Create a free Lawyers Weekly Jobs account About us Services Australia (the agency) is at the frontline of government service delivery, supporting millions of Australians. We're making government services simple, so people can get on with their lives. Our goal is to make it easier to engage with the services Australians rely on. To achieve this goal, we're modernising the way we work to deliver a simple, helpful, respectful and transparent experience for customers. We support the economic, health and social wellbeing of Australia by delivering high-quality services and payments to the community on behalf of government. Our agency's responsibilities include Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support services, as well as whole of government services such as my Gov. The Chief Counsel, Legal Services is the trusted legal adviser to the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Counsel also provides strategic legal advice and assistance to the Executive and the Minister for Government Services. The role is responsible for overseeing a large and dynamic legal practice including one of the Commonwealth's leading litigation practices. The division manages and provides advice on: Administrative law issues relating to social security, child support and health programs. Litigation, particularly social security, child support and health program reviews before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), and related appeals from the AAT. Privacy and information law, including assessing new agency projects, programs, systems and initiatives which involve the management of personal information for compliance with privacy and secrecy obligations, including undertaking privacy impact assessments; and managing the Freedom of Information function of the agency including external review by the FOI Commissioner and the AAT. Employment law matters, including advice and advocacy on employment law, industrial relations and work health and safety. Commercial and ICT acquisition and licensing. Procurement, contracting intellectual property, and commercial and property matters. About you The successful candidate will demonstrate they: Are an outstanding leader, passionate about guiding, mentoring and building the capability of a team of talented legal professionals to maintain a culture of excellence and ethical practice. Think at a strategic level to develop and implement legal strategies that align with our values, purpose, goals and objectives. Will exercise sound judgement in advising the CEO, executives and Minister on legal issues and risk assessment/mitigation in agency decision-making, while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards (including when to seek external legal expertise and managing these relationships). Possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to engender respect and trust of internal and external stakeholders. Bring a strong customer and business focus, recognising the essential role that the agency plays in the community. Qualifications Bachelor of Laws degree or equivalent. Admission as a legal practitioner in an Australian court. Eligibility to hold an unrestricted practising certificate. This role may be filled on an ongoing or non-ongoing (fixed term) appointment. A merit pool may be established to fill future vacancies should they become available. The position is located in Canberra. Salary and benefits The Senior Executive Band 2 level offers an attractive remuneration package, including 15.4% superannuation and salary packaging options. Conditions that support your health, wellbeing and lifestyle. Generous leave provisions, including accruable annual leave of 23 days per year with the capacity to purchase an additional 4 weeks annual leave per year after 12 months service. Accruable personal leave including sick and carers leave at 18 days per year. To apply you need to be an Australian citizen. You'll need to pass our pre-employment screening process, which includes a pre-employment check, and where relevant, a working with children and vulnerable people check. You'll also need or have the ability to acquire an Australian Government security clearance to the appropriate level for the position. This will be arranged for you, if you're successful. Apply To obtain a candidate pack or submit an application please follow the link: For a confidential conversation regarding the role, please contact: Jonathan Beaumont P: 02 6126 4500 Ref: 11386 Recruit Ability applies to this vacancy. Under the Recruit Ability scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. #J-18808-Ljbffr