About Us

Established in 2001, IBN is a charitable, Member-based organisation representing the Yinhawangka, Banyjima, and Nyiyaparli people of the Pilbara Region - Western Australia. We are committed to advancing the social, economic, and cultural wellbeing of our Members, and do so through the delivery of a broad range of services across key areas, including health, education, housing, culture, enterprise development, and employment. Our offices are located in South Hedland, Perth, Tom Price, and Karratha, enabling us to stay closely connected, remain accessible and responsive to IBN Members. Our work is grounded in connection, culture, and self-determination, and we’re proud to play a role in building a stronger and more vibrant future for IBN Members and the wider community.

The Opportunity

IBN is governed by a Board of Traditional Owners and Independent Directors. It has a complex governance structure, is the owner of various subsidiaries and proactively manages corporate risk. As the stand alone in-house counsel, this is a unique opportunity to guide the Board and Executive Team on a broad range of projects and day-to-day legal matters.

The successful applicant will be a seasoned legal skilled whose measured and pragmatic approach will enable them to be a valued and respected advisor, negotiator and influencer within the company. With a successful track record of writing and presenting succinct advice and recommendations tailored to the audience, the incumbent will enable decision-makers to be confident they are making informed choices with an acceptable risk profile.

The Role

Provide legal advice to the Executive Team and Boards on a range of legal matters affecting the business which may include:

- corporate governance and compliance;
- not for profit / trust law;
- contracting - including drafting and negotiating commercial,



funding and other agreements; and
- dispute resolution and litigation.

Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts and agreements entered into by IBN. Support business units and subsidiaries with legal insights on commercial transactions and other broader activities.

Identify and contribute to the management of legal risks that the company may face and implement strategies to mitigate those risks.

Guide the due diligence process and provide advice and review during the process of exploring mergers, acquisitions, other business or partnership opportunities.

Coordinate with external lawyers including briefing out and presenting external advice.

The Requirements

Essential

- At least 5 years of legal practice and current Legal Practising Certificate (or ability to obtain)
- Experience working in most, or all, of the following areas: commercial, property, contract, corporate governance and regulation, not for profit – charity and trust, tax, and native title.
- Ability to quickly analyse and research complex questions and provide succinct and plain language advice tailored to the audience that provides a clear and practical path forward.
- Experience successfully appearing on behalf of corporate clients in Court, mediation and negotiations.
- Experience successfully seeking, contract managing and presenting advice from subject matter legal experts.
- Experience creating systems for cataloguing and retrieving historical and current legal advice.




- Demonstrated ability to identify and implement strategic responses to recurring problems.

Desirable

- Experience working with Aboriginal people and understanding Aboriginal Australian cultures.
- Native Title and Indigenous Cultural Heritage knowledge and experience highly regarded

Appointment requirements

- National Police Check (no older than 12 months and renewed every 3 years)
- Current Practicing Certificate – Legal Practice Board WA or ability to obtain
- Occasional travel to the Pilbara according to business needs

The Perks

- $200 000 pa paid on a pro-rata of 0.6 FTE
- Access to benefits including Physical Exercise allowance and discounted health insurance
- Not for profit Salary packaging up to $18,550 (tax free) per annum
- Additional paid recreation leave
- Vibrant and collaborative team culture

For a confidential enquiry and discussion please call Rebecca Parry, Chief People & Safety Officer on [0427 286 107](tel:0427 286 107) or email [email protected] for further information. Please apply directly through SEEK with a CV and brief cover letter outlining why you are interested in the role, your preferred part-time arrangement, and how your experience meets the requirements. Shortlisting will commence immediately and will include initial phone screening.

Note

IBN may commence appointment proceedings immediately, appoint by invitation or make no appointment at all. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. This opportunity is only open to candidates with the right to work in Australia.

IBN Members, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of the community are encouraged to apply.

IBN does not accept unsolicited résumés, fees, or associated costs from recruitment agencies, search firms, or third parties.

📌 In-house | General Counsel | Legal professional | Stand alone role (Perth)
🏢 IBN
📍 Perth