Senior Legal Officer

Job Req ID

Home Affairs - 137024

Location

NT; ACT; QLD; WA 

 Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

Classification

Senior Legal Officer - $122,140.00 and $146,225.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Contact Officer

Andrea Carroll on 0482 110 526 or andrea.m.carroll@homeaffairs.gov.au  

Office Arrangements

Flexible; Hybrid  - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.
 

Applications close on 11/05/2025 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill 10 immediate position/s. 

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA.
 

About our team

Group Manager Legal | Group Manager Legal | Security Disputes & Operations Law | Operations Law (Maritime) and Operations Law

The Security, Disputes and Operations Law Branch (SDOL Branch) is responsible for providing specialist legal advice and support to enable the Department and Australian Border Force (ABF) to manage legal risk for compliance, customs, security, intelligence, enforcement activities, along with related strategic and policy initiatives.

The Operations Law (Maritime) Section sits within the SDOL Branch and is responsible for providing legal advice on operational matters including 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.

The Operations Law Section also sits within the SDOL Branch and is responsible for providing legal advice and support on operational matters including exercise of powers under customs and migration legislation, aviation and maritime security legislation, intelligence gathering and advice on information use and disclosure in an operational context. The Section also delivers legal training to the ABF and wider Department.

The Sections work closely together, along with on a wide range of tasks. To optimise the provision of operational support, Legal Officers in the Operations Law Sections are generally co-located with internal clients, including at Departmental offices in Canberra and in relevant regional precincts.

Reporting to the Principal Legal Officer of respective Sections, you may be responsible for managing Legal Officers. The work is challenging, complex and varied. The teams often work within short time frames, ensuring Departmental outcomes are achieved.

Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force

Our ideal candidate

• Comprehensive understanding of, or ability to quickly obtain understanding of relevant portfolio legislation and other legislation of general application
• Strong technical skills including in legal advice, writing, and legal research
• Detailed understanding of the Department's policy, program, operations, and the political environment in which it operates
• Ability to actively manage and navigate complex legal issues
• Provide a mentoring role to junior legal officers.

Duties and responsibilities

• Provide high quality and timely legal advice to the Department on complex and sensitive matters
• Deliver legal training to clients around Australia to ensure understanding of our domestic and international legal frameworks relevant to their operational environment
• Foster and maintain progressive relationships with seniors, partners and internal teams to be influential in our communications
• Navigate complex relationships with tact and finesse. This includes supervising, mentoring and coaching junior lawyers
• Work across multiple projects, deadlines and clients/stakeholders
• Liaison with internal stakeholders across the Department's Legal Group; the wider Department, and with external stakeholders; including Portfolio Agencies
• Use superior written and verbal communication skills to deliver frank and fearless advice in an influential way
• Identify and manage legal risk to the Department and the Commonwealth in the context of your role.

Additional information

Benefits of the job:

• Make an impact: Your work will directly influence the success of our mission through strong relationships
• Growth opportunities: This is a high-visibility role with plenty of room to grow and shine
• Deepen your expertise: You will have the opportunity to engage with the Senior Leadership Team, with access to real-time guidance, feedback and insights
• Awesome team: You'll be surrounded by passionate, talented people who love what they do.

Essential Qualifications

• A degree in law from an Australian university, or a comparable overseas degree which is recognised in Australia for admission to practice
• Practising Certificate or eligibility to attain one
• At least three years' post admission experience.

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 11/05/2025 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 to 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 – 137024 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 1 (AGSVA) security clearance, and:
 

• ABF Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
• Home Affairs Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Onboarding Check.
   

In certain circumstances, an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) may be required in addition to, or in lieu of, an Onboarding Check, which will be determined by the delegate as necessary.  

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:

• Email: recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au
• Phone: 1300 793 883 (within Australia) or +61 2 6196 0444 (outside of Australia)

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 Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Value Proposition (EVP) highlights the top reasons our employees enjoy working in the APS.

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.

Information about employment and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department’s website at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/careers

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.