Senior Research & Policy Officer

Description:

* Utilise your Legal expertise to provide support and advice to the Victorian Law Reform Commission
* A Fixed-Term, Full-Time opportunity to work with a high-performing and passionate team in the Victorian Public Service for 12 months
* VPS Grade 5: $109,730 - $132,764 plus superannuation.
About the Business Unit:
The Victorian Law Reform Commission, established by the Victorian Law Reform Commission Act 2000 (Vic),is an independent, government-funded organisation, and the peak law reform body in Victoria. It reports to the Attorney-General and the Parliament of Victoria in discharging its statutory functions.
The Commission has a charter to facilitate community-wide consultation and to advise the Attorney-General on how to improve and update Victorian law. It makes recommendations for changes aimed at ensuring the legal system meets the needs and aspirations of the Victorian community.
The Commission's major responsibility is to undertake research and make recommendations on issues that are referred to it by the Attorney-General. Its recommendations are published in reports that are tabled in Parliament.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Victoria's courts and tribunals.
The Commission has been asked by the Attorney-General to make recommendations on legislative reform opportunities and principles to guide the safe use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Victoria's courts and tribunals.
The terms of reference are published on the Commission's website at http://www.lawreform.vic.gov.au.
The final report for this project is due to be delivered to the Attorney-General on 31 October 2025. Following the completion of the project the researcher will commence work on another research project yet to be determined.
About the Role:
The position is for an experienced senior research and policy officer.
Some of your duties will include:
* Undertake high-level legal and non-legal research into complex and diverse areas of the law and practice
* Draft publications for editing by the Team Leader and Commission Chairperson
* Develop options and recommendations for reform of the law and practice.
To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.
About You:
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:
* Highly-developed legal and non-legal research skills and proven ability to conduct research into complex legal and policy issues
* Evidence of highly developed writing skills including the ability to simplify and communicate complex issues of policy and law reform to a non-legal audience in a range of publications and formats
* A strong ability to identify trends and opportunities for law and policy reform and develop options for improving law and practice.
* A highly developed writing skills, excellent oral communication, liaison and interpersonal skills, and an ability to work with external stakeholders.
Given this is an opportunity to contribute to the Commission's review of artificial intelligence (AI) in Victoria's courts and tribunals, experience in technology and the law, particularly artificial intelligence and its application to the legal sector, is also desirable.
Qualifications/Requirements:
* A legal qualification is essential.
To learn more about the Key Selection Criteria you will require for this position, please read the attached position description.
How to Apply:
Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include reference checks, national police checks and misconduct screening. Dependant on the role, other checks may include VicRoads checks, drivers licence checks, medical checks, Working with Children Checks, and Declaration of Private Interests (for executive and responsible officer roles).
If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:
The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.