Sessional Ombudsman

Make a real impact at AFCA. Where fairness drives every decision. Help us deliver world-class, independent complaints resolution for Australians. As a not-for-profit and progressive financial ombudsman, we're championing positive change. Achieving our purpose takes progressive thinking, accountability and resilience. At AFCA, our inclusive leadership values every voice. We offer our people flexible work options, thoughtful benefits and opportunities to deepen expertise. Flourish in a diverse, caring culture. Feel the difference of belonging to an organisation intentionally designed to put people first.

We are looking to appoint Sessional Ombudsmen in Insurance to work on a per engagement basis, as part of our busy decision-making team. Our sessional ombudsmen provide expert "on demand" support as part of a pool of talented lawyers who have ongoing access to AFCA resources, specialists, and support. These flexible engagements can be for as short as a few days, weeks, or as long as a few months.

You are likely to be at a stage of your career where you have an interest in using your well-developed skills and experience to contribute towards a broader community service role but also value greater work-life balance and time for other interests. Reporting to the Lead Ombudsman Insurance, Emma Curtis, this role suits a senior lawyer with a long-established practice or an executive-level legally qualified professional with a strong track record of achievement and a background in the financial services sector, particularly in general and/or life insurance.

To be successful in this role, you will be a natural leader who is consultative by nature, with the ability to effectively get to the heart of complex issues. You are efficient when working on a per engagement basis and know when to pivot between working independently or collaboratively, with and through others. You come equipped with a laser focus, effortless communication skills, and a flair for dealing empathetically with a broad cross-section of the community.

Your resilient nature allows you to push through when receiving criticism from consumers and financial firms. Importantly, your business or professional dealings over the last 3 years should not create any reasonable perception of possible bias in favor of either financial services industry members or consumers.

Please note that applicants are required to hold legal qualifications and have a significant track record of achievement at a senior legal level within insurance or a tribunal, EDR scheme, regulatory agency, or related business entity.

• BOSS Best Places to Work 2024 – credited for its culture, engagement, and flexible working arrangements.
• Most Inclusive Workplace 2024 – Australian HR Institute (AHRI) Awards.
• Employer of Choice Public Sector and NFP – Australian HR Awards 2023
• Bronze AWEI Accreditation 2024 – Recognised for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
• Accredited Family Friendly Workplace – Supporting work-life balance and inclusivity.
• Hybrid working – Flexible arrangements with state-of-the-art offices designed for collaboration and wellbeing.
• Inclusive leave options – Flexible public holidays, 20 weeks paid parental leave, gender affirmation leave, women's health leave, and paid time off over Christmas.
• Financial benefits – Not-for-profit salary packaging to boost take-home pay.
• Locations – A team of over 1,200 dedicated professionals based in modern Melbourne and Sydney CBD offices.

To apply

If you're passionate about fairness and believe your skills align with this role, we encourage you to apply—even if you don't meet every single criterion.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. If you require any accessibility support during the recruitment process, please reach out to our team at Careers@afca.org.au.

AFCA is a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we are committed to responding to every applicant.