Job Title

The Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman (the Office) is looking for a Legal Director to lead our Legal Team. The Legal Director is the Offices most senior legal adviser and is responsible for the delivery of legal services and closely supporting the Commonwealth Ombudsman and the Executive to manage legal risk in the performance of their functions. The Legal Director is responsible for the provision of legal advice on a wide range of issues, including statutory interpretation, administrative law and procurement. The Legal Director is also responsible for administering the Offices obligations under freedom of information (FOI) and privacy laws, as well as for managing ongoing litigation in Courts and Tribunals. We are looking for a Legal Director with excellent legal and analytical ability and who possesses strong leadership and communication skills, ideally with an extensive background working in or with federal government legal teams. The technical focus of the role is in administrative and information law and statutory interpretation but being a small agency with a small legal team, the Legal Director will have the opportunity to manage the broad variety of legal issues that arise across the Office. The successful applicant must be admitted as a legal practitioner and have experience in, or aptitude for, the provision of legal services in an in-house environment, and a capacity to exercise professional judgement and initiative. They should have: excellent legal and analytical skills well-developed communication skills, and sound judgement and demonstrated ability as a leader. The role is currently shared between two part-time Legal Directors. Applications for both full and part-time roles will be considered. The key duties of the position include: Leading and managing a team responsible for the delivery of legal services within the Office and administering the Offices statutory obligations with respect to FOI and privacy. Preparing and settling complex legal advice, correspondence and briefing material on matters that may arise from undertaking the functions of the Commonwealth Ombudsman. Providing strategic advice to the Ombudsman and Executive that is solution-focused, grounded in law, and adheres to principles of risk management. Engaging external legal services providers in accordance with Australian Government requirements, including managing the external legal budget. Discharging the Offices responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) and Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including identifying opportunities to streamline and improve the Offices processes. Making a significant contribution to the development and implementation of the Offices business objectives and to continuous improvements within the workplace. Other duties as directed. Eligibility be an Australian citizen, undergo a National Criminal History records check and have, or be able to obtain, a practising certificate be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at a Negative Vetting 1 level. Getting to know the Commonwealth Ombudsman About the Office The purpose of the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman (the Office) is to: provide assurance that the Australia Government entities and prescribed private sector organisations that the Office oversights, act with integrity and treat people fairly, and influence enduring systematic improvement in public administration in Australia and the Pacific region. The Office does this through handling complaints, conducting investigations, performing audits and inspections and encouraging good administration. The Office also influences improvement in public administration in the Pacific region through collaboration with partner entities. The Office is statutorily independent within the Attorney-Generals portfolio with the following separate titles that describe some of our specific powers and functions: Defence Force Ombudsman Postal Industry Ombudsman Overseas Students Ombudsman Private Health Insurance Ombudsman Immigration Ombudsman Law Enforcement Ombudsman VET Students Loans Ombudsman. The Commonwealth Ombudsman is also the ACT Ombudsman. Further information about the Office is available at the Commonwealth Ombudsman website.