Principal Legal Officer

**Full Time, ongoing employment opportunity in a vibrant and supportive team**:

- **Based in Sydney CBD with flexible work arrangements available**:

- **Remuneration of $161,034 - $164,426 plus super and leave loading**

**About the Department of Education**

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia, with nearly 100,000 employees across NSW in our schools and corporate offices. Our purpose is centred on the delivery of high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population.

For more information about the Department of Education, please visit NSW Department of Education

**About the role**

This role is responsible for supporting School Infrastructure with its critical Rebuilding Public Education Program and school maintenance and minor upgrades to meet the needs of a growing student population across NSW. With your expertise in planning law and regulation, you will work in collaboration with the infrastructure delivery, planning and asset management teams of School Infrastructure on complex construction and asset management matters to mitigate legal risk and deliver practical outcomes by providing high-quality legal advice in a timely and reliable manner.

We are seeking lawyers who are passionate about public education and committed to delivering the Plan for NSW Public Education.

**About you**

You are a highly experienced solicitor who:

- **can manage yourself**, showing drive and motivation, with an ability to self-reflect and commit to learning
- **communicates effectively** and clearly, actively listening to others and responding with understanding and respect
- **works collaboratively** with others, valuing their contribution
- **delivers results**, through the efficient use of resources and a commitment to quality outcomes
- **can develop practical solutions** by analysing and considering the broader context
- **understands technology** and uses available technologies to maximise efficiencies and effectiveness
- **can manage and develop people**, motivate staff, and develop capability and potential in others
- **optimises business outcomes** by managing people and resources effectively, to achieve public value.

For further information please view the **role description**

**Essential requirements, experience and knowledge**

Your professional credentials, experience and expertise should include:

- legal qualifications and a current unrestricted NSW legal practising certificate
- experience as a solicitor/advocate
- knowledge and experience in the areas of law that impact the NSW Department of Education
- the ability to provide quality independent legal advice and manage legal risk
- complementary capabilities in statutory interpretation, legal research, legal drafting, prosecution and advocacy
- Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.
- Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department’s Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department’s Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

**Benefits**

With nearly 100,000 people working all over NSW, the Department of Education isn’t like any other workplace. You can customise your career track and experience benefits including:

- **the opportunity to make a real difference**, doing important work in a varied, rewarding career in which you can make the most of your legal expertise across a variety of disciplines
- **flexible working conditions**, with a 35-hour week and generous leave entitlements that give you unrivalled work-life balance
- **a dynamic workplace** in an organisation committed to diversity and inclusion
- **opportunities for advancement** beyond the initial job description, with scope to move sideways as well as up and receive the professional support you need to discover new talents and interests

**How to apply**

If you are interested in joining the team, we want to hear from you

Please attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role.

**Closing date**:Monday, 17th February 2025, 11:59pm**

**This is a child-related role.**As a condition of employment, you will be required to provide a Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number and complete a National Criminal Record Check. Visit the website for more information.
- A talent pool may be created through this recruitment process. A talent pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months._