The Role

Defence Legal is a national organisation, which provides legal advice and other legal support services to Defence. We draw upon the professional talent of our people to pursue excellence in support of Defence operations, command, management and administration.

The Special Counsel role provides senior-level legal support to the Directorate of International Government Agreements and Arrangements (DIGAA) within Defence Legal. The Special Counsel role in DIGAA will have responsibility for leading on legal drafting, reviewing and negotiating proposed treaties and international arrangements sponsored by Defence and providing advice on the interpretation and application of these instruments.

The role will also include managing, supervising and mentoring more junior team members. The role is also responsible for supporting the leadership of the Directorate and contributing to the ongoing development of staff and standards within the Directorate.

The role works closely with other areas in Defence Legal to facilitate the provision of legal advice affecting Defence operations and exercises.

To be successful, you will need:

• Experience in leading and managing staff in a high tempo operational environment;
• Experience in advising on, drafting, reviewing and negotiating treaties and international arrangements and participating in multi-lateral international forums; and
• Excellent communication, relationship management, client engagement and team building skills.

This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.

About our Team

The Directorate of International Government Agreements and Arrangements (DIGAA) in Defence Legal facilitates and coordinates with Defence stakeholders and international partners in the development of Defence specific treaties and international arrangements. DIGAA is responsible for the coordinating, drafting and negotiating treaties and international arrangements sponsored by the Department of Defence. DIGAA plays a key role in Defence’s international engagements with other nations and international organisations. DIGAA drafts, negotiates and advises on the international instruments that underpin Defence and ADF international activities including capability acquisitions, international materiel, logistics, information sharing, intelligence, personnel, research and technology, and military exercises and operations.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking experienced senior lawyers who have:

• Significant post-qualification legal experience and/or qualification in international law or legal practice in an international context;
• Experience in advising on, drafting, reviewing and negotiating treaties and international arrangements and participation in international forums;
• Excellent communication, relationship management and client engagement skills;
• An ability to lead work streams and manage staff, work collaboratively as a member of a team and manage competing priorities in a high tempo environment; and
• Experience in working across Government and building productive working relationships.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 17 August 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference ASG/06260/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=97D52CC5-AE95-18D2-8543-E4087C064827