Address- Multiple levels APS Level 6,Executive Level 1 , Various
- Flexible (Any Location)
- Ongoing/Non-ongoing, Full Time/Part Time
Who we are
We are Australia’s national Vocational Education and Training (VET) regulator.
What we do
We regulate providers that deliver VET qualifications and courses to students in Australia or offer Australian qualifications internationally, providers that deliver VET courses to overseas students, and certain providers that deliver English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students. We also accredit VET courses to make sure nationally approved standards are met.
Why we do it
We ensure quality VET so that students, industry, governments and the community have confidence in the integrity of national qualifications issues by training providers, and that students are protected from any practices that come at the expense of their ability to gain the required competencies.
ASQA supports and promotes a strong team culture, a safe, healthy and happy workplace and the sharing of knowledge.
Visit our website for more information about ASQA, including our role and how we regulate.
About the Opportunities
Executive Level 1 Senior Legal Officer
We are seeking an EL1 Senior Legal Officer in the General Counsel Team to assist the General Counsel in delivering high quality, high value, timely and solutions focused legal services and independent advice to ASQA.
Some of this role’s key responsibilities include:
- maintaining compliance with the AGLS Statement of expectations;
- providing expert, solution focussed planning and legal services;
- as directed, engaging with and supporting key internal clients to improve and strengthen regulatory policy and decision-making
- advising on the operation of legislation, instruments, guidelines and policies, and assisting in the preparation and drafting of legislative and other instruments,
- where required, assisting in the carriage of matters before external courts and tribunals either personally or as instructing officer.
Skills and experience
To succeed in this role, you will have:
- a demonstrated analytical and conceptual skills including the ability to undertake legal research and provide timely and authoritative advice;
- the knowledge, or the ability to quickly develop knowledge of the Acts and the compliance requirements relevant to the vocational education and training and international student sectors, along with knowledge of the Commonwealth legal framework;
- an understanding of best practice legal services functions and an aptitude to apply resources to effectively and efficiently identify and manage risks proportionately, and make clear, well-reasoned and timely decisions in a fast-paced and changing environment;
- the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders and build trusted relationships;
- a highly developed verbal communication and interpersonal skills, and organisational skills including the ability to meet deadlines and to work under pressure with minimum supervision;
- the capacity to represent ASQA either in person or as an instructing officer at court, in tribunals, and in other legal environments.
APS 6 Review Officer
We are also seeking an APS 6 Review Officer in the Internal Review and Appeals Team who will be a pivotal part of a small cross functional team undertaking statutory reviews of decisions to ensure that ASQA’s decisions support the integrity of the national qualifications issued by training providers and to ensure that all stakeholders can have confidence in the decisions made by ASQA.
Some of this role’s key responsibilities include:
- undertaking assessments and preparation of applications by providers or affected persons, for review of reviewable decisions made under the applicable legislation;
- in conjunction with management, engage with providers to understand the reasons for an application to review a decision, and ensure that the best available evidence is before the review decision maker, and also request and analyse that information or evidence;
- prepare well-reasoned decisions for the internal review applications, including extension of time and stay applications;
- support management to undertake validation activities to check that the assessment tools produce valid, reliable, sufficient, current, and authentic evidence to enable reasonable judgements to be made as to whether the requirements of the applicable standards are met.
Skills and experience
To succeed in this role, you will have:
- an understanding of best practice regulation and the proven ability to efficiently identify and manage risks proportionately, and to make clear, well-reasoned and timely recommendations in a fast-paced and changing environment;
- well-developed analytical skills and judgement to solve problems in a complex regulatory environment;
- the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders and build trusted relationships and partnerships, including on complex or sensitive issues;
- demonstrated experience in providing high quality advice to management and preparing quality written reports, including the ability to communicate findings from an analysis of evidence against legislation;
- the ability to work independently when required, showing confidence, initiative and drive.
Qualifications
Mandatory
- A degree in Laws from an Australian Tertiary Institution or a comparable overseas qualification which is appropriate to the duties of the classification. Mandatory for EL1 General Counsel role.
- Admission as a legal practitioner, however described, of the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory. Mandatory for EL1 General Counsel role.
- Experience in a regulatory environment (or capacity to quickly develop an understanding).
- Legal, auditing, or other qualifications in relevant disciplines are highly desirable.
- Understanding of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia including the regulatory framework (or the capacity to quickly develop such an understanding).
What we offer
You will be joining a dynamic workforce at ASQA that will support you to thrive in your career.
You will have access to:
- generous leave entitlements
- a competitive salary (with clear and transparent salary progression and scheduled salary increases)
- 15.4% superannuation
- flexible working arrangements that promote work-life balance, including working from home and hybrid working arrangements
- flexible working hours
- professional development opportunities
- health and wellbeing events throughout the year
- free and confidential 24/7 counselling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), available for staff and their family members
- a $300 annual healthy lifestyle allowance
- additional paid time off during the Christmas close-down period.
Benefits of working in the APS
- Purpose and meaning: the Australian Public Service (APS) offers a clear purpose and meaningful work where you can make a positive impact in people's lives.
- Opportunities to learn and grow: regardless of where you are in your career or what your skills are, there's a pathway and role for you.
- Community and belonging: we believe everyone belongs. Our leaders are focused on building a workplace which values diverse views, backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives.
- Flexibility and balance: we are committed to offering flexibility for all APS roles. We know flexibility is important so you can balance your work and personal priorities.
- Conditions and lifestyle: be a part of a secure, dynamic public service with great conditions of employment in a diverse range of roles and locations to support your lifestyle.
How to apply
Please include the following in your application:
- a two-page pitch detailing your skills, background, and experience relevant to the role/s you are applying for;
- a resume/CV, including the name and contact details of two referees.
Please ensure you provide specific, relevant examples of your work that will demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
Other Information
These positions are available as ongoing or non-ongoing opportunities. Non-ongoing opportunities will be offered for an initial fixed term period of up to 12 months, with the potential to be extended further or to becoming ongoing.
This selection process may be used to establish a merit pool. The merit pool may be accessed to fill ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies for similar roles within ASQA or across the APS over the next 18 months.
We are committed to providing a working environment that values diversity and inclusion and supports staff to reach their full potential.
We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community, people with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and people with neurological differences.
Find out more
Please review the Candidate Information Pack on our website for more information about the role and the team.
If you have questions about this exciting opportunity, please contact Alicia Le’Roy, Director, Internal Review and Appeals via ************@asqa.gov.au
Eligibility to apply
- Under Section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian Citizens to be employed in the APS unless the Agency delegate has agreed, in writing, to the contrary.
- The successful applicant will be required to undergo pre-employment checks including a Federal Police Check and obtain a minimum Baseline Security Clearance (if they do not already hold a clearance).
Applications close: Monday, 1st July 2024 at 11:30pm (AEST).
Candidate Information Pack - Word Version Opens in new window
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