Are you looking for a values-based, emergency service organisation that puts the community at the centre of everything we do?

We are proud of the work we do in protecting lives and property, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With over 51,000 volunteers CFA strives to be an organisation of choice for volunteers and employees. We, embrace individuals with diverse skills, experiences, and backgrounds, recognising the unique value they bring to CFA.

If you would like to read more about the Country Fire Authority (CFA) click here. 

About the Role

Are you seeking a fixed term, in-house counsel role within a collaborative and highly skilled Legal services team? This busy role will see you provide legal advice and services across a broad range of legal disciplines and experience a varied and dynamic workload.

Reporting to the General Counsel, the Legal Counsel will have responsibility for the management of their own files which could include legal interpretation and application of the CFA Act and Regulations, together with relevant ancillary legislation, advise and be involved in negotiations for a wide range of commercial and inter-governmental matters including MOU's, agreements and contracts, property licences and leases, litigation claims, work with external lawyers, provide advice on employment and industrial matters as well as volunteer discipline and advise as to legal risk associated with CFA's activities.

This is a unique opportunity for a Legal Counsel to join the Governance, Legal and Risk Services Department supporting the whole organisation.  This critical role will provide strategic, practical and outcome focused legal advice and analysis across all areas of the law to the broader organisation.  You will receive support and mentorship from General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel.  Additionally, you will have the opportunity to influence executives, collaborate with CFA employees, engage with volunteer members, and liaise with external lawyers. 

Further responsibilities can be found in the PD attached. 

About You

The person we are looking for will be admitted to practice as an Australian lawyer and have possession of an unrestricted Victorian practising certificate. In addition, you will have demonstrated experience in the application of legal principles to a wide range of issues across a range of legal disciplines.

Naturally you will be customer centric and have exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively, building productive working relationships with stakeholders to achieve strategic objectives. Further to this you will have excellent written and verbal communications skills, capable of writing high quality, well researched and concise advices, reports, briefs and correspondence.

Crucial to your success in this role will be your proven experience in the provision of strategic legal advice including the interpretation and application of legislation in relation to matters arising within a large and complex environment.

This may be the next step in your career if you are keen to further develop your generalist experience within a fast paced, rapidly changing, complex emergency service organisation where the work you do has a direct impact on helping the broader CFA and the Victorian community.

Why choose CFA

• Meaningful Purpose: Your contribution truly makes a difference
• Work-Life Balance: Paid parental leave, generous leave provisions
• Growth Opportunities: Learning and development
• Flexibility: Hybrid work options with flexible work arrangements
• Discounts: Emergency Memberlink discounts on various services
• Wellbeing Focus: Healthy for Life programs, flu vaccinations
• Member Assistance Program: Access support across 8 service pathways 

Your Application

Click the 'apply' button to access our online application form. Here you will be asked to provide personal and contact details and respond to employment-related questions.

When applying for a position with CFA, please submit a cover letter and resume that demonstrates your qualifications, experience, key attributes and skills required for the position.

Pre-employment Checks

Offers of employment will only be made to candidates who:

• Successfully complete a National Police History Check, Working Rights Check and hold a valid Working with Children Check.

CFA is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and safe volunteer and work environment. Our aim is to have a volunteer and paid workforce that reflects the community it serves. First Nations people, women, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. 

Applications close: 11:59pm 12 January 2025.

If at any stage of the recruitment and selection process you require an alternative format to the application material or reasonable adjustment to the interview arrangements, please don't hesitate to contact the person listed on the ad or alternatively, email recruitment@cfa.vic.gov.au.

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) values your privacy. We will use the information you provide when you are applying for employment with us for the purpose of recruitment, selection, evaluation and appointment and to report on anonymised key metrics (e.g. diversity). The information we collect will be handled in accordance with privacy laws, including the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. You can view our Privacy Statement here. For access and correction of the information we have collected, contact recruitment@cfa.vic.gov.au.

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