Security Investigator — Canberra

Position grade: LE-8 (Starting salary A$67,044/US$37,828)

Duties and Responsibilities

Basic Function of the Position

Under the direction of the Regional Security Office in Canberra and the day-to-day supervision of the Senior Local Security Investigator (FSNI) in Canberra, the incumbent will perform personal security and suitability for all new hire employees, five year recertification investigations and special and complex investigations into issues like waste, fraud and abuse and other investigations as directed by the Regional Security Officer. Incumbent assists the RSO in maintaining and developing liaison with police and other host country security officials. Incumbent monitors the local security situation and reports on issues like crime, protests and other factors affecting the day-to-day security of the Embassy and its staff. Incumbent conducts counter intelligence and security awareness briefings for all current and new employees.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

INVESTIGATIONS: 50% of the time

1. Performs a full range of personal background investigations relating to the determination of suitability for employment of locally engaged staff job applicants. Conducts investigations to verify educational qualifications, previous employment claims, and references, allegations involving character and suitability of applicants for employment with the US Mission and associated US Government agencies. Investigations involve planning, fact finding, evaluating and writing the report that will be the basis for the determination of suitability for employment by the Regional Security Office.
2. Conducts investigations pertaining to suspected fraudulent actions committed in the process of obtaining United States visas and passports.
3. Investigates threats, security incidents, and/or crimes committed against the Embassy or its employees in conjunction with and at the discretion of the Regional Security Officer.
4. As assigned by the Regional Security Officer, conducts detailed investigations including but not limited to: theft of USG property, allegations of malfeasance and other irregularities against the interests of the US Government. A the direction of the RSO assists with special investigative tasks received from other US law enforcement agencies, other Regional Security Offices at other posts, and host country law enforcement and security agencies.

LES RE-CERTIFICATION PROGRAM: 20% of the time

Manages the LES re-certification program. Must maintain up-to-date security personnel files for all locally engaged staff, contract employees and ORE staff. Must communicate the status of the five year updates to Embassy Human Resources Office and the Regional Security Office. Conduct periodic refresher security and counter-intelligence briefings as directed by the Regional Security Officer or as otherwise required.

HOST GOVERNMENT LIAISON: 20% of the time

Develops and maintains contacts with the Australian law enforcement and security agencies in Canberra and country-wide, serving as the intermediary between these agencies and the Embassy Regional Security Office. Advises the RSO on any hierarchical changes in the National Police and ensures courtesy visits are conducted with the RSO. Also advises the RSO on local police, court and investigative procedures.

VIP PROTECTION: 5% of the time

Assist as required the coordination of security for mission-wide VIP visitors to include the President of the United States, Vice President of the United States, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense and other cabinet and congressional delegations.

OTHER DUTIES: 5% of the time

1. Assist the Regional Security Office with Emergency Preparedness, to include the Embassy cascade phone notification system, Chemical Biological Incidents and other emergency responses.
2. Advises RSO on pertinent issues derived from media sources to include local papers, internet, and Government of Australia home pages.
3. Act as the Senior Local Investigator in his absence.
4. Provide 24-hour on call support to the Regional Security Office.
5. In the absence of the Residential Security Coordinator will conduct residential security surveys; make recommendations for security upgrades and liaise with GSO for the upgraded work needed.
6. Acts as a point of contact for the local guard force in dealing with minor problems; liaises with local guard manager to effect the protection of the US Mission facilities.

Selection Criteria

All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.

1. Completion of secondary school (Year 12) is required.
2. Ten years professional experience in investigative law enforcement and/or intelligence/analytical work for Australian police, military, intelligence and/or government, judicial/legal entities, including three years experience in oversight or supervision of staff, is required.
3. Level 4 (Fluent) written and spoken English is required. This will be tested.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of Australian laws, rules, regulations and how they pertain to law enforcement matters is required.
5. Current and valid Australian Driver’s license is required.
6. Demonstrated ability to conduct a broad range of investigations, analyze information, report on facts and draw conclusions is required.

NOTE: ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS WITH 12 MONTHS VALIDITY TO BE ELGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.

Selection Process

When fully qualified, US Citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs) and US Veterans are given preference. Therefore, it is essential that the candidate specifically address the required qualifications above in the application.

Additional Selection Criteria

1. Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy.
2. Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.
3. Current Ordinarily Resident employees with an Overall Summary Rating of Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory on their most recent Employee Performance Report are not eligible to apply.
4. Currently employed US Citizen EFMs who hold a Family Member Appointment (FMA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment.
5. Currently employed NORs hired under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment unless currently hired into a position with a When Actually Employed (WAE) work schedule.
6. The candidate must be able to obtain and hold a Sensitive But Unclassified security clearance.

To Apply

Interested applicants for this position must submit the following or the application will not be considered:

1. Application for US Federal Employment (SF-171 or OF-612); or a current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information as an OF-612;

plus

2. Candidates who claim US Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application.
3. Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.

Submit Application To

Regional Human Resources Office
American Embassy
Moonah Place
YARRALUMLA ACT 2600

The deadline for applications is 17 June 2009

The U.S. Mission in Australia provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

U.S. Mission Australia maintains a drug-free work environment.

Last update: Wednesday, 22 July 2009 GMT+1000