Principal Legal Officer

(VPSG6)

Yoorrook Justice Commission is the first formal truth-telling process into injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria. Yoorrook has been established as an independent Royal Commission under the Inquiries Act 2014.

In this position, you will provide legal advice to Yoorrook, liaise with solicitors and counsel assisting Yoorrook, and coordinate legal processes around the legal review and analysis of evidence and use of legal powers to obtain information. This role requires outstanding analytical and communication skills (both written and verbal), an awareness and understanding of the history and culture of First Peoples in Victoria, and an ability to work in a complex, sensitive and fast-paced environment.

You will have a minimum of five years’ post-admission experience or equivalent experience and the ability to effectively manage the Senior Legal Officer role. You must be a proactive self-starter with exceptional interpersonal skills to contribute to a dynamic and culturally diverse team.

**This is a fixed-term role until 31 December 2024** with the possibility of extension**.** Yoorrook Justice Commission will run until June 2025 after being granted a 12-month extension by the Victorian government on 04 April 2023. The final six months of Yoorrook’s operations will aim to ensure that the stories and truths shared by First Peoples are not only recorded but understood by all Victorians.

**About You**:
You will provide in-house legal advice to support Yoorrook’s work and play a key role in identifying legal issues, providing strategic and high-quality legal advice and support to the Commissioners and Executive staff on issues arising from Yoorrook’s inquiry and operations, often within tight timeframes

Under the supervision of the Director of Legal, Research & Policy, you will coordinate the provision of Yoorrook’s external legal services (solicitors assisting and counsel assisting) and legal processes around obtaining, reviewing and analysing evidence.

You will work with the CEO and the Director of Legal, Policy and Research to supervise the quality, timeliness and effectiveness of Yoorrook’s external legal services. You will manage Yoorrook’s external legal expenditure budget including by providing recommendations to the CEO and Commissioners on the most effective and efficient way to provide legal services. You will manage the relationship and budget of the independent Lotjpa Independent Legal Service and ensure the delivery of services in accordance with funding arrangements.

You will ensure your work is culturally informed, upholds the highest standards and adheres to Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles.

**How to apply**:
Applications close on **2 July 2023** and should include:

- A resume; and
- A cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria as found in the position description (within two pages).

**Other relevant information**:
Yoorrook actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including people who identify as LGBQTI+, people with disabilities and those from culturally and linguistically different backgrounds.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss flexible arrangements during the recruitment process. The nature and scope of flexible options available will depend on the position.

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.