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Principal Legal Officer, Commercial Law

Job Req ID

Home Affairs - 140343

 

Location

ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA 

 

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

 

Classification

Principal Legal Officer - $157,938.00 and $177,318.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

 

Contact Officer

Bronwyn Fagan on 02 62644503 or bronwyn.fagan@homeaffairs.gov.au  

 

Office Arrangements

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

Applications close on 4/12/2025 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

This process is being used to fill 2 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 | Commercial Employment & Info Law | Commercial Law

 

The Commercial Law Section is a diverse commercial practice with four Principal Legal Officers (PLOs). The work covers property law, leasing, major procurements, intellectual property, probity, funding and grant arrangements. It is a collegiate team, where lawyers work collaboratively to provide pragmatic and concise advice to client areas to effectively manage legal risk on behalf of the Department. The team gets to work on some of the largest and most interesting procurements and contracts in the Commonwealth. We sit within the Commercial, Employment and Information Law Branch in Legal Group.

 

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

 

Our ideal candidate

 

It is highly desirable for the successful applicant to have:

  • Specialised knowledge and experience in commercial law advisory work, preferably including experience in government procurement and contracting, grants and property.
  • High-quality management and leadership skills to provide effective management and development of senior legal officers and legal officers.
  • Strong technical legal advice writing, second counselling and research skills.
  • Sophisticated relationship management, communication and negotiation skills to develop productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and provide excellent client service.
  • Ability to work under pressure and be agile, flexible and responsive to managing competing priorities and tight timeframes.

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

Commercial PLOs are subject matter experts, so as well as supervising and second counselling lawyers in their team, they will personally take carriage of matters of a more technical or sensitive level. They ensure tasks are finalised and know how to drive issues forward. PLOs are capable of navigating complexity through effective stakeholder engagement, clear communication and subject matter knowledge. They exercise a pragmatic approach to problem solving and provide exceptional customer service for their clients.

PLOs are responsible for leading a team. They know how to develop staff, set goals and drive performance through effective performance management. They will appropriately delegate work and measure performance. In this role you will work collaboratively with the three other PLOs in Commercial Law, in managing workflow, reporting, and hosting and contributing to team and Branch meetings. You will also work closely with SES in ensuring appropriate briefing and escalation, and that you and your team are supported.

 

Additional information

 

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 qualification experience

 

How to apply

 

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 4/12/2025 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 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 – 140343 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:

 

 

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

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