Senior Legal Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
Save the Children Australia is a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to advocating for children's rights and improving their lives both in Australia and internationally. The organization is known for its ambitious and creative approach to addressing the challenges faced by children, ensuring they have access to education, health care, and protection from violence. Save the Children Australia operates various programs domestically and abroad, responding swiftly to conflicts and disasters to provide necessary support. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from individuals of all backgrounds and adjusting recruitment processes to accommodate diverse needs.

Job Overview:
The Senior Legal Counsel position at Save the Children Australia is a permanent part-time role (0.8 FTE) based in the Melbourne CBD office. This role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements, allowing for a work-life balance that suits the right candidate. The Senior Legal Counsel will be responsible for providing high-quality legal advice and company secretarial support to Save the Children Australia and its subsidiaries. This position involves close collaboration with the executive team and boards, contributing to strategic decision-making while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The role is situated within a small, dynamic team in the Office of the CEO, reporting directly to the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver pragmatic legal advice across various areas, including privacy, data protection, insurance, intellectual property, employment law, human rights, and property law, while also negotiating complex commercial contracts and grant agreements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Legal Counsel will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: delivering pragmatic legal advice across a broad range of areas such as privacy, data protection, insurance, intellectual property, employment law, human rights, and property law; negotiating complex commercial contracts and grant agreements; acting as Company Secretary for at least one subsidiary board; supporting special and sensitive projects with sound legal guidance; monitoring legal and regulatory developments to ensure ongoing compliance; implementing effective and compliant policies; and ensuring that all decision-making is approached with a child rights lens. The role requires the ability to think critically and act decisively in a fast-paced, high-risk environment, making sound judgments and building trusted relationships across the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Legal Counsel position must possess a minimum of 6 years’ post-admission experience, which can be gained through private practice or in-house legal roles. A current Australian legal practising certificate is essential. While experience in governance and company secretarial duties is preferred, it is not mandatory. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to deliver legally sound outcomes in dynamic settings, showcasing confidence in managing their own matters and working both autonomously and collaboratively within a team.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Senior Legal Counsel position includes a law degree from an accredited institution, which qualifies the candidate for admission to practice law in Australia. Additionally, candidates must hold a current Australian legal practising certificate, which is a prerequisite for practicing law in the country.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of post-admission experience, which can be acquired through roles in private legal practice or in-house legal departments. This level of experience is crucial for the candidate to effectively navigate the complexities of legal issues that may arise in the context of Save the Children Australia’s operations and to provide sound legal advice to the organization.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they relate to the communities served by Save the Children Australia.

Additional Notes:
This position is a permanent part-time role (0.8 FTE) with flexible working arrangements, allowing for a balance between professional responsibilities and personal commitments. Save the Children Australia offers a competitive salary along with superannuation, full salary packaging benefits, additional annual leave options, and a child- and pet-friendly work environment. Employees also have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and opportunities for professional development. The organization is committed to child safeguarding, requiring all employees to undergo compliance checks, including a National Police Check and Working with Children Check. Applications are encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates, reflecting the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion.