The Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC) is an independent statutory human rights agency with responsibilities under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 and Human Rights Act 2019.

• QHRC vision is a Queensland where human rights are real for everyone.
• QHRC purpose is to strengthen the understanding, acceptance and promotion of human rights in Queensland, and to eliminate discrimination and sexual harassment.
• QHRC values are independence, respect, inclusion, diversity and integrity.

QHRC work towards their vision by providing an expert dispute resolution service for discrimination and human rights complaints which is managed via a statewide enquiry service. QHRC supports people to understand their rights and responsibilities and provides training for businesses, government and the community. QHRC also supports policy development and legislation to better protect rights and increases public understanding of human rights via community engagement and educational programs.

The Opportunity

Due to continued organisational growth and recent re-structuring, a temporary 18-month opportunity has arisen to strategically lead the Queensland Human Rights Commission’s Legal and Policy team. The objectives of the team are to protect and promote human rights, drive equal opportunity and achieve equitable outcomes. Are you ready to lead the Commission into their next exciting development phase?

Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner within the Public Policy and Prevention Directorate, you will direct one of the three teams that provide legal and policy, education and prevention functions. By actively promoting cross-program collaboration, you will proactively and strategically support and maximise the impact of the Commission and help drive transformational change.

This is a highly strategic and hands-on leadership role that guides and empowers a professional team of seven, including Principal Lawyers, to achieve the Commission’s strategic goals and legislative mandate. The Legal and Policy Director, as a member of the Leadership Team, will also contribute to the broader strategic direction of the Commission and provide high-quality strategic, legal and policy related advice to the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and Executive Management Committee (EMC).

Outcomes focussed, you will strategically allocate workloads across your team so all legal interventions, submissions to inquiries, briefings and public reporting are of an exceptionally high standard and are thoroughly researched, evidence based, and data informed. Driven by continual improvement, including workplace design and technological advancements, will ensure your team’s work output is strategically aligned with the Commission’s goals. Exceptional internal and external stakeholder engagement and communications are also required as you will collaborate closely with industry representatives, public entities and community organisations as part of your role.

About You

As the new Director – Legal and Policy, you will bring:

• Specialist legal and policy expertise: Demonstrated ability to provide high quality strategic, legal and policy advice in human rights, anti-discrimination law and/or related areas, displaying insight into complex and evolving issues within and surrounding this subject matter.
• Strategic leadership: Ability to provide high-level legal and policy advice with a forward-thinking approach, identifying trends and broader impacts to guide organisational strategy.
• Team leadership through changing environments: Demonstrated success leading teams in complex, evolving environments. Ability to inspire resilience, clarify goals, and guide the team through uncertainty and change, fostering resilience, adaptability and a commitment to achieving shared goals.
• Organisational and forward-planning capacity: Highly developed planning, prioritisation, and change management skills, with a forward-thinking approach to program delivery, balancing proactive and reactive output while optimising minimal resources.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills: Highly skilled in communicating and negotiating with diverse stakeholders, managing sensitive matters with discretion, and building strategic partnerships.
• A Bachelor of Laws with a minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience, are mandatory requirements for this role. Additional qualifications in related areas such as public policy, social sciences, public administration, (or related areas) would be highly beneficial.

How to Apply

For more information, please download the attached Applicant Information Pack and Position Description. To discuss your application in confidence, please call Paula Cordier at Merit Solutions on 0477 766 801.

To apply, please follow the apply now link to our website, follow the prompts and submit the following:

• A current resume; and
• A brief covering letter outlining your relevant achievements and motivation for this role, providing examples of how you meet the “What we are looking for” as detailed in the position description.

The Queensland Human Rights Commission is an equal opportunity employer and embraces workforce diversity. Therefore, people from diverse backgrounds, including people from non-English speaking backgrounds, people with a disability, women, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

The Queensland Human Rights Commission’s commitment to cultural safety, equity and inclusion ensures selection decisions will not be influenced by whether an applicant has a need for any workplace adjustments. Please let us know if you require any assistance or adjustments that will help you participate in this recruitment process.

A position description is attached.