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 globally. 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. Established with a mission to stand up fearlessly for children's rights, Save the Children operates numerous programs across various countries, responding swiftly to conflicts and disasters to provide necessary support. The organization prides itself on its progressive values and commitment to making a significant impact in the lives of children.

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, catering to candidates seeking a balance between professional and personal commitments. The Senior Legal Counsel will be an integral part of the Legal and Governance Team, providing high-quality legal advice and company secretarial support to Save the Children Australia and its subsidiaries. The role involves close collaboration with the executive team and boards, contributing to strategic decision-making processes while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. 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 acting as Company Secretary for at least one subsidiary board.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Legal Counsel include 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. The role requires negotiating complex commercial contracts and grant agreements, acting as Company Secretary for at least one subsidiary board, and supporting special and sensitive projects with sound legal guidance. Additionally, the Senior Legal Counsel will monitor legal and regulatory developments to ensure ongoing compliance, implement effective and compliant policies, and approach all decision-making with a child rights lens, ensuring that the organization's values are upheld in all legal matters.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Legal Counsel position must possess a minimum of 6 years' post-admission experience, either in private practice or in-house. 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, possess the confidence to work autonomously as well as collaboratively, and have strong commercial acumen coupled with excellent technical skills.

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 providing legal advice and representation in the country.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the Senior Legal Counsel position is a minimum of 6 years post-admission experience. This experience can be gained through roles in private legal practice or in-house legal departments. Candidates should have a solid understanding of legal principles and practices, particularly in areas relevant to the NGO sector, and should be adept at navigating complex legal issues in a fast-paced environment.

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 align with the communities served by Save the Children Australia.

Additional Notes:
The Senior Legal Counsel position is a permanent part-time role (0.8 FTE) with flexible working arrangements available. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates. The role is based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and candidates must undergo compliance checks, including a National Police Check and Working with Children Check, as part of the organization's commitment to child safeguarding. The position offers a competitive salary, full salary packaging benefits, additional annual leave options, and access to professional development support.