About the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

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 value-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 provisions, casework 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.

Our Values

The human rights of people seeking asylum and refugees are at the foundation of all we do and the workforce makes it happen, doing the work to bring the vision and purpose to life.

Our organisational values are:

• Welcoming
• Authentic
• Courageous
• Collaborative

About The Role

This role will form part of a highly passionate and driven team within the Human Rights Legal Program (HRLP). The Associate Solicitor increases the HRLP's effectiveness and efficiency by strengthening the teams' capacity and service delivery capabilities through the use of their knowledge and experience.

The Associate Solicitor will coordinate the Access to Justice legal service (currently Triage, Wednesday Night Clinic, Gender Clinic, Duty, Community Legal Education & Knowledge Management, and Partnerships), working with the HRLP Management Team. The Associate Solicitor will also make sure that team members receive the necessary coaching and support to deliver a reliable and efficient Access to Justice service to asylum seekers.

The team is composed of incredibly dedicated staff and volunteers working on one of the most contentious and complex human rights issues in Australia.

This role is a full-time position with a 12-month fixed-term contract. Part-time options (0.9 or 0.8 FTE) will also be considered.

About You

The successful candidate will be a highly intelligent and talented legal professional with a passion to make a difference in the lives of those seeking asylum. You will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Solicitor with current unrestricted legal practising certificate
• Minimum of two years experience in Australian refugee law legal practice
• Exceptional time management skills and demonstrated ability to prioritise competing demands and limited resources
• Ability to train, develop and supervise students and/or volunteers
• Demonstrated competence in advocacy before administrative decision-makers and courts
• Willingness to undertake work offsite in places such as immigration detention centres
• Experience in working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Commitment to team-building and supporting colleagues
• Knowledge of the policy context of practice with asylum seekers' visa categories/conditions, and the barriers faced by people seeking asylum in Australia
• Demonstrated experience in conducting training/information sessions
• Demonstrated experience in managing external stakeholder relationships.

Lived experience of seeking asylum in Australia is highly desirable. Knowledge of policy and issues impacting on people seeking asylum in Australia as well as previous experience working within a not-for-profit environment, would also be advantageous.

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
• Annual Leave Loading of 17.5%
• Additional discretionary leave provisions including:
  • Paid Pandemic Leave
  • Leave due to Cultural or Religiously Significant Events
  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Leave
  • Leave for Staff Seeking Asylum
  • Gender Affirmation Leave
• 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 Description

Please find the Position Description to address the Role Requirements here. 

Application Process

Only applications that include a CV and cover letter addressing the Role Requirements, will be considered.

All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement.