Legal Policy Officer

Job Description

Full-time, Ongoing and non-ongoing specified term Sydney, NSW Position Overview The Legal Policy Officer assists senior staff within the National Operations Team in the FCFCOA, in particular, the Director Family Violence/ Director Access, Equity and Inclusion (‘Director’), and other National Executive Officers in the Sydney registry of the FCFCOA. They will also work closely with the staff assisting the Chief Justice and Chief Executive Officer and the Principal Registrar (‘CEO/PR’) of the FCFCOA.The Director provides timely and strategic support and assistance to the Chief Justice and CEO/PR relating to key aspects of the management and operations of the FCFCOA, its Judges, Registrars, Court Child Experts and staff. The role forms part of a National Operations Team working across both Courts in family law, migration, and general federal law.The Director works closely with the Chief Justice, CEO/PR, Senior Executives (including the Deputy Principal Registrar, Executive Director – National Registrar Operations and Practice, and Executive Director – Court Children’s Service) and the broader National Operations Team in key areas including in-house training and education of Judges, Registrars, Court Child Experts and staff in trauma informed practice, family violence, and access, equity and inclusion. The Director also provides input to key initiatives aimed at enhancing the ability of the Courts to respond to family violence and other risks to vulnerable parties and children and to improve the Courts’ accessibility and inclusion of diverse, priority populations.The Legal Policy Officer provides high level legal policy, administrative and project support to the National Operations Team, in particular to the Director and other National Operation Directors in the Sydney registry, as required. This includes assisting with the preparation of briefings, correspondence, presentations, reports, and submissions and supporting various committees and working groups to support internal court reform, policy development, case management processes and training and resource development, implementing key national projects and supporting the day-to-day operations of the Director and other senior staff. They will liaise with a range of key staff and internal and external stakeholders.The person appointed to this position will be someone who can demonstrate an understanding of current policy, practice and legal frameworks aimed at addressing family violence and intersecting forms of discrimination, and who possesses high-level analytical and communication abilities, is excellent at prioritising work, anticipates what needs to be done and shows great initiative. The successful candidate will also have a commitment to excellence, and will be self-motivated, well organised, efficient, and able to work under pressure.Some limited travel may be required.Key Responsibilities and Duties The Legal Policy Officer is responsible for assisting the Director (and other National Operation Directors in the Sydney registry) by undertaking a range of duties, including: Undertaking in-depth legal and policy research and analysis on topical and emerging issues of family violence, access, equity and inclusion relevant to family, migration, and general federal law, including to provide briefings/memoranda to the Director and to support internal court reform, policy development, case management processes and training and resource development. Responding to requests and preparing correspondence, preparing and analysing relevant data, preparing presentations and reports, including assisting with submissions or information to or for Judges, Registrars, Government and Parliament, and administrative documentation to support Corporate Services functions. Handling sensitive material and information confidentially on behalf of the Director and the National Operations team generally. Providing high level administrative support, including organising and managing telephone and video calls, emails, calendars and travel arrangements. Supporting various committees and working groups, including assisting with projects and research and preparing agendas and issues papers. Communicating effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders; and Other duties as required. $90,199 - $101,022 per annum, plus 15.4% superannuation. Full-time, Ongoing and non-ongoing specified term Sydney, NSW Mandatory Qualifications Completion of a legal degree or in final year of legal studies.Competencies and Experience Experience working in a professional environment, such as a court, law firm, research or social service agency, or Government. Knowledge of family law, and familiarity with general federal law and the Federal courts system. Knowledge of policy, practice and legal frameworks aimed at addressing family violence and intersecting forms of discrimination. Familiarity with the principles of public sector governance and accountability. Selection Criteria Demonstrated high-level organisational and follow-through skills, including attention to detail, excellent time-management skills, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, to set and manage priorities, multitask, work effectively under pressure and apply planning and problem-solving skills. Professional discretion, including tact and diplomacy, and an understanding of how to handle sensitive information with a high level of confidentiality and discretion. Advanced oral and written communication and liaison skills; the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with stakeholders in various roles and disciplines, and with people from diverse cultural and language groups. Well-developed interpersonal skills, sound judgment and the ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with key staff and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrated understanding of current policy, practice and legal frameworks aimed at addressing family violence and intersecting forms of discrimination and high-level analytical abilities and aptitude for undertaking and translating socio-policy research. Sound IT proficiency, including proficiency in the use of Microsoft applications and the ability to acquire proficiency in a range of web-based software applications. A demonstrated understanding and commitment to the application of the Australian Public Service (APS) Values, to abide by the APS Code of Conduct and the ability to comply with the principles of Workplace Diversity and Occupational Health and Safety. Eligibility Employment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999, and the following:Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship. Security and character clearance – the successful applicant must satisfy a Police Records Check and may also be required to complete security clearances during the course of their employment. Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period. Interested candidates who have received a redundancy benefit from an APS agency are welcome to apply but note that they cannot be engaged until their redundancy benefit period has expired.Diversity and Inclusion Federal Court Australia is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from People with Disability.First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, Mature age workers, as well as young workers and supporting an inter-generational workforce and supporting gender equity and families.Federal Court Australia will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the inherent requirements of the role.RecruitAbility RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: Officer For more information, confidential enquiries can be made directly to Hayley Foster, Director Family Violence/ Director Access, Equity and Inclusion at or via telephone (02) 8067 2300.How to apply To apply, please complete the application form on the Court’s careers portal. As part of your application, you will be required to submit a written two-page pitch response to the selection criteria listed in the position description (maximum word limit 1000). Please ensure this document is attached before submitting your application.If you have any technical issues with applying, please email Application Close: Monday 10 February 2025 at 11:30 pm (AEDT)Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. 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