The Role

• Are you a highly experienced legal professional?
• Do you enjoy being part of a collaborative and high-performing team?
• Do you want to be a key contributor to Australia’s Defence Nuclear-Powered Submarine capability?

If so, you might be the person we are looking for.

This is a unique opportunity to have a key role in building a legal practice that will contribute to the success of a future regulator in the Australian naval nuclear context, the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator (ANNPSR).

We are building a dynamic in-house legal practice within the Office of the General Counsel in the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Regulatory Design team (NPSRD). The practice will deliver high-quality legal services across multiple legal disciplines, including nuclear law, public law, corporate and commercial law, employment law, and litigation. As part of this exciting development, we are seeking experienced and motivated APS 6 Legal Officers to contribute to this influential team.

As an APS 6 Legal Officer, you will provide legal advice under supervision with a strong focus on compliance and regulatory frameworks. In this respect, you will contribute to the provision of legal advice on issues concerning the creation of the ANNPSR and other legal matters.

You will contribute in shaping critical regulatory frameworks, policy and operational outcomes. To do so, you will be expected to have the aptitude to develop an understanding of the legislative processes, and corporate and commercial issues.

You will provide legal advice on matters that will shape the ANNPSR. In doing so, you will exercise sound decision-making and judgement to provide expert legal advice under guidance.

You will also engage in problem solving and issues management under supervision.

From time to time, under supervision, you may be expected to coordinate and perform detailed or sensitive projects, which impact strategic, political or operational outcomes for Defence.

Due to the nature of our work, candidates may be required to undertake additional security related checks.

While this position has been advertised through Department of Defence, in line with the announcement made by the Australian Government on 14 Mar 23, this position will move to a new Statutory Agency with an effective date yet to be confirmed.

This role supports additional remuneration benefits, which is applied as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the rate of salary otherwise payable under the Enterprise Agreement (EA). For further information, please contact the Contact Officer.

Please note: Due to the nature and urgency of this task, Defence will seek commencement of successful candidates ASAP.

About our Team

As part of the NPSRD team, you will be working at the cutting edge of the regulation of Defence capability, supported by professionalisation pathways so you can continue to develop professionally. You will also have unique and varied career opportunities.

The NPSRD team are deeply committed to the success of the establishment of the ANNPSR and are seeking people who share the same dedication. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and initiative, will enable you to contribute to the establishment of the ANNPSR, and meet some of the most passionate, intelligent and fascinating people from around the world.

Our people are capable, committed and diverse. We support an inclusive culture that emphasises respect and collaboration and prioritises safety and security. Our greatest asset is our people.

With a strong focus on work-life balance, we offer a supportive and flexible work environment.

We are committed to supporting your professional growth and support a range of tailored programs and development opportunities.

Our Ideal Candidate

As an APS 6 Legal Officer, you will be required to demonstrate a range of skills.

The competencies below are considered critical for success within the NPSRD team.

• Persuade and influence – Make an impact, gain agreement, negotiate, persuade, convince, promote ideas and manage conflict.
• Learn and research – Learn tasks rapidly, commit information to memory, gather information to support decision making, encourage an organisational learning, manage knowledge.
• Follow instructions and procedures – Follow instructions without unnecessary challenging authority, follow procedures and policy, keep to schedule, arrive punctually, comply with legal obligations and safety requirements.
• Cope with pressures and setbacks – Cope with pressure, keep emotions under control, balance work and personal life, keep optimistic and handle criticism.

Application Closing Date: Monday 7 April, 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference ASG/01573/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=199E8499-8C12-11BC-D453-E3AA6B40526B.