Legal Officer - Legal Unit, Native Title Claims Team

The North Queensland Land Council (NQLC) is the recognised Native Title Representative Body for its region, representing approximately 38,000 First Nations constituents. NQLC’s region covers approximately 943,300 km2 of lands and waters and is appointed by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) to assist Aboriginal people with all aspects of their Native Title Claims.

The Legal Unit, as part of the Claims Team along with the Anthropology Unit, performs functions under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), particularly related to the preparation and prosecution of Native Title determination applications (Native Title Claims).

As a Legal Officer, you will be part of a multi-disciplinary team ensuring the strong performance of NQLC’s statutory functions as a Native Title Representative Body under the Native Title Act 1993. Your role will involve providing legal advice to Native Title parties and holders and the NQLC, as directed, and sharing information in relation to Native Title Claims or Native Title compensation applications with other relevant parties.

This position is within the Legal Unit, which is part of the Claims Team consisting of Lawyers and Anthropologists. The Legal Officer will report directly to the Principal Legal Officer.

Applicants must be achievement-oriented, possess strong written and verbal communication skills, be flexible and adaptable, and have the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines. Two to five years of post-admission experience is required. Experience as a Native Title lawyer will be viewed favourably but is not essential.

Applicants should demonstrate sensitivity and understanding of current Indigenous issues and aspirations and effectively communicate with First Nations Australians. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons are particularly encouraged to apply.

A Position Description, including Selection Criteria for this position, can be downloaded from our website: https://nqlc.com.au/careers/legal-officer-claims-team/. All applicants must address the Selection Criteria in their application and provide a current CV and two current referees. Applications should be marked ‘Confidential’ and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer at *********@nqlc.com.au.