Exciting Career Opportunity: Legal and Research Officer, President’s Office.

Are you a legal professional with a passion for human rights? Do you excel at crafting impactful policy and legal documents while engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders?

The Australian Human Rights Commission is seeking a Legal and Research Officer, in the President’s Office. This is a full time, ongoing opportunity offering a competitive salary of $90,199 up to $102,002 plus 15.4% superannuation.

About Us

At the Australian Human Rights Commission, we are at the forefront of advancing human rights across the nation. Our mission is to build an Australian society where every person is free and equal in dignity and rights. We achieve this by advising governments, influencing policy, engaging with communities, and raising awareness. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity for all.

About the Role

As the Legal and Research Officer, you'll play a crucial role in supporting the President with strategic legal and policy advice on pressing human rights issues. Your expertise will drive the Commission’s work by contributing to high-level submissions, reports, and briefings, as well as coordinating crucial parliamentary and external engagements.

Key Responsibilities

Legal and Policy Research and Drafting:

• Provide strategic legal and policy advice on domestic and international human rights issues.
• Conduct in-depth research to inform and support legal and policy recommendations.
• Draft comprehensive submissions, reports, and briefings.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure the President's effective oversight and involvement in policy matters.

External Engagement:

• Partner with the Strategic Communications team to craft compelling public communications, including speeches and correspondence.
• Support the President’s participation in external events and international forums.

Parliamentary Engagement:

• Coordinate the Commission’s interactions with parliamentary inquiries, ensuring effective preparation and presentation.
• Oversee the preparation of Senate Estimates briefs and responses, working closely with the Senior Leadership team and other staff.

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Qualifications:

• Relevant legal qualifications and post-qualification experience in human rights law or policy.

Professional Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong understanding of both domestic and international human rights law.
• Proven ability to conduct detailed research and develop accurate legal and policy documents.
• Excellent judgment on human rights policy issues.

Communication:

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to create clear, effective content for briefing papers, submissions, and reports.

Stakeholder Relationship Skills:

• Skilled at engaging and building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including government and civil society organizations.

Other Requirements:

• Completion of mandatory training modules and adherence to Commission policies.
• Commitment to APS Values, Code of Conduct, and positive duty requirements through Respect@Work.
• Uphold the integrity and independence of the Australian Human Rights Commission.

If you’re ready to make a significant impact in the field of human rights and support the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, apply now to join our dedicated team.

Apply Today!

Join us in our mission to protect and promote human rights. We look forward to receiving your application and discovering how you can contribute to our vital work.

We value inclusivity and diversity and seek people who support and model the behaviours we promote in our workforce. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations Australians, mature workers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, culturally and marginalised communities, carers, LGBTIQA+ and people with disability.

Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS).

The Commission is committed to providing an accessible, inclusive work environment to enable people with a disability to participate fully in all aspects of employment. Applicants are encouraged to request reasonable adjustment as required to assist your participation in this recruitment process.

How to Apply

Please provide a resume and a statement (maximum of 2 pages) outlining your interest in this position, your experience that would lead to impactful outcomes in the role, and the skills and capabilities you bring.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to fulfill the requirements of the role in an impartial and respectful manner as required by the APS Code of Conduct. The successful candidate will uphold the integrity and independence of the Australian Human Rights Commission.

As part of the recruitment and selection process, applicants will be required to consent to and undergo background checks which may include character and social media checks.

For more Information

Information about the role and Commission practices may be sought from Merle Mendoca, Director HR at [email protected] using the subject line: Legal and Research Officer - Remote / Work From Home enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.