* Ongoing & Non-ongoing for an initial period of up to 12 months, Full-time (Flexible working arrangements will be considered)
* Darwin, NT
* Location: Darwin, NT
* Application Closing Date: 06-Apr-2026
Classification
Executive Level 2 ($152,052 - $180,967)
Employment Type
Ongoing & Non-ongoing (for an initial period of up to 12 months)
This role is being advertised as both ongoing and non-ongoing, with the employment type to be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate and the NIAA delegate.
Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for an initial period of up to 12 months, with possibility of extension up to a maximum period of two years.
A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment however this must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement.
Flexible Work
Ordinary hours of work required (Full time, Flexible working arrangements will be considered)
The Opportunity
We are looking for a solution focused, adaptable and committed person to support the Office of Township Leasing (OTL) to achieve its vision.
The General Counsel provides authoritative legal and strategic advice on Aboriginal land tenure matters to support the Executive Director’s responsibilities under Commonwealth and Northern Territory legislation.
The role requires deep expertise in Aboriginal land rights, native title, land administration and related governance frameworks. It is an exciting time to be working with First Nations people, their organisations and communities. With key commitments by the Australian Government to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, there is genuine opportunity to continue to deliver meaningful impact through the partnerships created by the Township Leasing Model.
As General Counsel, you will be responsible for:
* providing expert legal advice on Aboriginal land tenure, including interpretation and application of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976, the Native Title Act 1993, and related legislation, regulations and case law
* leading legal support for land use negotiations, township leases and other land-related transactions involving Traditional Owners, Land Councils, government and industry
* drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex legal instruments, including leases, licences, agreements, deeds, and legislative instruments relating to Aboriginal land
* managing legal risks in relation to Aboriginal land tenure and compliance with statutory obligations
* complying with Legal Services Directions; all Commonwealth laws and policies; and all NIAA and OTL policies in the performance of day-to-day work and delivery of legal services
* providing authoritative advice to the Executive and senior stakeholders on sensitive land matters with significant political, cultural and economic implications
* managing OTL’s compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and Privacy Act 1988
* act as the OTL’s Privacy Officer, including driving implementation of the NIAA Privacy Management Plan and managing processes for the handling of potential data or privacy breaches.
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate is committed to understanding the key issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to working with them to find local solutions to complex challenges.
To be successful in the role, our ideal candidate will have:
* strategic planning experience for longer-term initiatives and monitoring changes in the broader work environment that may impact on work objectives
* experience undertaking technically complex or sensitive law interpretation work projects that have strategic and operational significance
* demonstrated experience working respectfully and effectively in a remote Aboriginal community context
* demonstrated knowledge of and compliance with relevant legislation, policy administrative frameworks and government decision-making processes
* experience with the development of policy proposals and guiding them through legislation processes
* resilience to change
* a relevant degree in law and broad legal experience (with minimum of 10 years post admission experience).
The ideal candidate will be available to travel interstate and to remote Northern Territory communities, including overnight stays. As driving will be required for this travel, a current class C Driver’s License is essential for the role.
We are looking for a candidate who is able to develop and maintain lasting relationships with partners, stakeholders, government agencies, land councils, local regional councils, community members and Traditional Owners, particularly in a remote Aboriginal community context.
Identified Position
This position is Identified which signifies that the role has strong involvement in matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This position is required to liaise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and service providers. You will require cultural competency, including:
* understanding of the matters impacting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
* demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
* demonstrated capability and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this position you must be an Australian Citizen.
The successful candidate will be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check.
Security Clearance Required
Baseline Vetting (Protected)
Contact Officer
Pennie Talbot on 0428 894 357 or
Please Note – This is an unclassified web-based recruitment system so your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your one-page pitch and resume.