Senior Government Lawyer/Assistant Director

Job type

Non-Ongoing, Full time

Branch

Executive Branch

Section

The Strategic Implementation, Governance and Legal team supports the NCA by providing governance and legal services. The team also supports the Chief Executive with strategic work. All team members in the Strategic Implementation, Governance and Legal Section must gain and maintain a working understanding of the NCA's strategic priorities and support other teams' shared purpose and direction.

This is a non-ongoing position for 10 months to cover maternity leave

Classification

Executive Level 1

Position number

1097

Closing date

Sunday 31 August 2025

Immediate supervisor

Bianca Bautista

Salary range

$115,443.00 to $125,832.00

Security clearance

Baseline

Eligibility

Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS). All applicants offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a pre-engagement screening check, even if they have a security clearance. The screening check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements. The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Baseline level. The successful applicant/s must be willing to share all relevant and required information.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit:

To apply for the role, candidates must provide:

Please email the following documents:

• Resume
• Completed NCA Cover Sheet (see Attachments)
• Claims against the Selection Criteria (maximum 2 pages)

Incomplete applications may affect the ability to assess suitability for the role.

Duties

Senior Government Lawyer/Assistant Director duties will vary depending on team and NCA priorities but are expected to include:

• Providing high quality and timely legal advice and support across a range of practice areas (commercial, probity, administrative law etc.);

• Reviewing or drafting a range of commercial arrangements (contracts, licences, permits etc.);

• Managing the Freedom of Information, privacy and small claims management functions (with the support of a Senior Officer/Paralegal);

• Working on legislative or policy projects, including liaising with relevant stakeholders;

• Managing, mentoring and guiding junior staff, including second counselling/quality assurance;

• Reviewing policies and procedures to ensure legal accuracy and compliance;

• Monitoring legislation and case law for developments that may be relevant to the NCA's operations and to identify and keep up to date on public sector governance issues;

• Preparing briefing material for the executive and other stakeholders on legal developments affecting the NCA, including options for implementation;

• Reviewing operational/work reports to be provided to NCA executive (e.g. matter management reporting);

• Undertaking or supporting procurement activities; and

• Supporting and assisting with ad hoc governance and strategic implementation work.

Qualifications/Mandatory Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in law

• Admission as a legal practitioner of the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory (three years or more post admission experience is desirable).

• At least a current restricted practising Certificate or the ability to obtain one within three months.

Selection Criteria

• Excellent technical in-house government legal skills (including, but not limited to, administrative law, commercial law, probity, Freedom of Information, privacy, employment law and/or work health and safety law.)

• Experience supervising and mentoring junior staff.

• Has the capacity to develop sound knowledge of agency subject matter quickly.

• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to develop strong working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders in the provision of legal advice.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise competing deadlines, and respond flexibly.

Whether you're a seasoned legal all-rounder or someone with transferable skills and a strong willingness to learn, we welcome your application.