- Ongoing / Non-Ongoing
- Salary: $149 893 to $170 726 plus 15.4% superannuation
- Canberra, ACT
Employment Opportunity
The Office of International Law (OIL) is responsible for supporting the Attorney-General as First Law Officer, through the provision of legal advice on Australia's international legal obligations to the Attorney-General, Cabinet and Government entities. OIL is also responsible for the conduct of all international dispute settlement (with the exception of World Trade Organization disputes). OIL seeks to fill EL2 vacancies across multiple practice areas.
The Rights, Regulatory, Air and Space Law (RRASL) practice group advises on international human rights and refugee law, air law, space law and certain other regulatory areas of general international law. Additionally, RRASL manages the Government's response to individual human rights communications, as well as proceedings against Russia in relation to the downing of Flight MH17 and the legal action against Afghanistan under the Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
The Security, Cyber, Criminal and Immunities Law (SCCIL) practice group advises on matters of international law relevant to Australia's security, defence and foreign policy interests. This includes advising on the law on the use of force, international humanitarian law, cyber, intelligence and law enforcement activities, ADF operations and capability, privileges and immunities law, and international economic law. SCCIL also administers key legislation regulating state immunity, visiting forces and certain war crimes, ensuring Australia meets its international legal responsibilities.
The Oceans, Environment, Climate, Antarctic and Nuclear Law (OCEAN) practice group advises on the law of the sea, international environmental law, climate change, Antarctic law and nuclear law, including supporting Australia's development of nuclear-powered submarine capability under the AUKUS partnership. In addition, OCEAN administers key legislation relating to Australia's maritime zones, as well as shipping and admiralty laws.
We welcome applications from lawyers with skills and experience in government legal practice and/or public international law, including human rights and refugee law, international criminal law, the law of armed conflict and the use of force, cyber and intelligence law, oceans and environment law, nuclear law, diplomatic law and the law of international organisations and air and space law.
How you can help us make a difference
We seek people who bring new ideas, diverse experience, and global perspectives. People who work with us will display leadership at all levels, apply information effectively to solve problems, and work collaboratively to achieve outcomes.
The role of a Principal Legal Officer (PLO) in OIL performs an important leadership role. PLOs are required to undertake work with a high level of complexity and exercise a significant degree of independence. They lead practice groups managing a broad range of issues, and are required to provide strategy, support, and oversight to ensure the provision of high-quality legal advice.
As a Principal Legal Officer in OIL, you will:
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lead practice groups and litigation teams of 10 - 15 legal officers
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lead on the provision of specialised legal advice on matters of international law
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support senior leadership in the implementation of organisational strategy and governance across the Office
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develop legal advising capacity amongst staff and building high performing teams
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manage diverse stakeholder relationships across government interests in international organisations
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supervise junior staff
For these positions, applicants must hold a degree in law from an Australian tertiary institution or comparable overseas qualification, which, in the opinion of the Secretary, is appropriate to the duties of the office, and be admitted in Australia as a legal practitioner (or be eligible to be admitted).
Merit Pools:
A merit list or pool may be created as part of this selection process and be used to fill similar vacancies in Canberra, ACT.
Flexible work arrangements will be considered and supported where possible. These may include:
- Job Share
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Hybrid Work
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Remote Work
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Compressed Hours
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Bandwidth Modification
AGD is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion and sexual orientation to apply and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible.
For more information about this opportunity, including contact details for adjustment requests, please refer to the Candidate Information Kit.
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Candidate Information Kit - Accessible Version Opens in new window
