• Australia's largest human rights organisation supporting people seeking asylum
• Lead ASRC's legal practice and access to justice for asylum seekers & refugees
• Suits a leadership background within refugee, immigration, administrative law

The Organisation

For over 23 years, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) has been providing support and advocating for the human rights of people seeking asylum, independent from any Federal government funding. Alongside refugees, the ASRC advocates for law reform and policy change, and provides programs to support and empower people seeking asylum to maximise their own physical, mental and social wellbeing.

The Human Rights Law Program (HRLP)

The HRLP, an accredited Community Legal Centre within the ASRC, delivers expert, trauma-informed legal services to refugees and people seeking asylum facing significant barriers in accessing justice during the complex and lengthy refugee determination process. The HRLP represents people in the community in Victoria and in detention nationally and offshores services include referrals, advice, clinics (including a gender clinic), and full representation throughout the refugee status determination process.

Benefits & Culture

• Above award salary with tax effective packaging
• Flexible working arrangements
• A range of additional leave offerings
• Free onsite car and bicycle parking, close to public transport
• An energetic, committed and supportive team-oriented work environment

The Role

Reporting to the Deputy CEO, you will lead and manage the ASRC’s legal practice, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s strategic goals. This includes collaborating with leadership, media, and advocacy teams to shape HRLP strategy and drive systemic change.
With overall responsibility for the legal service, you’ll manage risk, compliance, and reputation, while championing the delivery of innovative, trauma-informed, human rights based legal support. You’ll also mentor a high-performing team of staff and volunteers providing critical legal advice and assistance to thousands of people seeking asylum annually.

Additionally, you will:

• Ensure high quality legal services across the HRLP, provide supervision and technical advice
• Manager a small caseload of matters and oversee complex casework
• Develop and manage relationships and partnerships with key HRLP stakeholders internally and externally
• Act as a spokesperson and represent the HRLP in media, government and community forums
• Empower your team and champion wellbeing
• Drive and coordinate HRLP law reform agenda, including litigation

Skills Required

You’re a confident and agile leader with strategic and operational management experience and expertise in refugee, immigration, or administrative law. Your background may include community legal, government, or you have relevant experience from private practice. Skilled in working inclusively with diverse groups, you excel at leading critical programs and managing risk and compliance.
You understand the challenges faced by asylum seekers and the refugee community and bring:

• Eligibility to hold an unrestricted legal practicing certificate
• Experience managing a team of legal practitioners and overseeing complex casework
• High level stakeholder relations and media engagement skills
• Demonstrated advocacy before administrative decision makers and/or courts
• Commitment to trauma-informed practice and self-care practices

Lived experience of seeking asylum in Australia is highly desirable.

If you’re ready to apply your legal and leadership skills to support people seeking asylum in achieving safety, independence, and equality, we encourage you to apply. Submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the skills required, or contact Kelly Gentle in confidence at 03 8080 8978 to discuss your interest.

Please note there is no formal closing date for this role, if you are interested, we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

NGO Recruitment values equitable recruitment practices and is committed to representing candidates reflective of the diverse organisations and communities we work with. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages, and identities, and are happy to adjust our recruitment process to support accessibility needs. If you are interested in this position and have most of the skills or experience we are looking for, please go ahead and apply.