* Canberra, ACT (The agency supports and promotes flexible working, including remote options on negotiation and where appropriate based on the specifics of the role)
* Ongoing/Non-Ongoing (The position is Ongoing, however Non-Ongoing employment may be offered for an initial engagement of up to 12 months)
* $125,863 - $143,171 + Superannuation
About the Branch
The Legal Services and Governance branch reports to the General Counsel/Chief Risk Advisor and the Legal Services section supports the operations of the Clean Energy Regulator through the provision of dedicated in-house legal services.
The branch operates in coordination with the rest of the agency and delivers services including:
* drafting and/or clearing legal documents, including statements of reasons, contracts, legislative instruments and delegations
* coordinating the conduct of administrative and civil action and litigation, and assisting with briefing for criminal prosecutions
* delivering coordinated input into amendments to existing legislation
* advising on FOI and Ombudsman schemes
* coordinating the internal review and complaints management processes
* overseeing the agency's governance framework, including managing strategic and key accountable business committees
* ensuring effective participation in the government's regulatory reform agenda
* managing the agency's risk, internal audit and internal fraud functions and capabilities.
About the Section
By providing the agency with timely and appropriate legal advice, the Legal Services Section supports the agency implementing the programs and initiatives for which it is responsible.
The majority of the section's work relates to the interpretation and application of climate change and biodiversity laws. In particular, this involves statutory interpretation, the exercise of functions and powers conferred by those laws and the enforcement of those laws.
The section also provides legal advice on the formulation and implementation of legislation and operational policy, identification and management of legal risks, and laws and policies relating to the operation of the agency (including the PGPA Act, and FOI Act). The General Counsel is the principal purchaser of external legal services on behalf of the agency and is supported in this task by the Legal Services section.
Over the next twelve months, it is anticipated that the key areas of work for the Legal Services Section will be:
* providing legal support and advice in response to requests from staff on legal issues or responsibilities under climate change and biodiversity legislation that affect or may affect the performance of agency functions and powers
* drafting and providing strategic legal input and guidance on formulation of legislative instruments and legislative and operational policy
* drafting legal documents, including contracts and delegations
* coordinating the agency's conduct of administrative, civil and criminal litigation, and
* procuring external legal and other services to support the operation of the agency, including new initiatives.
About the Role
We are seeking dedicated Senior Legal Officer(s) to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate will give strategic legal advice, manage complex legal matters, and ensure compliance. The ideal candidate will have extensive legal expertise, strong analytical and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively. We offer a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
If you are passionate about law and keen to contribute to reduce carbon emissions and increase the use of clean energy in Australia, apply now to become a vital part of our legal team!
The number of positions available will be decided based on work requirements and confirmed vacancies.
A merit pool will be established and will be used to fill immediate vacancies. The Merit pool may be used to fill future and similar positions at the Executive Level 1 should they become available over the next 18 months
Role Responsibilities and Duties
Working under supervision of a Deputy General Counsel or Principal Legal Officer and as part of the Legal Section, the Executive Level 1 Senior Legal Officer duties will include:
* Assisting the General Counsel in the provision of accurate, practical and timely advice to the Members of the Regulator, Senior Executive team and officers of the Clean Energy Regulator
* Providing clear and practical legal advice (including legislative and/or commercial drafting for relevant positions) on a wide range of Clean Energy Regulator-specific legislation and general Commonwealth legislation
* Developing and maintaining relationships with internal stakeholders (including development and delivery of training packages)
* Engaging and liaising with external lawyers as appropriate
* Supporting the Legal Services and Governance Branch in achieving the objectives and delivering on the strategic direction of the Clean Energy Regulator.
Knowledge, Skills and Attributes
* Applicants should be admitted as a legal practitioner in the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory and should hold, or be currently eligible to obtain, a restricted practicing certificate issued by the ACT Law Society.
Applications close 11.30pm on Thursday, 9 April 2026
CER 023-26 - Senior Legal Officers - Legal Services - Candidate Information Pack Opens in new window
CER 023-26 - Senior Legal Officers - Legal Services - Candidate Information Pack Opens in new window