Senior Lawyer

About this role

Who are we? The Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) is central to the independent oversight of the Australian intelligence and security agencies. The Inspector-General is an independent statutory office holder with oversight of the activities of Australia’s intelligence and security agencies to ensure they act legally and with propriety, comply with ministerial guidelines and directives, and respect human rights. The work of the Inspector General and his staff provides assurance to ministers, the parliament and the public that these agencies are using their powers as intended. The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 provides that the IGIS has jurisdiction over the following agencies that make up the national intelligence community: • Office of National Intelligence (ONI) • Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) • Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) • Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) • Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO) • Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO) • Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) • Australian Federal Police (intelligence functions only) • AUSTRAC (intelligence functions only) • Department of Home Affairs (intelligence functions only) This is a pivotal time for our agency, as our jurisdiction has recently grown and we are looking to expand our capacity to meet this new environment. There are significant opportunities to demonstrate and develop professional skills and leadership within the legal function of the agency. We are a small portfolio agency, proud of our contribution to the national interest. We recognise that our people are our greatest asset – we recruit and retain highly capable, motivated professionals with high levels of integrity and personal drive; and we invest in, and value, their development. Further, we offer a rewarding, positive, and inclusive environment, empowering staff to work flexibly in their contribution to the achievement of agency goals. The Opportunity The Legal and Assurance Branch of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) is a dedicated team that is responsible for the provision and facilitation of legal advice, legal policy support, training and services to support the IGIS’s statutory functions. The role involves providing high‐quality legal advice on a range of matters relevant to the operation of the Office, as well as contributing to legislative analysis, reform and policy development affecting the IGIS and the national intelligence community. The role requires the ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, exercise sound judgement, and operate effectively in a small, highly sensitive environment. The salary for this position will be based on the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027 and negotiated based on skills and experience. The IGIS is able to offer attractive arrangements for the right candidate and has generous allowances for health and wellbeing, in recognising our unique operating environment. Key responsibilities of a Senior Lawyer include: • Providing high‐quality legal advice on matters relating to the functions of the IGIS, including oversight activities, complaints and public interest disclosures • Providing legal advice involving statutory interpretation and administrative law • Providing legal advice on employment‐related matters, procurement and contract matters, and on issues relating to privacy, confidentiality, work health and safety and other ad hoc legal issues • Preparing decision briefs and advice in relation to requests for the Inspector‐General to give evidence under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) or the Archives Act 1983 (Cth) • Preparing and delivering internal legal training for the Legal team and the Office, and working with external providers to supplement internal legal training • Working with policy departments on the development and review of legislation relevant to the functions of the IGIS and the oversight of intelligence and security matters • Leading or contributing to the analysis of new or amended legislative proposals • Assisting with legislative reform initiatives and legal policy projects • Ensuring that policy and legislative proposals are compatible with the IGIS’s statutory oversight role • Providing advice, drafting submissions and supporting the Inspector‐General’s appearance before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security and other parliamentary committees • Assisting with submissions to reviews and inquiries, including those conducted by parliamentary bodies • Building and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders, including policy agencies and other oversight bodies • Guiding, mentoring and developing junior team members • Contributing to the effective functioning of the Legal and Assurance Branch and the Office more broadly • Undertaking other duties as required, including acting in the role of Director, Legal. To be successful in this role you will have: • experience providing legal advice, particularly in relation to statutory interpretation and/pr administrative law • experience in legal policy, legislative review or legislative reform processes • the ability to exercise sound judgement and work effectively in a small team • the ability to work effectively in a highly sensitive environment and manage complex issues • strong written and verbal communication skills • an aptitude for building and maintaining effective working relationships with senior executives and other stakeholders • experience guiding, mentoring or supporting junior staff • a desire to work in a productive, values-driven organisation and to achieve results • a positive attitude, energy and commitment to the objectives of the IGIS • a collaborative and respectful approach to all aspects of your work Essential Skills • a degree in law from an Australian university, or a comparable overseas qualification recognised in Australia • as a legal practitioner to an Australian State or Territory Supreme Court or the High Court of Australia • a practising certificate, or eligibility to obtain a practising certificate in the ACT • minimum of five years Post Admission Experience, or substantial contemporary and relevant knowledge and experience in relevant areas of law, including knowledge of the Commonwealth legal environment. Desirable Skills • experience with legislation reform • familiarity with parliamentary, Cabinet or whole‐of‐government policy processes • a developed understanding of national security and intelligence legislative frameworks