About the Role

Under the direction of the General Counsel the Legal and Policy Officer will:

• Develop and contribute legal advice and policy, particularly with respect to Treaty, and all legislation impacting upon Victorian Traditional Owners, including the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic), and the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).
• Liaise directly with Traditional Owners, government and other stakeholders to identify opportunities and to support the development of policy objectives.
• Lead stakeholder negotiations with the Victorian Treaty Advancement Commission, Victorian State Government and the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria, as required and appropriate
• Provide specialist research, analysis and advice in relation to legal interests and legislative reform more generally, and undertake preparation of legal and policy submissions and other documentation and advice as required.
• Provide commercial and corporate legal advice to the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations, and Traditional Owner Corporations, including, contracts, governance arrangements, agreement-making and negotiations.
• Assist other staff in the provision of support to our Traditional Owner clients in areas including but not limited to natural resource management, economic development, corporate governance, strategic and whole of country planning, and media and communication.
• Provide specialist advice on policy issues to the CEO and General Counsel
• Other duties as directed by the CEO and General Counsel

Benefits and Perks

This position is a 12 month fixed term contract. The Federation offers the opportunity to maximise benefits with our salary packaging scheme. Our family-friendly workplace culture includes generous annual leave provisions and flexible working arrangements. We have a strong commitment to professional development and an active social club.

Key Selection Criteria:

Essential:

• At least two years post admission legal experience
• Eligible to hold a practising certificate in Victoria.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and work across a number of policy and legal matters simultaneously.
• Ability to understand, analyse and explain complex legal and policy concepts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Keeps up-to-date with a broad range of contemporary issues that affect Traditional Owners rights and interests.
• Finds innovative solutions to resolve stakeholder issues.
• Ability to work weekends and travel throughout Victoria.
• A driver's licence.

Desirable:

• Knowledge and experience in native title, commercial or corporate law and practice.
• Experience working with Aboriginal people.
• Knowledge and understanding of the political, social and economic issues affecting Aboriginal Victorians and the ability to work collaboratively with Aboriginal people.
• Skills in and/or knowledge of natural resource management, economic development, corporate governance, and strategic planning.