Senior Legal Counsel (Safety)

• Employment Type: Full Time, fixed term contract role
• Duration: 1 year contract
• Excellent salary package available - dependent on level of relevant experience
• Location:  Kensington, NSW (On- campus role, hybrid work arrangement)

About UNSW:
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

This role sits within our People & Conduct Law team within the UNSW Legal & Compliance Office, supporting University to navigate legal matters across employment, workplace relations, defamation litigation, discrimination litigation, conduct and integrity, and safety.

Why Your Role Matters:
As Senior Legal Counsel for Safety, you will primarily provide trusted legal advice and representation to the University on areas including contractor engagement, in relation to WHS laws and regulations, on dealing with safety regulators and advising on contracts with inherent safety risks, particularly in relation to construction and facilities/asset management.

Practiced in managing the risk-related compliance, you will work closely with our Safety, Property, Facilities Management, Development, Security and HR teams to deliver thoughtful and innovative recommendations in response to requests and inquiries, aligning with the University's relevant codes, policies and procedures. Your day to day will include:

• Providing astute and technically sound and pragmatic legal advice consistent with applicable law and aligning to UNSW policies and procedures.
• Being the subject matter expert on Safety law and providing assistance to other members of Legal & Compliance on WHS provisions across a wide range of agreements.
• Provide safety legal services to the Safety and Estate Management business units, including supporting their projects such as contractor management and safety audits.
• Managing UNSW’s response to regulatory requests and investigations.
• Conducting training of UNSW staff on safety legal and compliance matters

This position reports to the Head of People & Conduct Law and has no direct reports to support the University in upholding a commitment to safety and compliance. 

Who You Are: We’re seeking a legal professional with a background in WHS law, to confidently and autonomously advise stakeholders on effectively minimise the University’s legal risks. You will hold the following skills and experience:

• Tertiary qualifications in law with 10+ years’ post qualification experience at a law firm and/or in house legal team.
• Admission to the Supreme Court of NSW and a current practising certificate.
• Advanced drafting and negotiation skills and proven capacity to think laterally, exercise initiative, flexibility and to be proactive in respect of legal practice.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and interests across complex matters.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build stakeholder relationships across the University and with external networks & regulators.
• A collegiate and proactive client- centric approach to generate new and innovative approaches to solve complex legal matters.

For more detailed information on required skills & experience and role responsibilities, please refer to the position description.

Benefits and Culture:
UNSW is committed to helping staff balance work-life responsibilities, by providing access to high-quality services, facilities, and flexible work and leave arrangements. Where possible, we support a hybrid approach with a combination of working from home and on our vibrant campus. It really is the best of both worlds:

• Flexible/hybrid working 
• A well-established team of experienced lawyers 
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period 
• Access to lifelong learning and career development  
• Discounts and entitlements   

How to Apply:
Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before 11:55pm on 30 May 2024. A copy of the Position Description can be on JOBS@UNSW.

Get in Touch:
Katherine Molloy, Talent Acquisition Consultant: [email protected]
Please apply through the application portal and not via the contact above.

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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Advertised:03 May 2024 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:30 May 2024 AUS Eastern Standard Time