abilities gathered from all areas of training, education and development. Particular emphasis is placed on written and oral communication skills, sound conceptual and analytical skills, and good judgement. An extensive range of training is provided to all staff in organisational specific skills, vocational training and leadership and management skills.
Do I need to speak foreign languages?
No. The ability to speak foreign languages is not essential to your application, but it may be advantageous for work in certain areas of DIO. Training is available to complement or initiate language skills for those interested personnel.
Can I send a resume to express my interest in working in DIO?
No. DIO does not accept unsolicited job applications in any form. If you wish to apply for a position within DIO you need to check DIO’s current employment opportunities and send a personal particulars form, resume and statement of claims against the selection criteria to civilian recruitment by the closing date for applications. The contact details of two referees must be provided as interviews may not be conducted. Applicants must quote the appropriate job reference number (i.e. DIO/XXXX) in their application. Information on these requirements can be sourced from the civilian recruitment website at www.defence.gov.au/dcr/.
Where are DIO’s current employment opportunities located?
DIO advertises its current employment opportunities in the employment section of this website, the Defence Civilian Recruitment website, the Australian Public Service Gazette, National Press and through SEEK. These sites provide useful information about applying for positions within the Australian Public Service and in particular the Department of Defence.
Where can I source further information about a position?
For all current employment opportunities DIO has a listed contact officer. The contact details for this person will be listed at the bottom of the position advertisement. The contact officer will be able to answer questions specific to the advertised position and working within DIO. It is strongly recommended that you contact this person before applying for a position within DIO as they will be able to clarify your understanding of the position and the requirements of working within DIO.
I already have a security clearance for my current job. Will that make the selection process quicker for me?
Not necessarily. Everyone applying for a position within DIO is required to go through the same recruitment process which includes an extensive security clearance process. The time required to complete this process may be reduced if an applicant has held a position requiring a security clearance in the past but this can depend on the type of clearance held, the agency for which the clearance was issued and how recently the clearance was issued or revalidated.
Am I able to have feedback for my unsuccessful application?
Yes. The selection committee can provide feedback on unsuccessful applications on request. This covers the applicant’s performance in applications, interviews, assessment centres or any other assessment techniques used at that stage. Due to security considerations, DIO does not provide feedback on the outcomes of organisational suitability assessments.