About us 

The Department of Government Services (DGS) was established on 1 January 2023 to improve everyone's experience of doing business and interacting with the Victorian government. We bring important day-to-day services together in one department to make things easy and seamless for Victorians and businesses. We are doing this by connecting and digitising our systems and platforms across state and local government as well as streamlining our corporate and procurement services.  
 

About the role 

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is part of DGS' Digital Transformation Group. We comprise of 4 teams:

• Corporate
• Legislation & Policy
• Public Law & Disputes
• Freedom of Information & Privacy

We also have specialist lawyers within these teams who are dedicated to DGS client areas. These client areas include Births, Deaths & Marriages, Consumer Affairs Victoria, Service Victoria and Worker Screening Unit.

We help our clients navigate a variety of legal and policy challenges with technically excellent legal advice and strategic solutions.

We deliver high quality and timely advice on a wide range of legal issues to make sure the Department's strategic priorities are achieved and supported by appropriate legal advice.

Legislation & Policy Team

The Legislation & Policy team provides advice and support in relation to the Department's legislative projects and supports the Secretary in overseeing the Department's legislative program.

Our legal work involves:

• Providing authoritative advice on complex legal, legislative, regulatory and policy issues and proposals under limited supervision.
• Leading or supporting the development of Bills and regulations under limited supervision. Draft, review and advise on a range of legal and legislative documentation, including instruments, agreements, Cabinet submissions and explanatory memoranda, dealing with complex issues, including development of precedents, and advise departmental and agency staff on processes and requirements for primary and subordinate legislation.
• Undertaking high level research and analysis of complex legal, legislative and policy issues.
• Working closely and collaboratively with colleagues in the Legislation & Policy Team, the OGC, program areas across the Department, and with external lawyers.
• Negotiating and managing complex or sensitive matters in various jurisdictions; exercise judgment in developing legislative proposals; brief and instruct counsel or external solicitors in complex or sensitive matters.
• Assisting with organisational improvement, capacity and capability building projects, and other tasks relevant to the OGC's functions.
• Undertaking other tasks relevant to support broader OGC functions and priorities as required.
• Contributing to a positive work environment which promotes a partnership approach to people management, enhances morale and respects diversity. 

About you 

To be considered for the role, you must be able to demonstrate: 

• Detailed knowledge and understanding of legislative processes, including Cabinet, Executive Council and Parliamentary processes and requirements, and experience in developing primary and subordinate legislation.
• Detailed knowledge of and experience in the principles and practice of administrative and constitutional law with strong statutory interpretation skills.
• High level research, conceptual and analytical skills and proven ability to develop recommendations on complex legal, legislative and policy issues.

For specific responsibilities please review the attached position description. This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia. 

How to apply 

Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on 16th September 2024. All applications should include: 

• a resume; and 
• a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within two pages) 

All applications will need to be submitted through one of the following platforms; Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) website, Victorian Government careers website (Careers.vic), Seek or LinkedIn. Applications will not be accepted via email.

In accordance with the Jobs and Skills Exchange Policy, Victorian Public Service employees are required to apply via the JSE for primary consideration access. 

For further information, please contact Stephanie McCulloch, Manager, Legislation and Policy on 03 9922 7118 or via stephanie.mcculloch@dpc.vic.gov.au.

Other relevant information 

The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act), to support this DGS has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DGS employees be fully vaccinated.  

Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent Form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check.