General Counsel

• Full-Time, Ongoing

• VPS Grade 7.1 ($188,297 to $210,891 plus 12% superannuation guarantee)

• A unique opportunity to lead a newly established in-house legal function

What you will be doing

Reporting directly to Assistant Commissioner, Electoral Integrity and Regulation, this role will be responsible for:

Leading the VEC's newly established in-house legal function, including supervising other in-house lawyers and setting the strategic direction for the function

Providing high quality, independent legal advice and guidance to the Electoral Commissioner, Deputy Electoral Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Electoral Integrity and Regulation and other executives on complex, sensitive, high-risk and time-critical matters

Leading the VEC's response and legal strategy for disputes and litigation, including appearing or instructing in courts, tribunals and other bodies

Playing a key role in the VEC's advocacy work for effective legislative change

What you will bring to the role

A detailed understanding and leading practice in administrative law, constitutional law, government law, and regulatory compliance and enforcement

Demonstrated experience undertaking high quality and timely legal analysis and research, preparing advice and recommendations, and managing and supervising other lawyers at various stages of practice and experience

Demonstrated ability providing legal advice on complex issues under limited direction, including during times of high urgency and significant uncertainty.

Expert in negotiating and influencing solutions to complex organisational problems and implementing timely solutions within a busy and politically sensitive environment.

Commitment to the VEC's core values

Please note that the successful applicant must have or be eligible to attain a minimum NV-1 national security clearance in Australia. This means only Australian citizens are eligible to apply.

How to apply

All applicants must submit:

a cover letter

a current CV and

a separate document with responses to Key Selection Criteria (KSC) 6.1, 6.3, and 6.5. as listed in the position description.

Applications should be lodged online via the Apply Now button (below). The VEC can only accept applications lodged via Victorian Government Careers website.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 27 July 2025

We highly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people to apply. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our workplaces with the people we employ, and at the ballot box with the people we serve. We aim to create a workplace that is inclusive, equitable, and safe for all. We understand that candidates may need adjustments in the recruitment process and/or workplace. For any questions or request for accommodations, please e-mail [email protected]. Successful applicants will be required to satisfy character clearance requirements, including but not limited to Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and working with children check. In accordance with section 17A of the Electoral Act 2002, the VEC may ask applicants to disclose specific political activities that could compromise the perceived independence of the organisation. Learn more about disclosing political activities.

VEC contact details

For further information please contact Sarah Wright, Strategic Advisor, Electoral Integrity and Regulation at [email protected]