• Location: Melbourne / Hybrid
• Position Type: Part time (0.6 FTE)
• Remuneration: $180,000 - $220,000 FTE package + salary packaging

About Us

The Self-Determination Fund is a recently established registered Not-For-Profit, First Peoples owned and controlled resource, designed by and for First Peoples of Victoria. The purpose of the Self-Determination Fund is to promote First Peoples’ economic development, both through the Treaty process and into the future.

The main purposes of the fund are,

• Equal Footing in Treaty Negotiations for Traditional Owners in Victoria - to support Traditional Owners to enter Treaty negotiations with the State Government with equal standing, and
• Wealth and Prosperity of all First Peoples in Victoria – to be a resource to help First Peoples to build capacity, wealth, and prosperity for current and future generations.

The Role

The Head of Legal, & Policy will direct the delivery of legal services, manage legal risk, ensure Self-Determination Fund Limited (in corporate and Trustee capacities) complies with its legal, regulatory and governing documents obligations, support the CEO, Company Secretary, Trustee Board and the Trustee itself in its public policy positions and work to support the Trustee to achieve its objectives for the Self-Determination Fund.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing high quality and timely strategic legal advice on corporate governance and compliance matters to the CEO, Company Secretary, Co-Chairs, Trustee Board, and across the organisation.
• Contracts and Procurement
• Processes and delivery of matters relating to public policy (including positioning and submissions).

• Identifying and managing legal risks, compliance risks and general financial/non-financial risk in accordance with the Trustee’s Risk Appetite Framework.
• Managing and maintaining relationships with key external & internal stakeholders including the First People’s Assembly policy team.
• Identifying legal developments relevant to the Trustee and Self-Determination Fund and advising on potential opportunities and impacts.
• Participating in professional development activities, Trustee networks and meeting continuing legal education requirements.

• Liaison and management of relationships with external legal firms and legal council.

Skills, Competencies, & Knowledge

(please note, interested applicants are encouraged to apply even if not meeting all desired requirements)

• Exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building and leadership skills, with the ability to develop and manage staff.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and the ability to explain and express complex legal ideas in a clear, accessible form to suit the audience.
• Broad legal knowledge and exceptional legal, risk, compliance and policy judgement and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal Communities and organisations within Victoria and an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of self-determination and empowerment.

Experience and Qualifications

• 10+ years post-admission legal experience with preferred experience in managing risks and compliance for an investment firm, financial services provider or other regulated industry. Knowledge of financial services is an asset.
• Broad range of legal experience in the areas of corporate and commercial law, corporate governance, public law, human rights and Indigenous legal issues.
• In-house legal experience regarded favourably, especially where have experience working compliance and risk functions in house. Having worked with or knowledge of government affairs and public policy an asset.
• Demonstrated experience managing financial and non-financial risks, or the ability to do so within an investment and trustee environment.
• Experience executing on compliance management frameworks, or managing a team that has done this successfully.
• Degree in Law, qualifications in risk, compliance or public policy an asset.
• Holds or eligible to hold practicing certificate.

Benefits of working for the Self-Determination Fund

• Opportunity to take a key role in a dynamic and innovative organisation working towards Self-Determined wealth and prosperity for Victorian Aboriginal communities.
• Competitive salary based on experience including salary packaging options.
• Opportunity to contribute a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and integrity of the Trustee and Self-Determination Fund.
• Fresh new office space in a great central location, with hybrid/flexible working options available
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program

Additional Information regarding the role

This role may require travel within Victoria.

Learn more about the Self-Determination Fund and our funding program via the following links:

Self-Determination Fund

Self-Determination Fund – Reports and Resources

Equal Footing Funding Program – Funding Guidelines