Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

Job Posting Organization:
Save the Children Australia is an organization dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Established with a mission to create lasting change for children, Save the Children Australia operates with a diverse team that brings different perspectives and a commitment to tackling significant challenges. The organization is focused on governance, risk management, and delivering on its mission across Australia, the Pacific, and beyond. It emphasizes a culture of diversity and inclusion, aiming to reflect the communities it serves and support its employees in various aspects of their lives.

Job Overview:
In this full-time, permanent role based in Melbourne, the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary will lead the Legal team at Save the Children Australia. This position is pivotal in providing strategic legal and governance leadership across the organization and its related entities. The role involves working closely with the Board, Executive, and senior leaders to ensure effective governance, risk management, and compliance with regulatory obligations. The Group General Counsel will oversee the legal function, provide commercial and risk-based legal advice, and ensure adherence to governance best practices. This position is crucial for driving compliance and policy management, acting as Privacy Officer and AML/CTF Compliance Officer, and leading the Legal & Governance team to contribute to Save the Children’s advocacy and mission objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary include leading the legal function of Save the Children Australia, providing strategic legal advice to the Board and senior leaders, overseeing governance and company secretariat responsibilities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and managing risk effectively. The role also involves driving enterprise-wide compliance, managing legal risks, overseeing organizational policies, and ensuring adherence to governance best practices. Additionally, the Group General Counsel will act as Privacy Officer, manage whistleblower protections and investigations, and lead the Legal & Governance team, which includes managing budgets, external legal partnerships, and contributing to the organization’s advocacy efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be admitted as a legal practitioner in Australia or possess an overseas equivalent with a pathway toward Australian admission. Extensive senior legal leadership experience is required, along with significant post-qualification practice. The ideal candidate should have strong commercial and strategic legal acumen, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships across various stakeholders. A deep understanding of governance, compliance, and risk management is essential, as well as experience in complex not-for-profit or charity environments.

Educational Background:
A law degree from an accredited institution is required, along with admission to practice law in Australia or an equivalent qualification from another jurisdiction. Continuous professional development and a commitment to staying updated on legal and governance issues are also expected.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in senior legal roles, particularly within not-for-profit, charity, or international development sectors. Experience in providing legal advice on governance, compliance, and risk management is crucial, as well as a proven track record of managing complex legal issues and stakeholder relationships.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the role requires exceptional communication skills. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, permanent position based in Melbourne, Australia. The organization offers a range of employee benefits, including individual learning plans, flexible working arrangements, support for workplace wellness, and full salary packaging benefits. Save the Children Australia is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates. The application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible, with support available for candidates who may encounter difficulties.