About our teamThe Legal Group is responsible for delivering high quality in-house legal services to the Department of Home Affairs, and providing strategic legal advice and support to its Executive and Ministers.The Group is comprised of six branches which actively manage legal risk for a variety of public sector issues. The work of the Group is diverse, and covers issues including national security law, commercial law, employment law, migration law, customs law and practice management.The Migration and Citizenship Law Branch provides specialist legal advice and support to manage legal risk within the Department. Legal advice is given specifically on areas relating to refugee, migration, citizenship, administrative and international law.Within the Branch, the Refugee & International Law Section (RILS) provides legal advice, assistance, and support to all areas of the Department in relation to refugee and international law issues, including our obligations under various human rights treaties. RILS provides assistance in the legislative process, in particular assisting policy areas draft Statements of Compatibility with Human Rights.We also provide assistance in responses to various parliamentary and external committees and inquiries. Finally, the team provides subject matter expert training in subject areas including but not limited to protection visa decision-making, refugee law, complementary protection, human rights, and international law.Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border ForceOur ideal candidateComprehensive understanding of, or ability to quickly obtain understanding of, relevant portfolio legislation and other legislation of general applicationComprehensive understanding of, or ability to quickly obtain understanding of, relevant international legal instruments, norms, principles, and processesStrong legal advice writing and research skillsDetailed understanding of the Department's policy, program and operations and the political environment in which it operatesAbility to actively manage and navigate complex legal issuesExperience developing and delivering training will be positively considered.The key duties of the position includeDuties and responsibilitiesManaging a team of high-performing lawyers to produce strategically-informed and considered work, often within tight timeframesBe able to work under pressure and be agile, flexible and responsive in managing competing priorities and tight timeframesProviding legal advice as relevant to the position. The advice may be on high profile, complex, technical or sensitive issues and focuses on delivering accurate legal analysis, options and recommendations. It also requires strategic management and assessment of legal risksProviding and managing legal services in accordance with the Legal Services Directions 2017Maintaining detailed knowledge of specific legislation, international instruments and agreements, case law, directions, instruments, principles and issues of relevance to the Department and the broader Australian governmentLiaising with, and actively developing and maintaining working relationships across the Legal Group, the wider Department and with external stakeholders, including the Office of International Law (Attorney General's Department) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and TradeRepresenting the Department's interests and positions during liaison and negotiation with external stakeholdersCreating complete and accurate records in accordance with the Department's Recordkeeping PolicyProviding legal clearance, mentoring and professional support to other legal professionals.Additional InformationEssential Qualifications: A degree in law from an Australian university, or a comparable overseas degree which is recognised in Australia for admission to practicePractising Certificate or eligibility to attain oneAt least two years' post qualification experience.The ability to gain and maintain a security clearance#J-18808-Ljbffr
