Principal Legal Officer - Refugee and International Law Section - April 2024

Group Manager Legal | Migration & Citizenship Law | Refugee & International Law

The Legal Group is responsible for delivering high quality in-house legal services to the Department of Home Affairs, and providing strategic legal advice and support to its Executive and Ministers.

The Group is comprised of six branches which actively manage legal risk for a variety of public sector issues. The work of the Group is diverse, and covers issues including national security law, commercial law, employment law, migration law, customs law and practice management.

The Migration and Citizenship Law Branch provides specialist legal advice and support to manage legal risk within the Department. Legal advice is given specifically on areas relating to refugee, migration, citizenship, administrative and International Law.

Within the Branch, the Refugee & International Law Section (RILS) provides legal advice, assistance, and support to all areas of the Department in relation to Refugee and International Law issues, including our obligations under various human rights treaties. RILS provides assistance in the legislative process, in particular assisting policy areas draft Statements of Compatibility with Human Rights.

We also provide assistance in responses to various parliamentary and external committees and inquiries. Finally, the team provides subject matter expert training in subject areas including but not limited to protection visa decision-making, refugee law, complementary protection, human rights, and International Law.

Our ideal candidate

• Comprehensive understanding of, or ability to quickly obtain understanding of, relevant portfolio legislation and other legislation of general application
• Comprehensive understanding of, or ability to quickly obtain understanding of, relevant international legal instruments, norms, principles, and processes
• Strong legal advice writing and research skills
• Detailed understanding of the Department's policy, program and operations and the political environment in which it operates
• Ability to actively manage and navigate complex legal issues
• Experience developing and delivering training will be positively considered.

Duties and responsibilities

• Managing a team of high-performing lawyers to produce strategically-informed and considered work, often within tight timeframes
• Be able to work under pressure and be agile, flexible and responsive in managing competing priorities and tight timeframes
• Providing legal advice as relevant to the position. The advice may be on high profile, complex, technical or sensitive issues and focuses on delivering accurate legal analysis, options and recommendations. It also requires strategic management and assessment of legal risks
• Providing and managing legal services in accordance with the Legal Services Directions 2017
• Maintaining detailed knowledge of specific legislation, international instruments and agreements, case law, directions, instruments, principles and issues of relevance to the Department and the broader Australian government
• Liaising with, and actively developing and maintaining working relationships across the Legal Group, the wider Department and with external stakeholders, including the Office of International Law (Attorney General's Department) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Representing the Department's interests and positions during liaison and negotiation with external stakeholders
• Creating complete and accurate records in accordance with the Department's Recordkeeping Policy
• Providing legal clearance, mentoring and professional support to other legal professionals

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 13/05/2024 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEST  – Late applications will not be accepted.

As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit a one-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 – 132278 in the document footer.

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.

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.