ABOUT US

The North Queensland Land Council (NQLC) is the recognised Native Title Representative Body for its region, representing approximately 38,000 Aboriginal traditional owners and residents. NQLC’s region covers approximately 943,300 km2 of lands and waters and is appointed by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), to assist Aboriginal people with all aspects of their native title claims.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Senior Legal Officer you will be part of a multi-disciplinary team to ensure the strong performance of the NQLC’s statutory functions as a Native Title Representative Body under the Native Title Act 1993, and to provide legal advice, particularly in respect of future acts, large scale mining, renewables and carbon projects and governance compliance.

This position is in NQLC’s Future Acts Mining and Exploration (FAME) Unit which forms part of the Engagement and Development Support Team (EDST), alongside the PBC Support Unit. The Senior Legal Officer position will report directly to the Senior Legal Officer-Coordinator, FAME Unit and Manager EDST.

Applicants must have a minimum of 4 years post admission experience and a strong background in Native Title and mining law.

Applicants will also need to demonstrate a sensitivity and understanding of current Indigenous issues and aspirations and be able to effectively communicate with Indigenous Australians.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons are particularly encouraged to apply.

A Position Description including Selection Criteria for this position can be downloaded below.

All applicants must address the Selection Criteria in their Application and provide a current CV and two current referees.

Selection Criteria:

1. A demonstrated understanding of, and respect for, Aboriginal societies, cultures, sensitivities and the issues affecting Aboriginal People in contemporary Australian society.

2. Minimum four years of post-admission practice and hold or be eligible to hold a Practicing Certificate in Queensland and be enrolled or be eligible to be enrolled on the Roll of Practitioners of the High Court.

3. Practice experience in the fields of corporate, commercial, environmental or property laws will be highly regarded. Practice experience working in a NTRB/NTSP, particularly future act work, will be favourably considered.

4. Detailed knowledge or ability to quickly acquire knowledge, of the laws and jurisdictions relevant to the work of the FAME Unit and functions of the NQLC.

5. Proven ability to interrogate legal issues, provide sound, timely advice and demonstrated high level written, verbal and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate such.

6. Demonstrated high level skill in drafting contracts, agreements and other documents.

7. Demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively.

8. Demonstrated ability to coordinate a range of legal tasks and deliver work to strict timelines with minimum supervision, and at times supervise other staff.

9. Demonstrated ability to be a cooperative member of the team, effectively contributing to achieving corporate objectives.

10. Preparedness to travel to remote locations when required.

Applications should be marked ‘Confidential’ and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer at [email protected].