Generalists - In-house (Legal)Government - Federal (Government & Defence)
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) helps to safeguard Australians at risk from online harms and to promote safer, more positive online experiences.
eSafety leads and co-ordinates the online safety efforts across Commonwealth departments, authorities and agencies and engages with key online safety stakeholders. It has a broad remit under the Online Safety Act which includes the operation of regulatory schemes, investigations and enforcement as well as administering complaint schemes and the creation of audience-specific content and programs.
About the role To support an evolving organisational structure, eSafety requires a highly experienced and sophisticated General Counsel to provide specialist strategic in-house legal advice and lead teams providing legal support to eSafety across a wide variety of areas, including:
Investigations under the Online Safety Act 2021, including into illegal and restricted online content (e.g., child sexual abuse material and pro-terror material), cyber-abuse of an Australian adult, cyber-bullying of an Australian child, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.Industry regulation under the Online Safety Act 2021, including the administration and operation of eSafety's powers under the Act in connection with mandatory industry codes and standards, and the Basic Online Safety Expectations.Business Operations, including commercial issues such as contracts and procurement; data and privacy matters where you will act as eSafety's Privacy Champion, and management of eSafety's FOI function.As eSafety's General Counsel you will provide legal advice and strategy that supports enforcement action and litigation undertaken pursuant to the Online Safety Act. You will help the organisation navigate legal complexities and make informed legal decisions aligned with eSafety's strategic and regulatory objectives.
You will work to enable eSafety's regulatory functions by leading the implementation and refinement of eSafety's enforcement posture and regulatory guidance and providing proactive advice and strategic recommendations to the eSafety Commissioner, about litigation approaches and strategies. You will also be responsible for overseeing the engagement of external lawyers, and overseeing the work of others as they brief external solicitors and counsel, as required.
As a seasoned leader, you will help further embed eSafety's legal practice and establish plans to continually optimise the practice over time. As an actively contributing member of the Risk and Compliance Committee, you will manage matters related to corporate governance and ensure compliance with policies and standards applicable to the Legal Services function.
Due to the nature of eSafety's regulatory scope, the role may be exposed to highly sensitive and distressing content.
About you We are seeking a dynamic senior legal professional with a strong interest in the intersection of law and technology. You will be an agile and collaborative operator with an ability to think creatively, providing trusted legal advice that will help eSafety achieve its regulatory outcomes. You will have a track record of providing excellent legal services and advice in areas relevant to a statutory office like eSafety, including administrative law, regulation and litigation.
Your ability to lead, mentor and inspire teams will be a point of pride. You will model APS Values and conduct and have a focus on developing and growing staff capability and skills.
To be eligible for employment with eSafety, applicants must be an Australian citizen.
Successful candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an NV1 level security clearance or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
Legal qualifications are required. You must hold or be able to obtain and maintain an unrestricted practising certificate. In addition, membership of relevant professional associations or institutes will be well regarded.
Applications close on Sunday, 20 October 2024 at 11:30pm AEST
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