General Counsel - Government And Operations

Description:

Housing Australia is a corporate Commonwealth entity established under the Housing Australia Act 2018. It is a specialist investment vehicle, governed by a Board of non-executive directors appointed by the Minster for Housing.
Housing Australia administers a number of programs, including the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility, National Housing Accord Facility, Affordable Housing Bond Aggregator, National Housing Infrastructure Facility and Home Guarantee Scheme. Housing Australia delivers on its objective of improving housing outcomes by providing grants, loans, guarantees and other support to increase the supply of housing, encourage investment in housing, provide finance and grants that support housing programs within other areas of government, increase the capability of the community housing sector and assist individuals to access the housing market earlier.
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About the role
Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, the General Counsel – Government & Operations provides critical support to Housing Australia to ensure the organisation is operating within its mandate and in compliance with government requirements across all regulatory facets, in addition to providing legal support for operations within the business and minimising risk in relation to legal and regulatory issues.
Key responsibilities
Assist CLO with managing business-wide legal strategies to protect Housing Australia’s interests, rights and obligations pursuant to all relevant directions, regulations and Acts.Advise as required on legal, corporate governance and legal aspects of regulatory compliance matters and on litigation and disputes matters, including analysing and reviewing legal agreements and legislation.Interpret legislation and provide pragmatic guidance to the organisation, particularly with respect to Housing Australia’s enabling legislation and investment mandate and government expectations.Oversee the negotiation of major contracts and other commercial arrangements to safeguard Housing Australia's interests, in conjunction with external legal advisers where necessary. Review, draft, negotiate and manage registers of operational contracts and oversee management of Housing Australia’s template contract suite.Manage and oversee all non-transactional third-party contract governance arrangements, working closely with relevant internal stakeholders.Initiate legal action as required and manage defence of the organisation in any legal action initiated against it, in conjunction with external legal advisers.Provide cultural leadership regarding privacy and the value of personal information and legal advice on compliance with privacy legislation.Engage with stakeholders in other areas of government with respect to policy, program design and implementation and amendments and updates to legislation.Advise on the application of Freedom of Information legislation and assist with preparation for and responses to Parliamentary engagements.Implement and oversee training programs, protocols and procedures relevant to the Government & Operations legal function, to ensure all staff are aware of the legal protocols related to their roles and Housing Australia’s business activities.Advise and support the organisation with any other non-transactional legal matters.Supervise, mentor and guide a team of lawyers.
Skills and experience
Essential
Relevant experience working in a government context (preferably Commonwealth)A good sense of order, with the ability to multi-task, as well as prioritise and action critical and complex matters At least 15 years’ experience post-admission, with current unrestricted practising certificate.Strong diplomacy skills with the ability to navigate complex policy issues involving multiple parties.Excellent technical legal, negotiation and analytical skills and a proven ability to exercise sound commercial judgement.Strong interpersonal communication and liaison skills, able to deal effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, building trust and engagement.Superior written and verbal communication skills and ability to adapt communication on complex issues for different audiences.Ability to provide pragmatic guidance framed appropriately for implementation.Strong commitment to ethical business practices and prudent risk management capability.Ability to lead, develop and motivate teams and individuals.Ability to prioritise and complete tasks within tight deadlines, with accuracy and high attention to detailStrong interpersonal skills, confidence to deal effectively at senior executive level
Preferred
High energy, passion and a can-do, problem-solving attitude.Relevant industry knowledge in finance, construction and/or housing.Experience in financial services regulation.
How to apply
We would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV, preferably with a cover letter as one document outlining your interest and suitability, via LinkedIn.
We value diversity in our team and welcome all applications from all candidates.
This role is based in our Sydney CBD office. We offer flexible working, with the opportunity to work in the office and from home, in a supportive team environment, while making a difference in our purpose-led organisation.
No recruitment agencies please – we will reach out if we require any agency assistance. Thank you.