Senior Lawyer, Legal Services - Affirmative Measure Indigenous
The Legal Services Branch provides the full suite of inhouse government legal services to the NIAA
- Type: full time
- Location: canberra
- Applications By: 14th October 2026
The Opportunity:
This is an important time to be working at the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and contributing to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard, recognised and empowered.
The Legal Services Branch provides the full suite of inhouse government legal services to the NIAA. Our services include provision of legal advice on a range of corporate law, commercial law and public law matters, development of legislation, management of Commonwealth dispute resolution and litigation and procurement of specialist external legal advice when necessary.
Working under the direction of the NIAA General Counsel and Principal Lawyers, the successful candidate will be responsible for leading work including legal advice, drafting and other strategic support associated with:
- the design, development and implementation of effective legislation, policies and programs in support of the NIAA's objectives
- grant and procurement contracts, property and other commercial law matters
- freedom information, privacy, finance law, employment law and other corporate law matters
- Commonwealth dispute resolution and litigation.
Our Ideal Candidate:
As an EL1 Senior Lawyer, at the time of application, you must be able to demonstrate:
- commitment to the NIAA vision of ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard, recognised and empowered
- excellent communication, collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills
- proven ability to build strong professional relationships and consult effectively
- strong legal, technical, analytical and research skills
- consistent ability to provide accurate, clear and solution-focused legal advice
- consistent ability to promote effective legal practice, manage projects and maintain professional standards
- proven responsiveness and adaptability, with the ability to manage competing priorities
- sound independent judgement while working under general direction
- consistent ability to provide leadership, supervision and development for less experienced staff.
Qualifications:
Legal qualifications, admission to practice and eligibility to hold a government restricted Australian legal practising certificate.
A minimum of 3 to 5 years of post-admission experience is strongly preferred.