Address Group Manager Legal | Disputes & Corporate Law | Security Disputes & Operations Law | Operations Law Maritime
The Security, Disputes and Operational Branch is responsible for delivering high quality in-house legal services to the Department of Home Affairs (including the Australian Border Force. It is responsible for providing legal advice on Portfolio legislation and operational matters, national security as well as prosecutions and enforcement.
The Operations Law Maritime Section sits within the Security, Disputes and Operations Law Branch. The Section is responsible for providing legal advice on operational matters including in relation to Operation Sovereign Borders and fisheries matters, as well as compliance, customs and migration issues in a maritime operational context. The Section also delivers legal training to ABF officers.
Our ideal candidate
We are seeking a suitably qualified, enthusiastic and dedicated lawyer and leader who is excited to join our Legal Group. As a Principal Legal Officer you will lead a specialist team of lawyers in a dynamic environment supporting the operational needs and outcomes of the ABF.
We are seeking someone who has the following knowledge or qualities:
Comprehensive understanding of, or ability to quickly obtain understanding of, the Maritime Powers Act 2013 or Migration Act 1958 and other legislation of general application
Strong legal advice writing and research skills and ability to actively manage and navigate complex legal issues
Detailed understanding of the Department's policy, program and operations and the political environment in which it operates.
The Principal Legal Officer of the Operations Law Maritime Section should be able to:
Effectively manage and lead a team of Legal Officers
Confidently provide and clear legal advice and/or an assessment of legal risk in the planning and conduct of operations, primarily related to the maritime environment
Work closely with a range of different stakeholders, including Maritime Border Command, the Joint Agency Taskforce - Operation Sovereign Borders, Enforcement Command and Intelligence Division to achieve operational outcomes
Deliver legal training to operational areas.
Duties and responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Assistant Secretary and the General Counsel, and as part of the Legal Group leadership team:
Deliver high quality, timely and effective legal service to support the Portfolio's ability to meet its strategic priorities and outcomes in compliance with the law, regulation and statutory framework.
Manage and develop a team of lawyers to deliver timely, quality legal services.
Manage legal matters (including more sensitive and complex matters), in accordance with the Legal Services Directions; including (as appropriate):
Provision of written and oral legal advice on the interpretation of statutes, case law and common law
Provision of legal advice to clients in the development of legislation, including Acts, Regulations and legislative principles
Reviewing of legal documentation, including various instruments, contracts and agreements
Preparation of correspondence and briefing documents for Ministers, the agency Executive and officers
Preparation of policy and procedural documents, briefing materials and reports
Updating clients and relevant stakeholders regularly on the progress of matters and
Briefing and instructing external legal service providers in the conduct of a matter, where required
Ensure that legal matters are accurately recorded within Legal Division IT applications, including matter management and knowledge management systems or processes.
Take an active role in developing the Legal Group and further the Group's contribution to the portfolio, by:
Contributing to the development and execution of the Group's business plan
Monitoring, evaluating and reporting against team and branch outputs and performance; and
Performing an influential role by working across the portfolio, in consultation and collaboration with other business groups.
Additional information
Essential Requirements
A degree in laws of an Australian tertiary institution, or of a comparable international qualification
Admission as a practitioner, however described, of the High Court of Australia, or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory
The ability to obtain and hold an Employee Suitability Clearance (ESC) a minimum Negative Vetting 2 security clearance
Resides in the ACT, or is willing to re-locate to the ACT
Available to be on-call and/or work outside ordinary business hours.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
5 years PAE
Experience providing legal service in an operational environment
Experience in a National Security environment
Experience in leading and managing legal staff and building team capacity.
How to apply
Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 03/03/2024 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEDT – Late applications will not be accepted.
As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit a two-page applicant response document in relation to the advertised role, outlining:
How your skills, knowledge, and experience will be relevant to this role
Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us
Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role
Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 131447 in the document footer.
Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen.
The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 2 (AGSVA) security clearance and an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
Diversity and inclusion
The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply.
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability
Technical assistance
For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance:
Please include any applicable screen captures, a response will be provided during business hours.
Notes
The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position.
The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement.
Candidates should be aware that in roles where vaccination against COVID-19 is required by public health orders/directions or other legislation proof of vaccination will be required. If a candidate is not fully vaccinated or is unwilling to be vaccinated within a reasonable time period, they may not be offered that role.
