Now hiring - Legal Counsel (Research) | Natural Hazards Research Australia

Now hiring - Legal Counsel (Research)

Release date

26 April 2024

LEGAL COUNSEL (RESEARCH)

Are you a legal professional who wants to make a difference as part of an organisation that contributes to the resilience and safety of the community? Natural Hazards Research Australia is seeking a Legal Counsel (Research) to join our team.

  • An exciting role that will make a difference 
  • Based in Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney
  • Part-time (two and a half days per week)
  • Flexible working conditions
  • Salary range – $126,000 - $133,300 plus 11% superannuation (pro rata) with generous parental leave provisions
  • Applications close 11.59pm AEST 26 May 2024

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Legal Counsel (Research) is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of Natural Hazards Research Australia’s research contracting through risk minimisation and maximising research investments. Responsibilities include overseeing research and business contracts to guarantee they adhere to legal, governance and compliance frameworks, drafting and negotiating contracts with various external stakeholders and providing legal guidance on contract, commercial, intellectual property law matters. Additionally, the Legal Counsel (Research) will advise on procurement processes, ensure probity standards, share legal expertise with colleagues, provide governance advice and keep relevant Centre policies up to date with current best practices. This role is integral to the Centre's operational success and from time to time may be required to provide or coordinate other legal advice.

You will have relevant completed tertiary qualifications in law and at least five years’ experience in a similar or related role.

The position will be located in one of the Centre’s nodes in either Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney, with flexible working conditions available from these locations.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Education

  • Relevant completed tertiary qualifications in law.

Specific knowledge and experience required

  • Strong experience and comprehension in contracts, intellectual property and commercial law, and the conduct of negotiations, the drafting of documents and provision of advice in these and related areas.
  • Exemplary communication and interpersonal skills, together with the ability to liaise effectively with a client centric, confident style, and build and maintain strong and effective relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders. 
  • Critical thinker who displays accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Ability to apply logic and reasoning, and risk management, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Strong demonstrated business acumen, ability to work independently, efficiently manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Collaborative team player, highly motivated and a positive can-do attitude.
  • Strong integrity and experience in providing probity advice.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of the workings of government, industry, universities or research organisations.

Desirable behaviours

  • A self-starter able to work independently.
  • Able to work as part of a distributed team.

More information is available in the attached position description.

ABOUT THE CENTRE

Natural Hazards Research Australia is Australia’s national centre for natural hazard resilience and disaster risk reduction. The Centre addresses the major challenges arising from natural hazards, including bushfires, floods, cyclones, heatwaves, storms and other hazards. The Centre undertakes research that promotes resilience to the impacts of natural hazards and reduces disaster risk, supporting the needs of a variety of critical stakeholders – including emergency service agencies and communities – in mitigating impacts of, responding to and recovering from disasters caused by natural hazards. 

Natural Hazards Research Australia is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from First Nations peoples, women, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ people, and people with family and caring responsibilities. 

Application process 

Applications close 11.59pm AEST 26 May 2024.

To apply please submit a CV and a cover letter introducing yourself, explaining your interest in the role and addressing key selection criteria to office@naturalhazards.com.au

For more information contact Shiva Prasad – shiva.prasad@naturalhazards.com.au

Employment may be subject to the successful completion of a security screening process.

To be considered you must have the right to work in Australia.