Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.
Overview
Gellung Warl – meaning ‘tip of the spear’ in Gunaikurnai language – is a First Peoples’ representative and deliberative body, underpinned by Aboriginal Lore, Law and Cultural Authority.
Gellung Warl is established as a statutory corporation under the Treaty Act. It is made up of three arms that work together:
- the First Peoples’ Assembly, the political decision-making arm
- Nginma Ngainga Wara, an independent government oversight and accountability arm and
- Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna, an independent mechanism for ongoing truth-telling.
Gellung Warl is guided by the Ngarrakeetoong Martongakeeyt (Community Vision) and is answerable to Community through the Larbargirrar Gnuurtak Tulkuuk (Community Governance and Answerability Framework), which sets out how Gellung Warl engages with and is answerable to First Peoples in Victoria.
Gellung Warl’s underlying purpose is to promote collective self-government, self-determination and empowerment of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, including by:
- by representing First Peoples in Victoria and exercising decision making powers in relation to First Peoples in Victoria
- representing First Peoples in Statewide Treaty negotiations with the State, including undertaking ongoing Statewide Treaty negotiations, and supporting Traditional Owner treatymaking
- providing for ongoing truth-telling and healing
- advising the Parliament and the State government in relation to matters that affect First Peoples and holding the State government to account in relation to its commitments to, and the impact of its actions on, First Peoples.
Walk with us and make history!
The Role
The purpose of this role is to provide high-quality legal advice and support across Gellung Warl’s legal and governance matters to advance organisational priorities and Treaty outcomes. The role supports the organisation by advising on a broad range of legal issues, including Assembly business, governance, policy matters, Treaty negotiations and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and by contributing practical, accurate and culturally informed legal analysis that assists informed decision-making.
This role requires the ability to navigate a complex and politically sensitive environment, ensuring legal advice, drafting and risk management activity uphold Gellung Warl’s cultural authority, priorities and values while maintaining constructive relationships with colleagues, Traditional Owners, communities, stakeholders and relevant internal and external partners.
As part of the Legal & Risk Team, the Senior Lawyer provides practical and strategic support across legal advice, governance documentation, contract review, legal risk management and related legal operations, working closely with the Gellung Warl General Counsel and relevant internal stakeholders to ensure legal support is timely, accurate and aligned with organisational priorities. The role helps ensure Gellung Warl’s legal work is delivered in support of broader organisational and Treaty objectives.
Key Duties
Develop sound legal advice for Gellung Warl, including Council and the CEO, and provide legal support as required.
Prepare clear and concise briefings, memoranda, correspondence and instructions on a range of legal issues, including Assembly business, corporate governance, contract law, employment and OHS issues, privacy and data, Treaty and Indigenous law, complaints, and legislation and regulation applicable to Gellung Warl as a statutory corporation operating in a political environment.
Draft, review and advise on governance documents, policies and contractual agreements.
Advise on, and assist in managing, legal risk across the organisation.
Provide legal advice and support in a culturally considerate manner to Assembly Members, staff and internal stakeholders.
Support legal compliance across organisational operations by identifying relevant legal issues and helping develop practical responses.
Assist with the induction, supervision and development of lawyers, secondees and interns.
Undertake legal practice management and administrative tasks as required in a small team environment.
Participate in professional development activities, organisational networks and Continuing Professional Development requirements.
Promote and support the achievement of Gellung Warl’s core values and contribute positively to its reputation through high-quality legal practice.
Undertake other duties consistent with the role’s classification and purpose as directed.
Skills & Experience Required
Degree in Law.
Holds or is eligible to hold a practising certificate.
5+ years post-admission experience.
Legal experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable: corporate governance, Indigenous legal issues, contracts, employment, privacy and data, regulation and compliance, or public law.
Experience as in-house counsel is regarded favourably.
Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal communities and organisations within Victoria.
Demonstrated skill and capacity to work effectively and with integrity in the context of a Victorian First Peoples’ Representative Body.
Experience preparing legal briefings, memoranda, correspondence or governance documentation in a complex environment is highly desirable.
Experience advising on legal risk, governance documents or contractual matters in an in-house, government, statutory or public-interest environment is highly desirable.
As part of our commitment to child safety and in line with the Working with Children Act 2005 (Vic), all roles within Gellung Warl require a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).
Current full Victorian Driver Licence.
Salary & Term
Ongoing
Salary from $113,022 per annum (full-time equivalent) plus superannuation, based on experience and expertise.
Location
This role extends its reach across the Melbourne region with some regional travel as required.
How to apply
If you are ready to take on a challenging role and make a significant impact, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any other supporting documents to [email protected]
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Note that interviews may commence prior to application close dates as suitable applications come through so job may be filled before close date.