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 that advances Gellung Warl’s statutory functions, organisational priorities and Treaty objectives. The role supports lawful, informed and strategically sound decision-making by advising on legal issues, preparing legal materials, reviewing documents and contributing to the effective management of legal risk across Gellung Warl.
This role requires the ability to navigate a complex and politically sensitive environment, ensuring legal advice, document review and risk management support uphold Gellung Warl’s cultural authority, priorities and values while maintaining constructive relationships with colleagues, Traditional Owners, communities, stakeholders and relevant external advisers.
As part of the Legal Team, the Lawyer provides practical legal support across governance, policy, Treaty-related work, compliance and organisational decision-making, working closely with the Gellung Warl General Counsel and relevant internal stakeholders to translate legal issues into clear, accurate and accessible advice. The role helps ensure legal matters are well managed, risks are identified early, and legal advice and documentation are delivered in support of Gellung Warl’s broader organisational and Treaty objectives.
Key Duties
Develop sound legal advice and provide legal support across Gellung Warl on a range of matters, including governance, policy, Treaty-related work and organisational operations.
Prepare clear and concise briefings, memoranda, correspondence and instructions on a range of legal issues.
Draft, review and advise on governance documents, policies, contracts, agreements and other legal materials to support organisational compliance and decision-making.
Provide legal advice on matters including corporate governance, contract law, employment and occupational health and safety issues, privacy and data, complaints, public law, Indigenous legal issues, and legislation and regulation relevant to Gellung Warl’s operations.
Identify, monitor and assist in managing legal risk across Gellung Warl, including by contributing to practical and timely mitigation strategies.
Support legal aspects of Treaty-related work, governance processes, policy matters and broader organisational initiatives.
Undertake legal practice management and administrative tasks required to support the effective operation of a small legal team.
Maintain accurate legal records, file notes, advice registers and document management practices to support accountability and continuity of legal work.
Build and maintain trusted working relationships with staff, governance bodies and other stakeholders to support effective legal service delivery.
Participate in professional development activities, Gellung Warl networks and continuing professional development requirements.
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.
Demonstrated post-admission legal experience in a legal practice, in-house, public sector, statutory, representative or similar environment.
Experience preparing legal advice, briefings, memoranda, correspondence or instructions on a range of legal issues.
Experience drafting, reviewing or advising on governance documents, policies, contracts, agreements or related legal materials.
Experience supporting legal risk management, compliance or governance matters in a complex and fast-moving environment.
Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable: corporate governance, Indigenous legal issues, contracts, employment, privacy and data, regulation and compliance, public law, or Treaty-related legal work.
In-house legal experience is highly desirable.
Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal communities and organisations within Victoria, and the ability to work effectively and with integrity in the context of a Victorian First Peoples’ representative body or similar environment.
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 $97,955 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.