Legal Research Officer

Position Overview

The Legal Research Officer reports to the Manager, Legal and Compliance and supports the Director, Legal and Compliance and other team members in providing assistance to, and undertaking tasks on behalf of, the President, members of the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT) and the Registrar in the discharge of their functions and powers under the Native Title Act. The Legal Research Officer will be appointed a delegate in order to make registration decisions at the less complex end of the registration tasks. They will also provide legal assistance and research to their Manager or at the direction of their Manager.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Consider and make decisions in relation to applications to register body corporate and area agreements ILUAs, depending on experience. 
• Manage non-claimant native title determination applications including administrative processing, stakeholder communication and notification.
• Provide assistance in response to ad hoc requests as part of the NNTT’s assistance functions.
• Support the Manager, Legal & Compliance team in the administration and performance of the NNTT and Registrar statutory functions. 
• Develop and maintain a sound understanding of relevant Commonwealth and State legislation and the NNTT’s statutory obligations under the Native Title Act 1993. 
• Apply approved records and information management practices in compliance with the NNTT Records and Information Management Policy and Procedures. 
• Exercise delegations within scope of delegated authority. 
• Provide high level analysis and written products in support of the President, Members, and the Registrar.
• Work with a high level of independence, setting priorities, displaying initiative, and managing competing workloads to ensure quality and timely outputs. 
• Work as an effective team member and mentor any direct reports or junior team members, promoting team cohesion, staff development and innovation. 
• Identify areas for improvement and provide effective solutions. 
• Build and maintain productive relationships with relevant stakeholders, including prescribed bodies corporate. 
• Engage with external clients and stakeholders using clear communication and projecting a positive image for the NNTT. 
• Perform other duties as reasonably required and directed by the Manager, Legal & Compliance team. 

Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
2. Demonstrate an ability to communicate sensitively with and demonstrate cultural understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
3. Possess the ability to interpret and apply the provisions of the Native Title Act and relevant regulations, or ability to acquire such knowledge.
4. Demonstrate the ability to identify opportunities, problems, and options for their resolution.
5. Possess a high attention to detail and well-developed administrative and organisational skills to be able to meet tight deadlines and achieve results by setting priorities and managing competing workloads. 
6. Demonstrate an ability to work independently and as part of a team to contribute to and facilitate the delivery of quality and timely services.
7. Possess well-developed interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive and productive relationships.
8. Possess an ability to use clear and positive communication to present information in a clear, concise, and articulate manner.
9. Display a high standard of compliance with organisational practices and procedures.

Other Requirements

• Legal qualifications (or at an advanced stage of obtaining them);
• Experience in administrative decision-making or Legal Research; or
• Experience working in the native title sector or with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Contact Officer

For more information, please contact Max Comp at ********@nntt.gov.au.

Eligibility 

To be eligible for employment with the Federal Court of Australia, you must be an Australian Citizen and will be required to provide proof of citizenship if you are the successful applicant.

Applicants offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a police record check and must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information.

Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period

This vacancy is advertised as an ‘identified position’ which means candidates are required to have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and proven culturally appropriate engagement and communication skills. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.