Legal Counsel

GREENPEACE AUSTRALIA PACIFIC

Greenpeace is an independent campaigning organisation, which uses peaceful, creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems, and develop solutions for a green and peaceful future. Our priority focus in the Australia Pacific region is tackling climate change.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for a 3-month contract. Open to applicants Australia wide, with a preference for Sydney or Melbourne.

Due to the urgency of the role, we are seeking a candidate who can start immediately. We will be reviewing applications as they come in and will commence interviews as suitable applicants come through.

THE TEAM

At Greenpeace Australia Pacific (GPAP) the Legal Counsel works as a part of our broader Governance and Performance department in supporting three main functions of the organisation:

• Justice: legal work which proactively uses the law to directly advance GPAP campaigns; and the legal work needed to defend GPAP and its right to advocate from detractors or attacks.
• Governance: Supporting the systems by which GPAP operates, and the mechanisms by which it, and its people, are held to account. This includes responsibilities with respect to ethics, risk management and compliance.
• Performance: the ability of GPAP to reach its goals and maximise its impact.

Our Legal team is an integral part of ensuring our organisation receives advice and support on a range of legal matters, including risks and mitigation. You will assist in negotiation and drafting of contracts, and provide advice on employment law, contract law, consumer law, intellectual property and corporate governance.

The Legal Counsel will report to the General Counsel and provide support to stakeholders across several teams, including: the Company Secretary and GPAP Board; CEO and Leadership Team; Head of People and Culture; Advocacy Manager; Operations Manager; Program Director; and campaign team leads.

Some of the core responsibilities of the role will include:

• Assist in providing ongoing advice in reviewing communications for legal risk, supporting the obtaining of advice for non-violent direct actions, supporting legal processes e.g. Freedom of Information applications
• Contribute to the design, development and delivery of high impactful strategic programmes
• Support with defensive litigation responses, obtaining litigation funding, cultivating relationships with pro bono providers and providing input to legal proceedings
• Maintain our policies and contract management system and conducting periodic reviews
• Ensure GPAP compliance is met and provide advice to stakeholders on relevant laws and regulations
• Develop and maintain influential working relationships both internally and externally
• Partner closely with our General Counsel to perform other relevant duties

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

We're ideally looking for someone with advanced knowledge and experience in corporate law, contract law, consumer law, intellectual property law, defamation and employment law. With an understanding of charity and company secretarial matters.

If you have a history in the environmental sector and understand the politics at play, this would be ideal. However, not a non-negotiable.

You'll also have:

• Current unrestricted Australian Practising Certificate
• Technical proficiency with legal databases
• Able to liaise with government bodies and regulators
• Strategic management including conflict resolution and mediation experience
• Forming new processes and policies based on the organisational context
• Project management skills
• Working to tight deadlines in a high pressure environment
• Experience in a private practice law firm and/or working with a similar organisation

This role can be molded to the expertise of the candidate, so if you are ticking most of the boxes, but not all - that's okay We would love to hear from you.

• The opportunity to work on our biggest campaigns, and make a difference in Australia and globally;
• A great work-life balance including 35 hour work week, integrity framework and generous leave conditions;
• Flexible working conditions including remote work from home;
• A culture that celebrates inclusivity and diversity; and
• A supportive team with lots of opportunities to learn and grow your skillsets including skillshares with other departments and Greenpeace offices.

Annual full-time salary: $134,853.30 per annum + 11.5% superannuation. (pro-rata to contract duration)

HOW TO APPLY

1. Read the Job Description.
2. Submit a Cover Letter (of no more than 1 page) and Resume (of no more than 3 pages) by clicking the 'Apply' button.
3. Applicants who do not submit a Cover Letter will not be considered.

Greenpeace is an equal opportunity employer with a longstanding commitment of providing a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual. We recognise and value the benefits and strengths that diversity brings to our employees and the whole organisation and we thrive in an environment that encourages respect and trust.

Note: Not all responsibilities and competencies listed in the Job Description need to be addressed; it is left to the discretion of the applicant which to focus on.

We respectfully request that Recruitment Agencies do not submit applications for this position.

Applications close at midnight, 17th July 2025.

Legal Counsel - Job Description - June 2025