APS 6 Legal Officer

Job Overview

The Legal and Audit Division is a specialist in-house practice that supports lawful implementation of the Department's objectives by advising on the management of legal risk as well as providing legal advice, litigation and dispute resolution services, legal training and legislation services.

We are looking for candidates with strong technical legal skills, who are great communicators, can manage competing priorities, enjoy working collaboratively, think flexibly and have a positive can-do attitude. In addition to your strong legal skills and experience in the relevant area, you need to have strong and efficient administration, liaison and communication skills, and the ability to lead, manage and mentor others in the delivery of the work.

About Legislation & Instruments:

Our Legislation and Instruments Section works collegiately across many areas of the department to develop primary and subordinate legislation, appointment instruments and business delegations. This includes:

• Working closely with policy and program areas of the department to provide legal advice and assistance with regards to the development of new measures in primary legislation administered by the department or in legislative instruments.
• Working with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to develop legislation.
• Facilitating constitutional risk assessments of new policy proposals.
• Assisting policy and program areas of the department in the development and drafting of delegation and statutory appointment instruments.
• Working closely with other Commonwealth Departments and relevant internal policy and program areas to ensure DVA legislation mirrors equivalent legislation in the provision of support, benefits and assistance that are beneficial to veterans and their families.
• Opportunities are currently available for suitably qualified and experienced candidates for Legal Officer (APS6) roles in DVA's Legislation and Instruments section, drafting team.

Duties

• Deliver high quality legal services that meet client expectations, considering both legal and non-legal risks, professional standards and the department's role under its portfolio legislation.
• Prepare, draft and review moderately complex legislative instruments and other legal documents with the ability to seek guidance and advice when required.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships with business areas while promoting the Legal & Audit Division as the department's trusted advisor.
• Continuously develop professional legal expertise, through participation in development, training and study opportunities, and meet Continuing Legal Education requirements and other expectations.
• Support leadership of the Team and the Branch, including through promoting a positive working environment, and contributing to corporate leadership activities.
• Anticipate and respond to stakeholder needs and expectations, considering how issues can be challenged constructively.
• Supervise and support junior staff, including by contributing to the setting of work priorities, monitoring work flow, and contributing to shared learning.

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 external to DVA 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 obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance.

Mandatory Requirements

• Must have at least a Bachelor of Laws degree (or equivalent) from a recognised Australian tertiary education provider.
• Must be admitted as a legal practitioner of the High Court or the Supreme Court of a State or Territory of Australia and must possess, or be eligible to obtain, at least a restricted government lawyer practising certificate.

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 external to DVA 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 obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance.

Notes

This recruitment process is being used to fill ongoing and/or non-ongoing position/s. For more information about the role, please see the Candidate Information Pack.

Where a non-ongoing position is offered, the role will be filled for an initial specified term of up to 18 months.

A merit pool of suitable applicants may be created which may be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies should they become available over the next 18 months.

Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

DVA embraces and fosters a culture that supports diversity, inclusion and respect, where people are empowered to fulfil their potential. We welcome people with diverse skills, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. We are dedicated and committed to attracting and recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and encourage applications from people with disability, people that identify as LGBTQIA+ and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Take on a rewarding, varied, and broad career with an Australian Public Service Department that can bring balance and flexibility to your working life, while supporting you to stay connected to your community.

DVA is committed to improving the data skills and capability of our workforce to underpin our goal of becoming a leading data-driven organisation.

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:

This vacancy has been identified to participate in VetPaths. The Australian Public Service (APS) values the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that veterans gain during their Australian Defence Force (ADF) employment and encourage veterans to apply. Support may be available to veterans transitioning to meaningful APS careers through participation in VetPaths, which offers veterans an opportunity to participate in a six-month program offering formal learning and development, career mentoring and activities for wellness and peer supports. For more visit:

Contact Officer Details:

For any job related information required after reading the selection documentation, please contact Charlotte Inglis on

Where to lodge Applications:

To apply go to and complete the online application by
Thursday, 3 October :30pm AEST)