Legal Advocacy Lead (Parental Leave cover)

Contract

3d ago , from ASRC Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

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 agile 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.

Employee Benefits

Joining the ASRC means being a part of the largest human rights organisation in Australia, supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. We recognise and appreciate our incredible staff for their contribution, dedication and passion to support and empower people seeking asylum by providing the following conditions above the relevant modern award:

- 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 Affirmation 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:

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 an

📌 Legal Advocacy Lead (Melbourne)
🏢 ASRC Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
📍 Melbourne