The In-house Counsel (IHC) position is situated within the Legal and Compliance (LAC) team of the NNTT. The IHC reports directly to the Native Title Registrar and will provide complex legal advice to the NNTT President, Registrar and Executive Team.
The IHC will lead legal policy reform projects and draft complex documents, including advice, submissions, and consultation papers. The IHC will support the LAC team to review, maintain and continuously improve policies and business guides in relation to the statutory functions of the Registrar and Tribunal. The IHC will excel in legal analysis, timely advice, and project management skills.
The IHC will provide critical assistance to the NNTT President, Registrar and Executive Team to support the quality work of the NNTT and compliant business operations.
The key duties of the position include:
Maintain expert knowledge of NNTT functions, native title legislation and regulations, including changes in the NTA and Regulations.
Provide expert and timely legal advice and briefings to President, Registrar and NNTT Executive.
Provide expert advice and support to President, Registrar and NNTT Executive regarding emerging policy and legal issues affecting NNTT functions, operations, and strategic goals.
Lead legal reform projects including conducting and directing research, coordinating input from NNTT business units, consulting internal and external stakeholders, and drafting joint submissions and NNTT submissions.
Review and consult with respect to any proposed amendments to the NTA and associated legislation.
Support the LAC team's review and continuous improvement of operational resources including the drafting and development of additional policies and procedures.
Support the development of policies and procedures regarding access to information held by the NNTT by preparing legal advice, resources, and responding to complex information requests.
Review procurement contracts.
Review legal content of NNTT website, resources, fact sheets and other publications.
Eligibility
Competencies & Attributes
Admission as a legal practitioner in Australia.
Minimum 8+ years post-qualification experience, with a strong background in native title.
Demonstrated extensive knowledge and experience of native title issues and stakeholders including: proven understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people; and the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Demonstrated experience as a legal practitioner with proven ability to apply legislative, procedural and administrative frameworks to high-level decision-making and problem solving.
Sound knowledge of administrative decision-making, legal process and demonstrated expert knowledge of native title practice and the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).
Highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to represent the NNTT in a variety of forums displaying discretion, integrity and sensitivity.
Leadership and management skills, including the ability to support the strategic objectives of the team and manage dedicated resources within designated timeframes.
Sound negotiation and influencing skills to deal with internal and external parties and manage relationships with key stakeholders at all levels and deliver information clearly and positively.
Modelling APS values and appropriate, professional conduct.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Laws (required)
Notes
Employment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999, and the following:
Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship;
Security and character clearance – the successful applicant must satisfy a Police Records Check, and may also be required to complete security clearances during the course of their employment;
Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.
Diversity and InclusionFederal Court Australia is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from People with Disability. First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, Mature age workers, as well as young workers and supporting an inter-generational workforce and supporting gender equity and families.
Federal Court Australia will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the inherent requirements of the role.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
Getting to know the Federal Court of Australia
The Chief Executive Officer and Principal Registrar of the Federal Court, together with officers and staff identified under the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 and the Native Title Act 1993, constitute a single Statutory Agency for the purposes of the Public Service Act 1999. Employees are engaged to work in support of the following courts or tribunal:
Federal Court of Australia,
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and
National Native Title Tribunal.
Employees are covered by the Federal Court of Australia Enterprise Agreement 2018–2021. The Federal Court and the Federal Circuit and Family Court each maintain a distinct statutory identity, with separate functions and judicial independence.
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