Legal Officer

• Full-time employment opportunity in a vibrant and supportive team
• Based in Parramatta CBD with flexible work arrangements available
• Remuneration of $117,363 - $137,071 plus super & leave loading

About the Department of Education 

At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners – from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.

About the team

The Commercial and Schools Infrastructure NSW (SINSW) team provide general commercial support and advice to schools and business units on a vast range of commercial law matters, including drafting, negotiating and advising on a wide range of contracts, funding arrangements, and assisting with intellectual property and commercial disputes. The team also work collaboratively with School Infrastructure on property and construction matters to mitigate legal risk and deliver practical outcomes by providing high-quality legal advice in a timely and reliable manner. 

About the role

The Legal Officer Grade 3/4 provides high-level legal advice, briefings and correspondence in areas of law relevant to the NSW Department of Education with key accountabilities that include:

• Interpreting, analysing and preparing complex legal documents
• Representing the department in contract and settlement negotiations
• Providing high-level legal advice and recommendations on the development and implementation of legal standards and practices, strategies, systems, procedures and processes for the practice area
• Supporting the practice area team in delivering legal education and training programs
• Helping to collect and analyse legal data to deliver reports that inform and improve the department’s operations.

For further information please view the role description

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements, including - hybrid/work from home arrangements.
• 35 hour working week
• Competitive salary, salary sacrificing, employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
• Flex Leave entitlements, generous holidays & leave conditions
• Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support your career growth

Essential requirements of the role 

• Legal qualifications and a current NSW practising certificate.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

Key knowledge and experience 

• Knowledge and experience in the relevant area/s of law impacting on the NSW Department of Education, with the ability to provide targeted and high-quality advice and casework services.
• Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department’s Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department’s Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

How to apply 

Please attach your resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining why you would be a great fit for this role including areas of relevant experience.

Please refer to the Applicant’s Guide to Applying to assist you with your application. If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education, click here for instructions on how to submit your application. All other applicants please submit your application by clicking ‘Apply Now’. 

Closing date:  Sunday 1st December 2024 at 11:59pm

Contact: For role enquiries please contact Gemma Jackson, Principal Legal Officer, on 0439 552 737 or email gemma.jackson2@det.nsw.edu.au

This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment, you will be required to provide a Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number and complete a National Criminal Record Check. Visit the website for more information.

Inclusion and Diversity: We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team (dandi@det.nsw.edu.au) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.”

A talent pool may be created through this recruitment process. A talent pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.