Senior Legal Officer

Company description:

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. For more information about the Department of Education, please visit http://www.dec.nsw.gov.au/

Job description:

(Early Childhood Outcomes) (Project)

At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners - from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.

• Play an important role in the future of public education in NSW
• Temporary full-time employment opportunity up to 30 months.
• Based in Parramatta CBD with flexible working arrangements.
• Remuneration of $134,483 to $146,966 plus super & leave loading

About the Role
Legal Services assists schools and support services to navigate the range of legal issues that arise in delivering public education in NSW. Students are at the centre of what we do. We work collaboratively across the department to provide advice, conduct proceedings and partner with stakeholders to deliver critical projects.

The Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) Division leads the delivery of the Early Childhood Education and Care reform program, including comprehensive investments in the critical first 5 years of life for every child - in child development and in early education and care, making investments that support families and the community now, as well as investing in long term reforms for the future. Key initiatives will include supporting families with young children to access the services they need to support their own prosperity and well-being; valuing and growing the early childhood education and care sector and investing in early childhood teachers and educators.

Through the provision of strategic legal advice and services the ECO Legal Services team supports the ECO Division to deliver the Early Childhood Education and Care reform program which contributes to organisational objectives and Government commitments.

As a Senior Legal Officer in the ECO Legal Services team, you will have the opportunity to contribute through the provision of strategic and solutions-focused legal advice and services.

In addition to being subject matter experts, Senior Legal Officers are relied upon to mentor and develop junior staff and assist in the management of the daily activities of the team whilst managing a challenging and interesting workload.

For further information please click here to view the role description

About You
You will have a passion for the law, enthusiasm for public education and a talent for managing people. Your effective communication skills, sound judgment and commitment to client service will see you succeed in the role.

You will have substantial experience in one or more of the following areas of law:

• Public and administrative law
• Early childhood legislation
• Government in-house
• Legal policy and the parliamentary processes
• Complex and strategic legislative and regulatory proposals

To be successful in this role you are a professional who:

• Can provide timely and strategic legal advice for complex and sensitive issues affecting the ECO Division
• Has contemporary experience and solid commercial acumen in dealing with complex work
• Ideally has knowledge of Government procurement frameworks and the NSW Grants Administration Guide, however experience working within the government sector is not essential
• Has the ability to communicate and can influence effectively
• Is passionate, enthusiastic, analytical, and energetic to thrive in an agile and adaptive environment
• Demonstrates an understanding of, and commitment to, the values of public education

Key knowledge and experience

• Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department's Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department's Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

• Knowledge and experience in the relevant area/s of law impacting on the NSW Department of Education.
• Experience as a solicitor/advocate.

Essential Requirements

• Legal qualifications and a current unrestricted NSW legal practising certificate (or eligibility for one)
• Working with Children Check clearance for paid employment or ability to apply for clearance as this is a child-related role.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the values of public education.

Benefits
With nearly 100,000 people working all over NSW, the Department of Education isn't like any other workplace. You can customise your career track and experience benefits including:

• the opportunity to make a real difference directly supporting schools to shape the leaders of tomorrow through early childhood education, our public schools and vocational education, doing important work in a varied, rewarding career in which you can make the most of your legal expertise across a variety of disciplines
• career satisfaction in doing important work in a varied legal practice that enables you to demonstrate your legal expertise across a variety of disciplines
• flexible working conditions, with a 35-hour week and generous leave entitlements that give you unrivalled work-life balance.
• a dynamic workplace in an organisation committed to diversity and inclusion
• opportunities for advancement beyond the initial job description, with scope to move sideways as well as up and receive the professional support you need to discover new talents and interests

How to apply
Attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role.

Please refer to the Applicant's Guide to Applying to assist you with your application.

Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.

This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the website for more information.

Closing date: 5 July 2024 at 11:59pm

Contact: For role enquiries please contact Simone Bush, Principal Legal Officer, Early Childhood Outcomes at ************@det.nsw.edu.au

We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team (*****@det.nsw.edu.au) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion."

A talent pool may be created through this recruitment process. A talent pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.