Description:
An exciting opportunity exists for a talented and passionate individual to join the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission as Principal Legal Officer.
The Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission (the Commission) is an independent body responsible for managing allegations of parliamentary misconduct involving members of parliament, ministers, and parliamentary secretaries.
The Commission can receive, manage, and resolve allegations of parliamentary misconduct and inappropriate parliamentary workplace behaviour. This includes receiving complaints of bullying, harassment, discrimination, victimisation and occupational violence and aggression.
The Principal Legal Officer provides leadership and advice that enables the Commission to achieve its objectives and ensure its operations comply with relevant legislation.
As the sole legal officer in this small and dedicated team, the Principal Legal Officer will provide advice and support across all of the Commission's activities, including guiding investigations, complaints handling, alternative dispute resolution and natural justice processes. This role will also support corporate compliance and briefing out for matters requiring litigation.
To succeed in this role you will be a strategic legal leader who is committed to working collaboratively in a small multidisciplinary team. You will also be well-versed in administrative law, regulatory law, investigations, complaints handling, litigation and/or alternative dispute resolution, including sound knowledge of the requirements of Commissions and other public bodies.
This is a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to a new integrity commission with oversight of parliamentary workplace standards by supporting the integrity of the Parliament and promoting a respectful and safe parliamentary workplace.
About you
As our ideal candidate you will have:
- Demonstrated experience or ability in providing technically excellent advice on complex legal issues and ability to successfully perform a leadership role in a legal setting.
- Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, verbal and written communication skills and ability to synthesise complex information in an accessible way.
- Proven ability in collaboration and teamwork and guiding others to create a culture of collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.
- Demonstrated understanding of at least one relevant context area, including public sector ethics and integrity, government administration, parliamentary processes, workplace relations and/or gender-based violence.
- Highly developed problem solving, analytical, strategic and critical thinking to consider complex issues from multiple perspectives.
Experience and qualifications
- Bachelor of Laws or equivalent legal qualification from a recognised tertiary institution.
- Current practising certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law, or eligibility to acquire a practising certificate for this role.
- Admission to practice as an Australian Lawyer and/or at least 5 years post admission experience desirable.
The closing date for this position is Monday 14th April 2025.
How to apply:
Apply before the advertised closing date, all applications should include:
- a resume
- a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages)
This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.
Other relevant information:
Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check.
This position requires the successful applicant to access and handle confidential and sensitive information. The successful candidate may be required to undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a Baseline National security clearance. To obtain this clearance the successful applicant must be an Australian citizen.
PWSIC actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disabilities. All roles at PWSIC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.