Legal Advocacy Lead

About Us:

Founded in 2001, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is Australia's largest human rights organisation providing support to people seeking asylum. We are an independent not-for-profit organisation whose programs support and empower people seeking asylum to maximise their own physical, mental and social well being. We champion the rights of people seeking asylum and mobilise a community of compassion to create lasting social and policy change. 

We are a values-driven organisation that strives to be part of a change movement that supports people seeking asylum by providing critical services such as assistance with accommodation, food, medical and legal services. 

The ASRC movement is proudly supported by a community of committed volunteers and supporters who embrace the organisation's vision that people seeking asylum can live safely, sustainably, independently and equally.

About the Role |12-Month Parental Leave Cover

The Legal Advocacy Advisor plays a pivotal role in shaping ASRC's law reform and policy agenda. You'll use your legal expertise to provide strategic advice, draft submissions, and influence decision-makers on refugee and asylum policy. Working closely with the Principal Solicitor, advocacy teams, and sector partners, you'll help ensure that legal insights drive impactful advocacy and systemic change. Alongside a small caseload of complex legal matters, this role offers a rare opportunity to combine hands-on legal practice with meaningful policy influence, advancing justice and protection for people seeking asylum.

*Key Accountabilities:*

• Provide expert legal input into ASRC policy, briefing and position papers to advance law reform objectives.
• Undertake legal research and draft high-quality submissions and evidence-based advocacy materials.
• Collaborate with ASRC programs to identify and advise on effective legal reform opportunities.
• Coordinate legal input into Parliamentary inquiries, stakeholder consultations and policy projects.
• Share policy priorities and insights with the Human Rights Law Program to strengthen collaboration.
• Manage a small caseload of complex refugee law matters, including protection visa cancellations and judicial review cases, under supervision.
• Role model ASRC values by fostering a culturally safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
• Champion health, safety, and wellbeing practices across the team and organisation.

*About You:* You're a passionate and skilled legal professional with deep knowledge of refugee law and a commitment to social justice. You excel at translating complex legal issues into clear, persuasive advocacy that drives change. With strong research, drafting, and analytical skills, you thrive in dynamic environments and manage competing priorities with ease. You're a natural collaborator who values teamwork, inclusion, and the power of evidence-based advocacy to create lasting impact.

You will bring:

• A current legal practising certificate and at least two years' post-admission experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in refugee and asylum law and policy.
• Proven ability to draft high-quality submissions, policy papers, and legal analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in an under-resourced or fast-paced setting.
• An understanding of the challenges faced by people seeking asylum in Australia.
• (Desirable) Lived experience of seeking asylum.

Employee Benefits:

Joining the ASRC means being a part of the largest human rights organisation in Australia, supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. We recognise and appreciate our incredible staff for their contribution, dedication and passion to support and empower people seeking asylum by providing the following conditions above the relevant modern award:

• Flexible Working Arrangements, including the ability to work remotely. We do have a 60% in-office approach to building our team cohesion.
• Annual Leave Loading of 17.5%

• Additional discretionary leave provisions including:

• Leave for Cultural or Religiously Significant Events

• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Leave
• Leave for Staff Seeking Asylum

• Gender Affirmation Leave

• Regular community lunch

• Free onsite car and bicycle parking
• Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year tax free)
• Entertainment Packaging (up to $2,650 per year tax free)
• Discounts via HR systems provider at grocery and retail outlets
• Close proximity to public transport (100 metres from Footscray station and buses)

Position DescriptionPlease see the position description here:

Application ProcessOnly applications that include a CV and cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria, will be considered. If your application does not include a cover letter it will not be considered. **Applications close Sunday 16th November at 11:59pm.

Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately and the position may close earlier than stated if we have found suitable candidates.**All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement.