THE ROLE
Reporting to the Senior Legal Counsel, Housing and Corporate in the department's Legal Services Branch, the Managing Principal Solicitor will lead our Housing Development and Commercial Team and play a central role in managing and providing timely, high quality legal advice and support to clients, which includes the Chief Executive Officer of Homes Victoria, other senior management, housing development and commercial project teams in Homes Victoria and the housing portfolio Minister who is supported by the department. Your advice must be clear, accurate, strategic and appropriate to meeting the client's needs. You will also be required to assist in monitoring and reporting on the performance and quality of advice of contracted legal firms in meeting the needs of the department's clients.
The Housing Development and Commercial Team provides specialist legal advice to the Minister, Secretary and the department on issues associated with the delivery of the State's $ billion Big Housing Build investment program, and work across a range of areas including construction, infrastructure, procurement and commercial structures including private public partnerships, market engagement, contract administration, project finance, debt and equity structures, funding agreements with non-profit organisations and taxation. The successful candidate will also have the lead role in overseeing the management of other solicitors in the Housing Development and Commercial legal team.
The Managing Principal Solicitor's role is key in providing leadership, management, support and mentorship to the solicitors in the team.
ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE
1. Provide authoritative advice on complex legal and policy issues and prepare high level briefings and correspondence reflecting a strong understanding of cross government legal policy considerations.
2. Leading the delivery of high quality, client focused and cost-effective legal services in relation to highly complex and sensitive matters. Manage the legal support for development projects and complex development structures, including identifying legal risks and providing practical recommendations to address such risks.
3. Provide effective leadership and management to a team of solicitors by:
(a) Supporting individuals to achieve their potential while maximising their contribution to achieve their goals and outcomes
(b) Modelling behaviours integral to good people management and departmental values
(c) Managing and monitoring specific improvement objectives in annual improvement plans
Please open the position description to read more.
COVID-19 VACCINATION
The department strongly recommends (but does not mandate) that employees maintain their COVID-19 vaccination status in accordance with current, given their individual circumstances. As of June 2023, DFFH does not require evidence of COVID-19 vaccination status.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.
Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.
Please apply to submit your interest in this position.