Senior Cloud Security Specialist

IP Australia is seeking a senior Cloud Security Specialist – Zscaler SME to provide specialist advisory, architecture, engineering, operational uplift and knowledge transfer services in support of its Zero Trust program. The role will assist IP Australia to mature and optimise the Zscaler environment, strengthen monitoring and observability, improve resilience, and progress Infrastructure as Code and Policy as Code practices. The specialist will work closely with Network, Cloud and Security staff, with a strong focus on mentoring, documentation, shadowing and structured knowledge transfer so APS staff can independently operate, troubleshoot and enhance the platform following the engagement. The engagement is focused on capability uplift and sustainable operations rather than ongoing operational augmentation. This RFQ is closed to invited Suppliers only.  Key duties and responsibilities • Assist with implementation and optimisation of Zscaler Cloud Connector monitoring, alerting and operational dashboards. • Review the current Zero Trust architecture and validate Zscaler configuration, resilience and recovery settings. • Support completion and adoption of Zscaler Policy as Code and Infrastructure as Code to reduce reliance on manual configuration. • Scale out automation and assist APS staff to use an Infrastructure as Code preferred approach wherever practical. • Provide specialist technical leadership and advice across the Zscaler platform and its integration with cloud, network and security services. • Develop and maintain operational runbooks, troubleshooting guides, support procedures and technical documentation. • Improve monitoring, observability, operational maturity and platform resilience. • Deliver structured mentoring, shadowing, hands-on support and formal knowledge transfer for Network, Cloud and Security staff. • Establish a capability uplift plan and measurable exit criteria so APS staff can independently operate, troubleshoot and enhance the platform. • Work collaboratively with stakeholders and identify technical, security, operational and delivery risks. • Ensure at least 30–40% of engagement effort is dedicated to APS staff mentoring, documentation and knowledge transfer. Criteria The buyer has specified that each candidate must provide a response to each criterion. Each response is limited to 3000 characters. Essential criteria Weighting 1. Demonstrated expert experience designing, implementing, administering and optimising enterprise Zscaler solutions, including Cloud Connector and Zero Trust controls. Weighting: 25% 2. Demonstrated experience uplifting Zscaler monitoring, alerting, observability and operational dashboards, including troubleshooting and incident support. Weighting: 20% 3. Demonstrated experience reviewing Zero Trust architecture and validating security configuration, resilience, recovery and operational controls. Weighting: 15% 4. Demonstrated experience implementing Infrastructure as Code and Policy as Code for secure cloud or network platforms, including automation and version-controlled change. Weighting: 15% 5. Demonstrated ability to develop high-quality runbooks, support procedures and technical documentation and to identify and manage technical and delivery risks. Weighting: 10% 6. Highly developed communication and stakeholder skills, with demonstrated experience mentoring technical staff and delivering structured knowledge transfer and capability uplift. Weighting: 15% Desirable criteria Weighting 1. Relevant current Zscaler certifications or equivalent demonstrated specialist capability. Weighting: 35% 2. Experience delivering Zero Trust or Zscaler outcomes in an Australian Government environment. Weighting: 30% 3. Experience integrating Zscaler with AWS, Azure, enterprise networking, security monitoring or SIEM platforms. Weighting: 20% 4. Experience establishing service transition, capability uplift and exit plans that reduce dependence on external specialists. Weighting: 15% Opportunity summary Sellers can submit Up to 1 candidate Number of sellers invited More than 10 Number of candidates submitted Fewer than 10 RFQ closing time 01 Weeks 04 Days 12 Hours Send us feedback About Accessibility Privacy Terms of use Disclaimer and copyright An initiative of the Digital Transformation Agency The Australian Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present. © Commonwealth of Australia