Job Title

Add expected salary to your profile for insights The Inspector-General of Water Compliance (Inspector-General) is an independent statutory role and an identified integrity agency, supported by staff provided by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment & Water (the Department). Water management and use within the Murray-Darling Basin is lawful, transparent, and accountable, and the Australian public is confident in the integrity of Basin Plan delivery. Inspector-Generals purpose The Inspector-General ensures various government bodies, water managers and users in the Murray-Darling Basin (the Basin) comply with their obligations under the Water Act 2007 (Cth) (Water Act) and the Basin Plan 2012 (Cth) (Basin Plan) and drives governments and water managers to uphold high standards of integrity and performance. The Inspector-Generals role includes oversighting the performance of government agencies in the management of Basin water resources, as well as ensuring compliance with various commitments under legislation. The Inspector-General currently has offices located in Adelaide, Albury, Brisbane, Canberra, Dubbo, Goondiwindi, Melbourne, Mildura and Sydney. The Inspector-General can support regional relocation to one of our Basin communities. For more information about us please visit our website. Legal Services Branch IGWCs Legal Services Branch is newly established, situated in the Office of Water Compliance (OWC). The Legal Services Branch is led by the General Counsel and provides advice directly to the Inspector-General and staff and persons assisting the Inspector General. Operating in a fast paced, exciting, and complex legal environment, our lawyers are geographically dispersed. Work across the Legal Services Branch includes: Providing legal advice on a broad range of issues including statutory interpretation and administrative law, regulatory actions, inquiries and investigations, procurement and commercial matters, probity, privacy and information law, discretionary claims, work health and safety, and integrity. Assisting with Freedom of Information requests, including internal reviews and reviews by the Information Commissioner. Working closely with the Australian Government Solicitor on tied Constitutional law issues regarding the Inspector-Generals unique jurisdiction. Managing external legal procurements, including issuing requests for quotes and drafting contracts. Managing litigation across a broad range of matters including judicial review and regulatory enforcement, in a range of jurisdictions. Drafting legal agreements and other legal documents. Developing legal risk and mitigation strategies, particularly in areas of novel or complex work. Developing legal guidance resources and delivering training to the OWC. Upholding high standards of legal practice and ethical conduct in line with legislative and government expectations. The job As a Senior Legal Officer, you will: Use your technical legal expertise to provide clear, concise, and practical legal advice on a broad range of complex and sensitive legal matters that meet the needs of the client and considers both legal and non-legal risks. Work on complex and sensitive matters with a significant degree of autonomy. Prepare, draft and review complex legal matters and documents with limited guidance. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across OWC, the department and externally, anticipating and responding to stakeholder needs and expectations and promoting the Legal Services Branch as OWCs trusted advisor. Ensure knowledge of, and compliance with, Commonwealth legislative and policy frameworks and departmental guidelines and procedures. Help identify where external advice is required and procure legal services from external legal providers in accordance with the Legal Services Directions 2017 and Commonwealth Procurement Rules. Supervise and support junior staff, including by settling advice, managing performance and wellbeing, and identifying development needs and opportunities. Plan and coordinate the delivery of key business projects as required. Support the leadership of the OWC by contributing to corporate governance, reporting and operational activities. Provide advice and assistance on the Legal Services Branchs compliance and reporting obligations under relevant Commonwealth legislation, including the Legal Services Directions 2017. Drive continuous improvement and skills/capability uplift initiatives to mitigate areas of legal risk, including by delivering internal training to OWC on key issues and developing relevant artefacts, templates and tools. Advance professional legal expertise through participation in development and training opportunities and meeting Continuing Legal Education requirements. Ensure that records management obligations are met, and that new files are opened for new matters. Mandatory qualifications Admission as a legal practitioner, however described, of the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory. A current practising certificate issued by the Law Society in their state or territory of residence (or be eligible to acquire one within three months of taking up the role). Flexible employment arrangements are available with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water #J-18808-Ljbffr