Job Details
Job Req ID
Home Affairs-141310
Location
ACT
Employment Type
Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time
Classification
Senior Legal Officer - $126,293.00 to $151,197.00 plus 15.4% super (part-time pro-rata)
Contact Officer
Ali Schaefer on 0439 230 757 or alexandra.schaefer@homeaffairs.gov.au
Office Arrangements
Flexible; Onsite. Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with the Enterprise Agreement and operational requirements of the role.
Applications close
26/03/2026 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight). Late applications will not be accepted.
About our opportunity
This process is being used to fill 1 immediate position(s).
Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA.
About our team
Group Manager Legal | Group Manager Legal | Security, Customs & Operations Law | Operations Law (Maritime) Section
The Security, Customs and Operations Law Branch provides high quality in-house legal services to the Department of Home Affairs, including the Australian Border Force (ABF). It offers legal advice on portfolio legislation, operational matters, national security, prosecutions and enforcement.
The Operations Law Maritime Section provides legal advice on operational matters including Operation Sovereign Borders and fisheries matters, as well as compliance, customs and migration issues in a maritime context. The section also delivers legal training to ABF officers.
Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force.
Our ideal candidate
We are seeking a suitably qualified, enthusiastic and dedicated lawyer to join our Legal Group. As a Senior Legal Officer (SLO) you will help lead a specialist team of lawyers in a dynamic environment supporting the operational needs and outcomes of the ABF. We are seeking someone who has the following knowledge or qualities:
* Comprehensive understanding of, or ability to quickly obtain understanding of, the Maritime Powers Act 2013 or Migration Act 1958 and other legislation of general application
* Strong legal advice writing and research skills and ability to actively manage and navigate complex legal issues
* Detailed understanding, or ability to quickly obtain understanding, of the Department's policy, program and operations and the political environment in which it operates.
Duties and responsibilities
As a Senior Legal Officer (SLO) in Operations Law Maritime you will, under the supervision of the Principal Legal Officer (PLO), be required to:
* Develop junior lawyers within the team, and assist the PLO to effectively manage the team as required;
* Confidently provide and clear legal advice and/or an assessment of legal risk in the planning and conduct of operations, primarily related to the maritime environment
* Work closely with a range of different stakeholders, including Maritime Border Command, the Joint Agency Taskforce - Operation Sovereign Borders, Enforcement Command and other ABF teams to achieve operational outcomes;
* Deliver legal training to operational areas, as required
* Provide and manage legal services in accordance with the Legal Services Directions
* Liaise with, and actively develop and maintain working relationships across the Legal Group, the Department, ABF and external stakeholders
* Represent the Department and ABF's interests and positions during liaison and negotiation with external stakeholders
* Maintain detailed knowledge of specific legislation, case law, directions, instruments, principles and issues of relevance to the Department and ABF; and
* Create complete and accurate records in accordance with the Department's Recordkeeping Policy.
Additional information
Essential Qualifications
* A degree in laws from an Australian tertiary institution, or a comparable international qualification
* Admission as a practitioner, however described, of the High Court of Australia, or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory
* The ability to obtain and hold an Employee Suitability Clearance (ESC) and Negative Vetting 1 AGSVA security clearance
* Reside in the ACT, or be willing to relocate to the ACT
* Available to be on-call and/or work outside ordinary business hours
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
* 5 years post admission experience
* Experience providing legal services in an operational environment
* Experience in a National Security environment
* Experience in managing legal staff and building team capacity
How to apply
Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 26/03/2026 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEDT – Late applications will not be accepted.
As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit a one-page applicant response document addressing:
* How your skills, knowledge, and experience will be relevant to this role
* Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us
* Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role
Please ensure you read the instructions carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.
Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MS Word or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 141310 in the document footer.
Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen.
The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (AGSVA) security clearance, and:
* ABF Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
* Home Affairs Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Onboarding Check.
In certain circumstances, an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) may be required in addition to, or in lieu of, an Onboarding Check, which will be determined by the delegate as necessary.
Diversity and inclusion
The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from diverse cultural or linguistic backgrounds or have a disability are encouraged to apply.
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: RecruitAbility information
Technical assistance
For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance:
* Email: recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au
* Phone: 1300 793 883 (within Australia) or +61 2 6196 0444 (outside of Australia)
Please include any applicable screen captures; a response will be provided during business hours.
Notes
The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position. The Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Value Proposition (EVP) highlights the top reasons our employees enjoy working in the APS.
The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement.
Information about employment and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department's website at Home Affairs careers.
#J-18808-Ljbffr