• Full-time employment opportunity in a vibrant and supportive team
• Role is located in Parramatta CBD with flexible working arrangements available
• Remuneration of $161,034 - $164,426 plus super & leave loading

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population.
For more information, please visit NSW Department of Education.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS, EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

Your professional credentials, experience and expertise should include:

• Legal qualifications and a current unrestricted NSW legal practising certificate
• Knowledge and experience in dealing with civil litigation and liability claims
• The ability to provide quality independent legal advice and manage legal risks
• Complementary capabilities in statutory interpretation, legal research, legal drafting, prosecution and advocacy
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.
• Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department’s Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department’s Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

BENEFITS

With nearly 100,000 people working all over NSW, the Department of Education isn’t like any other workplace. You can customise your career track and experience benefits including:

• the opportunity to make a real difference, doing important work in a varied, rewarding career in which you can make the most of your legal expertise across a variety of disciplines
• flexible working conditions, with a 35-hour week and generous leave entitlements that give you unrivalled work–life balance
• a dynamic workplace in an organisation committed to diversity and inclusion
• opportunities for advancement beyond the initial job description, with scope to move sideways as well as up and receive the professional support you need to discover new talents and interests

The Principal Legal Officer is responsible for leading a practice group team to provide high quality, cost effective and client focused legal services which contribute to the achievement of the directorate’s goals and the department’s stakeholders and business units. With your strong background in civil litigation and liability claims, you will work on and monitor complex matters and represent the department at litigated hearings and alternative dispute resolution conferences to protect the interests of the department whist upholding the highest ethical standards and model litigant principles.
The role is responsible for supervision of staff, including the allocation of resources and workload, monitoring business and staff performance, and providing strategic direction to create efficiencies and enhance and motivate staff to maintain a cohesive and high performing team.