Apply now »

Principal Legal Officer - Operations Law (Maritime)

Job Req ID

Home Affairs - 138550

 

Location

ACT 

 

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

Kerrie Cowan on 02 6264 2252 or kerrie.cowan@homeaffairs.gov.au  

 

Office Arrangements

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

Applications close on 17/07/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

This process is being used to fill 1 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)

 

The Security, Disputes and Operations Law Branch is responsible for delivering high quality in-house legal services to the Department of Home Affairs, including the Australian Border Force (ABF). 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.

 

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

 

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, or ability to quickly obtain 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 other ABF teams to achieve operational outcomes
  • Deliver legal training to operational areas.

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

As a PLO in Operations Law (Maritime) you will, under the supervision of the Assistant Secretary, and as part of the Legal Group Executive Level 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 legal documentation, including various instruments, and agreements
    • Preparing correspondence and briefing documents for Ministers, the Agency Executive and officers
    • Preparing policy and procedural documents, briefing materials and reports
    • Updating clients and relevant stakeholders regularly on the progress of matters
    • Briefing and instructing external legal service providers in the conduct of a matter, where required
  • Ensure that legal matters are accurately recorded within Legal Group IT applications, including matter management and knowledge management systems or processes
  • Take an active role in developing and furthering 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
    • Performing an influential role by working across the portfolio, in consultation and collaboration with other business groups.

 

Additional information

 

Essential Qualifications:

 

  • 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) and Negative Vetting 2 AGSVA 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 post admission experience
  • 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 17/07/2025 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-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


Please ensure you read the instructions carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.

 

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 138550 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:
 

  • 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

 

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.

Apply now »