This position would suit an experienced lawyer with policy and strategy development skills and a demonstrated commitment to social justice, who relishes a diverse set of responsibilities.

The Head of Policy and Strategy will work closely with the Centre’s Chief Executive Officer to help implement the Centre’s strategy and policies and manage the conduct of major projects and initiatives.

About the Centre

The Australian Pro Bono Centre is Australia’s national centre of leadership driving participation and excellence in pro bono legal work and empowering legal professionals across the country to use their skills for the public good.

The Centre is a fast-paced, dynamic and collegiate environment, working nationally to strengthen the pro bono sector and advance access to justice. For more information about the work of the Centre, see probonocentre.org.au. 

Job Description

Hours: Full-time (a 0.8-0.9 FTE arrangement will be considered).

Salary: $145,000-$155,000 p.a. (pro rata) plus 12% superannuation and a mobile phone allowance.

Annual leave: 4 weeks p.a., plus office closure period between Christmas and New Year. 

Location: Flexible. 

• If based in Sydney: a combination of remote working and in person attendance at the Faculty of Law and Justice, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, 2052.
• If based outside of Sydney: Remote working on a permanent basis will be supported.

Key Responsibilities

The Head of Policy and Strategy of the Centre will:

• play a key part in supporting the implementation of the Centre’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, which includes five integrated and aligned strategic objectives:
  • managing, promoting and reporting on the National Pro Bono Target
  • driving sector-wide, purposeful engagement, including supporting the Centre’s relationships with key stakeholders across the legal profession and government
  • managing a strategic research agenda, including assisting the Centre’s analysis of data on pro bono legal work
  • producing practical resources and guidance and managing and promoting services that support pro bono uptake and best practice, and
  • strengthening the Centre’s internal capabilities and systems 
• provide policy advice on emerging issues affecting pro bono legal services, access to justice and the legal profession
• conduct advocacy on behalf of the Centre with government and key regulatory bodies
• prepare written reports, key correspondence, news articles and discussion papers
• contribute to representing the Centre in consultations, at events and other external forums
• contribute to the Centre’s supervision of more junior staff, and
• assist with governance, reporting and the Centre’s impact measurement requirements.

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate will have:

• current or previous experience working in legal practice or an allied field; in either a firm, the community sector or a corporate/government setting. Experience working in the Australian pro bono sector is highly desirable
• a Bachelor of Laws, Juris Doctor or equivalent legal qualification (admission to practice and a current practising certificate are not necessary)
• excellent analytical skills and the ability to bring creative solutions to problem-solving, demonstrating innovation
• demonstrated experience in policy development and strategy development
• excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• excellent organisational skills and project management experience
• strong interpersonal skills, a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a small team, and an interest and capacity for building strong relationships across the pro bono community and broad legal profession
• sound judgement and the ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, including the capacity to identify priorities and respond to emerging issues
• a demonstrated commitment to social justice and access to justice, and
• proficiency in the use of technology, including the suite of Microsoft Office software and social media.

The Centre values and welcomes staff from a diversity of backgrounds and with a broad range of experience. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ people, people living with a disability, and people who have caring responsibilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

 Enquiries about the position should also be addressed to careers@probonocentre.org.au using the subject line: Head of Policy and Strategy - Flexible Location enquiry via EthicalJobs.