POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Officer of NATSILS has a demonstrated commitment to social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and provides high quality leadership support to the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of NATSILS, the NATSILS members, as well as leading and managing the NATSILS staff.

ORGANISATION OVERVIEW

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS) is the national peak representative body for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS), including the:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (Qld) Ltd (ATSILS Qld)
• Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement Inc. (ALRM)
• Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS)
• Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia Ltd (ALSWA)
• North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA)
• Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service (TALS) and
• Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Co-operative Limited (VALS)

Our members have over 50 years’ experience in the provision of legal advice, assistance, representation, community legal education, advocacy, law reform activities and prisoner through-care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in contact with the justice system. We are the experts on justice issues affecting and concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and extend this expertise to issues relating to child protection, family and domestic violence, family law, and civil and human rights.

NATSILS provides a united voice at the national level for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and supports the ATSILS to provide high quality and culturally safe legal and wraparound services.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy

• Work closely with the NATSILS Chairperson to drive the leadership, strategy and vision of NATSILS’  Strategic Plan, ensuring outcomes are designed, achieved and evaluated
• Provide strategic advice on justice system reform to the Chairperson, and internal and external stakeholders

Leadership and Management

• Manage and lead NATSILS’ staff, their work and professional development
• Lead operational, financial and risk management for the peak body
• Lead reporting and impact evaluations of strategic priorities, projects and campaigns
• Oversee NATSILS’ governance, policies, procedures and administrative documents

Policy, Practice and Advocacy

• Support the Chairperson to lead on advocacy for justice, equality, legal and human rights issues, including leading policy, campaign and law reform development and NATSILS’ participation in national media, coalitions, consultations and campaigns
• Drive best practice, collaboration and problem solving for the needs of NATSILS members, including culturally safe service delivery, policy and law reform, and governance across the ATSILS
• Research and develop solutions to complex legal services issues informed by an Australia-wide approach to building strong communication across the ATSILS and the broader legal services sector
• Oversee legal research and prepare high quality briefing papers, reports, submissions and speeches for NATSILS

• Maintain knowledge on current justice, human rights and discrimination issues, and relevant Australian and international policy, law and human rights developments

Partnerships and Communications

• Lead and oversee the coordination of the NATSILS Law Reform and Policy Officer Network, national teleconferences, member forums and other meetings and activities to support collaboration by NATSILS members

• Foster partnerships and relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and stakeholders in the legal, government, non-government and philanthropy sectors
• Partner with the Coalition of Peaks and government partners to implement the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, including through the Justice Policy Partnership
• Build strong connections and positive working relationships with NATSILS members and external stakeholders to support capacity building, sector development activities and effective communication between all parties
• Organise, attend and present at regional, interstate and international forums as directed
• Provide high quality NATSILS representation on steering committees, coalitions and when consulting with external stakeholders

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Background: identify and be recognised in the community as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person – this is an identified position under Section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977
• Knowledge: demonstrated knowledge and in-depth understanding of the systemic social and legal issues caused by colonialism and affecting members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia
• Values: alignment to the values and vision of NATSILS, including a demonstrated appreciation of and sensitivity to the challenges our communities continue to face in their right for justice and equity
• Cultural capability: demonstrated understanding of the histories, cultures, languages and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the ability to work effectively and respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and communities
• Relationships: demonstrated expertise in building relationships, driving partnerships and networking between varied stakeholders on shared collaborative projects and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Management and governance: managing a team effectively, implementing strong cultural governance and operational management, including managing financial budgets and government reporting
• Project management: demonstrated experience in project management, particularly within the areas of legal assistance, research, communications or public affairs
• Research: demonstrated ability to conduct high level research and analysis of complex information in order to contribute to law reform and justice advocacy
• Communication: excellent written and verbal communication skills, which can adapt to a wide range of purposes and audiences, including public speaking and presenting to media
• Flexibility: preparedness to work irregular hours and a willingness to travel for work purposes

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Laws or related field, or relevant legal background and experience
• Minimum three years’ experience working in:
• strategic development of national or state law and policy matters or
• a senior executive, policy or legal role at an ATSILS, Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation or in the Legal Assistance Sector.

Other Requirements:

• Driver’s Licence
• National police check and NSW Working with Children Check within probation period
• Proof of rights to work in Australia

For more information, please contact Karly Warner via email at [email protected] using the subject line: Executive Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.