Special Counsel

Salary: $154,571 - $166,062 p.a. plus superannuationTenure: PermanentLocation: Spring Street Office
The RoleThe primary purpose of the position of the Special Counsel is to is to support General Counsel in the provision of specialist in-house legal services to Fire Rescue Victoria. The work is broad and encompasses contract and commercial law (reviewing and drafting of contractual and relationship agreements), public law, procurement, property, information technology, intellectual property, debt recovery, privacy and Freedom of Information, risk and compliance, advocacy, statutory interpretation, and presentation of Fire Law courses. The position has a regular interface and close working relationship with the Fire Rescue Victoria Executive Leadership Team.
Functional Accountabilities:· Provide expert and authoritative oral and written legal advice on a diverse range of complex and challenging matters. The ability and judgment to provide advice· Manage the Freedom of Information; and Compliance and Integrity functions that sit within Legal Services.· Coordinate external legal advice where required, including briefing external legal firms and/or counsel on specific cases and managing these for FRV.· Analyse and interpret complex legislation at a high level and provide guidance and direction on FRV’s legislative obligations and policy issues. Coordinate the· Provision of legal research and analysis to identify current and emerging issues in the law that have the potential implications for FRV.
The TeamThe Strategic Services Directorate drives organisational excellence and resilience, enabling Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) to deliver sustainable, responsive, and effective services. The Directorate provides integrated strategic enterprise and service planning, strategic policy development, governance, business assurance, business intelligence, and legal oversight.
What’s in it for youWe strive to create a high-quality working life for our community of valued employees.Working with us provides:Access to Rostered Day/s OffFlexible work arrangements may be availableUniquely rewarding work in the service of the Victorian communityCareer and professional developmentEnterprise Agreement salary increasesSalary sacrifice options (ie. novated lease or superannuation)An unrivalled suite of physical and mental health and wellbeing support servicesAccess to an annual sports voucherDiscounted Health InsuranceCorporate Clothing Allowance (conditions apply)Free access to gym facilitiesClose to Public Transport (Parliament Station)
What you will need to SucceedTo be successful in this position, you will have:· Law degree, admission as an Australian Lawyer, and a current legal practicing certificate.· Demonstrated experience working in a senior legal role with a focus on public sector and corporate/commercial law and managing multiple competing priorities.· Superior drafting and communication skills.· Experience in supervising and mentoring legal and non-legal staff.· Experience in liaising with senior internal and external stakeholders.
About Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV)Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) is a modern fire and rescue service dedicated to meeting the needs of twenty-first century Victoria. With a workforce of over 4,500 highly committed employees, FRV serves and protects communities across Melbourne and Victoria’s major regional centres.In delivering this service, we are guided by our core values of teamwork, integrity, respect and accountability. These values underpin everything we do and shape our organisational culture. We are seeking candidates who are committed to embodying these principles in their work and behaviours.FRV is an inclusive employer and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, including individuals of all ages, genders, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, religious beliefs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of diverse gender identities and sexualities.
How to ApplyPlease apply via Seek by submitting both a tailored cover letter and resume addressing the qualifications and work experience criteria listed here.
Applications will be reviewed when received and suitable candidates will be contacted for interview at that time. You are encouraged to apply early to ensure you don’t miss this opportunity.
If you require any further information, assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment and selection process, please contact Recruitment Business Partner Lead, Max Campos at max.campos@frv.vic.gov.au
Important InformationFRV’s standard practice is to appoint at the base of the salary range, however consideration will be given to an above base salary within the advertised range based on the successful candidate’s skills and experience
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident to apply for this position