Principal Legal Adviser, Cyber Security and Technology

Department: Department of Government Services
Work Type: Fixed term - full time
Job Function: Legal
Classification: VPSG6
Work Location: Melbourne - CBD
Reference: VG/1828586
Closing Date: 13-Nov-2024
Salary Range: $134,593 - $180,115
Job Duration: 36 months
Attachments: Position Description - Principal Legal Adviser - Cyber Security and Technology.docx (Word, 296KB)
Position Description

Contact: Alexander Lilley, Manager, Corporate Legal
alexander.lilley@dgs.vic.gov.au

Position Details

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.  

Office of the General Counsel

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 & Regulation
  • 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.

About the role 

As the lead cyber security lawyer sitting in the Corporate Legal Team within OGC, you will play a vital role in advising the Cyber Security, Data and Digital Resilience Division on legal matters related to the Victorian Government's Cyber Defence Centre. The Cyber Security, Data and Digital Resilience Division is a business unit within DGS and is responsible for leading and overseeing government's digital resilience, and preparedness and response to cyber security risks.

There will also be opportunities to support and manage complex ICT commercial matters, including negotiation and finalisation of ICT contracts (including ICT State Purchase Contracts).

This is a pivotal leadership position where you will contribute to shaping the Victorian Government's digital resilience, preparedness and response to cyber security risks.

This three-year fixed-term role offers a unique opportunity to have a significant impact on modernising the Victorian Government and enhancing services for the community.

Key Accountabilities include:

  • Provide strategic, authoritative, and risk-based legal advice on cyber security incidents affecting the Victorian Government, including during cyber security emergency situations for which DGS is Victoria's designated Control Agency.
  • Support the legal aspect of Victorian Government's consequence management activities to cyber security breaches.
  • Lead the preparation of briefs and correspondence on significant legal and legal policy issues relating to cyber security and ICT projects more broadly (including ICT State Purchase Contracts).

About you 

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

  • Significant experience providing technically excellent legal advice on complex ICT projects, ICT procurements, cyber security and data breaches.
  • Significant experience in State or Federal privacy, cyber and critical infrastructure legislation.
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent relationship management and negotiation skills coupled with a commitment to service excellence.

Mandatory requirements

  • You must be admitted to practice as an Australian lawyer and eligible to hold a Victorian practising certificate.
  • An Australian Government Security Vetting Agency issued Negative Vetting Level 1 NV1 may be required at a future date.

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 13th November 2024. All applications should include: 

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

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

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. 

DGS actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. All roles at DGS can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role. 


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