Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Assembly’s objective is to promote the self-determination and empowerment of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians in the Treaty process, including by:

• Acting as the First Peoples’ Representative Body to negotiate and agree Statewide Treaty and Interim Agreements,
• Acting as the Aboriginal Representative Body to support Treaty negotiations (including administering the Self-Determination Fund),
• Enabling Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians to exercise sovereignty, the right to self-determination and other rights; including those contained in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

The Role

Leading a team of lawyers, the General Counsel will direct the delivery of legal services and manage legal risk to support the Assembly to achieve its objectives.

The General Counsel is accountable to provide accurate and timely legal advice to the CEO, Co-Chairs, Council of the Assembly and across the organisation.

Key Duties

The General Counsel is responsible for the providing and assisting in the provision of legal advice across the Assembly and performs a range of responsibilities.

These may include, but are not limited to:

• Responsibility for managing the legal affairs and the provision of legal advice to the Assembly, as a corporation and registered charity operating in a political environment. This includes responsibility for, but not limited to:
  • Providing high quality and timely strategic legal advice to the CEO, Co-Chairs, Council, and across the organisation.
  • Providing strategic advice on legal aspects of corporate governance matters, including Council and Assembly Committee governance, drafting and review of governance documents and policies.
  • Identifying and managing legal risks.
  • Managing the legal and risk team and overseeing professional development.
  • Managing external legal relationships.
  • Maintaining relationships with key internal stakeholders.
  • Identifying legal developments relevant to the Assembly and advising on potential opportunities and impacts.
  • Participating in professional development activities, Assembly networks and meeting continuing legal education requirements.
• As a member of the executive leadership team, promoting and participating in initiatives that support the broader goals and priorities of the Assembly.
• Managing the legal and risk team budget.

Skills, Competencies & Knowledge

• Exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building and leadership skills, with the ability to develop and manage staff.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and the ability to explain and express complex legal ideas in a clear, accessible form to suit the audience.
• Broad legal knowledge and exceptional legal judgement and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal Communities and organisations within Victoria .

Experience & Qualifications

• 10+ years post-admission experience.
• Broad range of legal experience in the areas of corporate and commercial law, corporate governance, public law and Indigenous legal issues.
• In-house legal experience regarded favourably.
• Degree in Law.
• Holds or eligible to hold practicing certificate.
• Demonstrated skill and capacity to work effectively and with integrity in the context of a Victorian First Peoples’ Representative Body.

SALARY & TERM

• Salary from $186,591 to $240,941 per annum (full-time equivalent) plus superannuation plus salary packaging, based on experience and expertise of the occupant
• Full-Time

For more information email [email protected] using the subject line: General Counsel enquiry via EthicalJobs or visit our website: Work With Us — First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

A position description is attached.