Legal and Policy Officer

Job description

Agency Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority Work unit Policy and Governance

Job title Legal and Policy Officer Designation Professional 3

Job type Full time Duration Fixed to 30/06/2026

Salary $110,873 – $124,173 Location Darwin

Position number RTF Closing 07/09/2025

Contact officer Ros Harrison, Client Services Manager on or

About the agency

Apply online

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF

YOUR TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.

Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans

AAPA values diversity. AAPA encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people

with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or

job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process,

go to the OCPE website.

Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures

plans, go to the OCPE website.

Primary objective

To provide advice and support in relation to legal and policy issues relevant to the work of the Authority.

Context statement

The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority is an independent statutory authority responsible for overseeing the protection

of Aboriginal sacred sites on land and sea across the Northern Territory. The protection of sacred sites is recognised by the

Northern Territory Government and the broader Territory community as an important element in the preservation of the

Territory's cultural heritage, for the benefit of all Territorians. The Authority seeks to strike a balance between the protection

of sacred sites and development in the Northern Territory.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Provide timely, efficient and accurate policy advice on matters relevant to the work of the Authority.

2. Undertake research and analysis on legislation, policy and operational matters.

1. Prepare legal instruments and other correspondence.

2. Develop and maintain a high level of knowledge of relevant areas of the law.

3. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

4. Consult with a wide range of stakeholders including Aboriginal Land Councils, government agencies, landowners,

proponents in the agricultural, mining, oil and gas sectors, and developers of public and private infrastructure.

1. Organise work so as to manage priorities effectively and meet deadlines.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. Bachelor's degree or other postgraduate qualification in Law.

2. Quality experience and knowledge of legal policy issues or legal practice in relevant fields.

1. Well-developed conceptual, analytical and collaborative skills to manage a wide range of organisational issues and in

researching and evaluating issues, defining options and preparing recommendations for scrutiny at the Executive,

Ministerial and Government level.

1. High-level oral and written communication skills and the ability to formulate reports for various audiences

2. Substantial experience in negotiating effectively and communicating in a professional manner.

3. Proven experience in managing projects and workload in order to meet Authority needs and deadlines, to cope with

pressure and to work as part of a team.

1. An ability to develop partnerships and collaborative relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Desirable

1. Knowledge of the Northern Territory Aboriginal political context in which the NTASSA operates.

2. Prior experience working in an Aboriginal land based legal context such as Northern Territory cultural heritage, land

rights or native title.

Further information

The preferred applicant will be required to undergo a criminal history check. A criminal history will not exclude an applicant

from this position unless it is a relevant criminal history.