• Full time, continuing opportunity for a senior lawyer to join the University's Office of General Counsel (OGC)
• Provide expert legal advice in administrative law
• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Office of General Counsel enjoys a highly trusted and collaborative culture, based out of a modern office on our heritage Camperdown campus, and welcomes a hybrid working model. We are a trusted and strategic business unit that embraces innovation and continuous learning, including through a dedicated learning and development program with a focus on business, technology, and career skills.

The OGC is seeking a senior lawyer to provide expert legal advice and represent the University across a broad range of practice areas. This role is ideal for someone who wants to work in a more innovative and business savvy team and is open to championing new ways of working.

You will have the opportunity to work on a variety of challenging issues that are important to the University at a time of increased focus on the higher education sector. To give a flavour, you could be advising on complex complaints and misconduct matters involving harassment, discrimination, safety, academic freedom, sexual misconduct and academic integrity. You could also be representing the University as part of internal student disciplinary appeals and before external tribunals and bodies, including the new National Student Ombudsman.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• provide timely, and practical legal advice to senior executive officers, and other University personnel in relation to all aspects of administrative law
• work closely with and advise colleagues in the Student Affairs Unit and the Registrar in relation to student misconduct/disciplinary matters
• review and advise on applications under the GIPA Act and other requests for access to information, and privacy legislation
• provide guidance around the application of administrative law principles to University decision making and internal/external review and appeal processes
• undertake advocacy and litigation activities, both internally and externally, in relation to matters such as Student Disciplinary Appeals, GIPA and Privacy applications, and discrimination claims
• provide expert advice in relation to the resolution of disputes and complaints
• review, draft and negotiate legal documents, to protect and enhance the University's interests.

About you

• extensive working experience as a senior lawyer with proven expertise in aspects of administrative law
• demonstrated understanding of administrative law principles, the GIPA Act and NSW privacy legislation
• experience in and familiarity with the higher education sector (advantageous)
• confidence in using judgement to effectively prioritise work activities advise clients in a way that is proportionate to the risk of the matter
• excellent analytical and legal research skills
• strong drafting skills, and clear and concise communication skills to convey complex messaging to various audiences
• highly developed relationship management skills and the ability to operate with a high degree of tact and professionalism across all levels of diverse internal and external environments
• a willingness to work with a variety of stakeholders, and an agile and flexible approach.

Applications Close

Sunday 13 October 2024, 11:59 PM

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires valid work rights for Australia.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Nayomi Siriwardane, Recruitment Operations by email to nayomi.siriwardane@sydney.edu.au

Copyright The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 13 October 2024 11:59 PM