AddressThe VRQA Principal Lawyer is a part of a small Legal Unit and reports directly to the CEO of VRQA. The purpose of this role is to provide legal advice to the VRQA Board, Executive and senior management across all of the VRQA's functional areas.
Principal Lawyer | Legal Unit, Executive Branch
- Ongoing: Full Time – Permanent
- Salary: $130,673 - $174,869
- Flexibility: Hybrid working arrangement
- Work location: 2 Casselden Place , Melbourne.
About the Department
The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society.
About the Division
The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) is a statutory authority within the Department of Education, established under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (ETR Act). The VRQA is dedicated to ensuring quality learning outcomes through effective regulation.
About the Role
The VRQA Principal Lawyer is a part of a small Legal Unit and reports directly to the CEO of VRQA. The purpose of this role is to provide legal advice to the VRQA Board, Executive and senior management across all of the VRQA's functional areas. The Principal Lawyer will undertake legal work on behalf of the VRQA as well as provide high-level legal advice on complex issues in the context of the delivery of regulatory services. This role will also include the following:
- Providing written and verbal advice.
- Briefing external lawyers and Counsel including in relation to matters that may be before VCAT.
- Reviewing and drafting guidelines, policies and procedures.
- Preparing board and sub-committee papers and attending board and sub-committee meetings.
- Building and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders including other State and Territory regulators and departments and non-government stakeholder groups.
- In-house training of staff.
- Reviewing and advising on contracts.
- Providing advice in relation to governance and not-for-profit status of providers.
Capabilities
The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in legal theory and practice relevant to VRQA functions, with government and corporate governance experience highly valued. They must excel in stakeholder management, finding innovative solutions and building beneficial partnerships through understanding stakeholders' needs and organizational contexts. Superior written communication skills are essential for preparing clear and concise briefs, reports, and other documents. The role requires environmental scanning abilities to gather and analyze information, as well as organizational awareness to understand internal pressures. Commercial skills are crucial, focusing on efficient business returns and cost-benefit analysis. The candidate must demonstrate resource management proficiency, including budget management and risk planning, along with specialist procurement expertise to ensure accountable purchasing processes. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong conceptual and analytical abilities are also key attributes for success in this role.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Essential - Bachelor of Laws degree
- Essential - Accreditation: Admitted to practice in Victoria
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Antoinette Triandos - Managing Principal Lawyervia 03 7022 5***
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on 09/07/2024
