Principal Legal Officer, Office of International Law – Executive Level 2
Employment Opportunity
The Office of International Law (OIL) supports the Attorney‑General as First Law Officer by providing legal advice on Australia’s international legal obligations to the Attorney‑General, Cabinet and Government entities. OIL also conducts international dispute settlement (except World Trade Organization disputes). The role of a Principal Legal Officer (PLO) in OIL is a leadership position requiring high complexity work and significant independence. PLOs lead practice groups, manage a broad range of issues, and provide strategy, support and oversight to ensure the delivery of high‑quality legal advice.
Practice Groups
* Rights, Regulatory, Air and Space Law (RRASL) – advises on international human rights, refugee law, air law, space law and related regulatory areas; manages responses to human rights communications and related legal actions.
* Security, Cyber, Criminal and Immunities Law (SCCIL) – advises on matters of international law relevant to Australia’s security, defence and foreign policy, including use of force, humanitarian law, cyber, intelligence, law enforcement, ADF operations, privileges and immunities law, and international economic law; administers key legislation on state immunity, visiting forces and war crimes.
* Oceans, Environment, Climate, Antarctic and Nuclear Law (OCEAN) – advises on law of the sea, environmental law, climate change, Antarctic law and nuclear law; supports Australia’s development of nuclear‑powered submarine capability under the AUKUS partnership and administers legislation relating to maritime zones, shipping and admiralty law.
Qualifications
* Degree in law from an Australian tertiary institution or a comparable overseas qualification deemed appropriate to the duties of the office.
* Admitted in Australia as a legal practitioner or eligible to be admitted.
* Skills and experience in government legal practice and/or public international law, including but not limited to human rights and refugee law, international criminal law, law of armed conflict, use of force, cyber and intelligence law, oceans and environment law, nuclear law, diplomatic law, law of international organisations and air and space law.
Merit Pools
A merit list or pool may be created as part of the selection process and used to fill similar vacancies in Canberra, ACT.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
AGD is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds – gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion and sexual orientation – to apply and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible.
#J-18808-Ljbffr