Australian Human Rights Commission – Sydney NSW

The Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) is Australia’s national human rights institution, dedicated to fostering a society where human rights are upheld, protected, and celebrated. We envision an Australia where every individual is valued equally in dignity and rights.

Our mission involves promoting and safeguarding the human rights of all Australians by:

- Advising all levels of government and various public and private organisations.
- Strengthening laws, policies, and practices while providing accessible investigation and conciliation services.
- Engaging inclusively with civil society, communities, and the private sector.
- Raising awareness about human rights and offering educational resources.
- Collaborating with partners to cultivate a culture of respect for human rights across the nation.

The Legal Division is a small, dynamic team that provides the services of in-house counsel to the Commission. Our lawyers give high level legal advice on a range of issues including human rights and anti-discrimination law, governance and compliance issues and commercial issues such as contracts and tender processes. We also represent the Commission in external litigation, including as intervener in human rights and unlawful discrimination proceedings.

We are looking for an experienced Legal Director to Join our team. The role provides support to the General Counsel in managing the work of the Legal team and has responsibilities across all areas of the team’s work.



The Legal Director directly manages the delivery of key streams of work in the Legal team including privacy advice and inquiries and reports into alleged breaches of human rights and discrimination in employment under the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth) (AHRC Act).

This full-time, ongoing position offers a competitive salary range of $ $144,073 - $169,322 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation.

We offer flexible, hybrid and remote work options.

The key duties of the position include:

What You’ll Do:

- Under the direction of the General Counsel, assist in the management of the Legal team which provides legal advice to the Commission, ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, carries out statutory functions and conducts litigation.
- Supervise the work of members of the Legal team to ensure quality, accuracy and compliance with professional standards.
- Conduct legal research and prepare high level legal and related policy advice on matters including human rights, privacy and federal discrimination law.
- Represent the Commission at meetings, seminars and in court as required.
- Work effectively with other sections within the Commission and liaise with persons having contact with the Commission.
- Maintain office standards for timeliness, confidentiality and matter management.
- Manage the delivery of statutory and regulatory work by legal officers including privacy advice and AHRC Act inquiries and reports.

Eligibility

What We’re Looking For:





- Excellent leadership skills and the ability to assist in the leadership of a high performing and engaged team of legal professionals that contribute to achieving the Commission’s strategic goals.
- Demonstrated capacity to exercise sound judgment and creative problem solving in a complex, sensitive and dynamic workplace.
- Expert knowledge of Australian legislation relating to anti-discrimination and human rights issues, and of international covenants and instruments dealing with human rights.
- High level knowledge of or relevant experience with the federal government accountability framework (such as the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth) and privacy laws) and other relevant legal obligations, will be considered highly desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct legal research and provide accurate, high level legal and policy advice in a timely and efficient manner.
- Demonstrated ability to work efficiently and effectively within, and contribute creatively to, a small team, as well as with other sections of the Commission.
- Very good interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute to team building and maintaining positive relationships, as part of a team.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to engage and negotiate successfully with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the Commission’s functions and strategic priorities.
- Minimum of 6 years post admission experience.
- Admission as a legal practitioner of the Hugh Court of Australia or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory.
- Hold or be eligible to hold an unrestricted practicing certificate.

Notes

Why Join Us?

By becoming a pa

📌 Legal Director (Sydney)
🏢 Australian Human Rights Commission
📍 Sydney