Legal Advocacy Lead (Parental Leave cover)

About Us:
Founded in 2001, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is Australia’s largest human rights organisation providing support to people seeking asylum. We are an independent, values-driven, not-for-profit organisation whose programs support and empower people seeking asylum to maximise their own physical, mental and social well being. We champion the rights of people seeking asylum and mobilise a community of compassion to create lasting social and policy change.

The ASRC movement is proudly supported by a community of committed volunteers and supporters who embrace the organisation’s vision that people seeking asylum can live safely, sustainably, independently and equally.

About the Role | 12-Month Parental Leave Cover
The Legal Advocacy Advisor plays a pivotal role in shaping ASRC’s law reform and policy agenda. You’ll use your legal expertise to provide strategic advice, draft submissions, and influence decision-makers on refugee and asylum policy. Working closely with the Principal Solicitor, advocacy teams, and sector partners, you’ll help ensure that legal insights drive impactful advocacy and systemic change. Alongside a small caseload of complex legal matters, this role offers a rare opportunity to combine hands-on legal practice with meaningful policy influence, advancing justice and protection for people seeking asylum.

Key Accountabilities:

- Provide expert legal input into ASRC policy, briefing and position papers to advance law reform objectives.
- Undertake legal research and draft high-quality submissions and evidence-based advocacy materials.
- Collaborate with ASRC programs to identify and advise on effective legal reform opportunities.
- Coordinate legal input into Parliamentary inquiries, stakeholder consultations and policy projects.
- Share policy priorities and insights with the Human Rights Law Program to strengthen collaboration.
- Manage a small caseload of complex refugee law matters,



including protection visa cancellations and judicial review cases, under supervision.
- Role model ASRC values by fostering a culturally safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
- Champion health, safety, and wellbeing practices across the team and organisation.

About You:

You’re a passionate and skilled legal professional with deep knowledge of refugee law and a commitment to social justice. You excel at translating complex legal issues into clear, persuasive advocacy that drives change. With strong research, drafting, and analytical skills, you thrive in dynamic environments and manage competing priorities with ease. You’re a natural collaborator who values teamwork, inclusion, and the power of evidence-based advocacy to create lasting impact.

You will bring:

- A current legal practising certificate and at least two years’ post-admission experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in refugee and asylum law and policy.
- Proven ability to draft high-quality submissions, policy papers, and legal analysis.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in an under-resourced or fast-paced setting.
- An understanding of the challenges faced by people seeking asylum in Australia.
- (Desirable) Lived experience of seeking asylum.

Employee Benefits:

Joining the ASRC means being a part of the largest human rights organisation in Australia, supporting refugees and people seeking asylum.

- We do have a 60% in-office approach to building our team cohesion.
- Annual Leave Loading of 17.5%
- Additional discretionary leave provisions including:




- Leave for Cultural or Religiously Significant Events
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Leave
- Leave for Staff Seeking Asylum
- Gender Affimation Leave

- Regular community lunch
- Free onsite car and bicycle parking
- Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year tax free)
- Entertainment Packaging (up to $2,650 per year tax free)
- Discounts via HR systems provider at grocery and retail outlets
- Close proximity to public transport (100 metres from Footscray station and buses)

Position Description

Please see the position description here:

Applications close Friday 27 November at 11:59pm.

Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately and the position may close earlier than stated if we have found suitable candidates.

All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement.

Our Commitment to You: ASRC Candidate Care Statement
At the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, we believe in recruiting through the lens of our core values, ensuring every interaction and decision reflects the principles that define our culture.

What you can expect from our process:

- Welcome: We champion inclusion and encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience of seeking asylum. Please tell us if you need any accessibility adjustments.
- Authentic: We commit to a transparent and fair process, providing clear timelines and constructive feedback if you are interviewed.
- Courageous: We make objective hiring decisions based purely on merit and mission alignment, ensuring fairness and equity for every candidate.
- Cooperative: We value your time. We commit to timely, respectful communication and keeping you informed about the status of your application.

Thank you for your interest in joining the ASRC. We look forward to connecting with you.

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📌 Legal Advocacy Lead (Parental Leave cover) (Melbourne)
🏢 Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
📍 Melbourne