Note: this is an ongoing vacancy, but a merit pool may be created for future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies over the next 18 months.

Position overview

The Court has successfully implemented a number of important reforms through the National Court Framework (NCF) including the allocation of case work to judges on a national basis, the organisation and management of the Court's work nationally through the introduction of nine National Practice Areas (NPAs), reform of the Court’s practice and procedure through the introduction of a suite of new practice notes and the creation of the National Operations Team.

The Legal Operations Data Specialist is part of the National Operations Team, which is responsible for the cohesive management of the Court’s work on a national basis.

The Legal Operations Data Specialist is responsible for high level workload analysis and reporting across the Court’s work. This includes developing and maintaining workload reporting tools and systems, including a suite of business intelligence reports and a bespoke Information System, and supporting the integration of these tools with the Court’s modernised case management systems under the Digital Court Program. It also includes acting as a subject matter expert in support of the ongoing development and implementation of the Digital Court Program. The role encompasses data creation, management and quality assurance; analysis, interpretation and application of data; and enabling evidence-based decision-making by senior stakeholders.

The Legal Operations Data Specialist is responsible for preparing a range of reports, including overall Court workload, Judge and registrar workload reports, NPA reports and tailored, registry-specific reports. The reports are provided to the Chief Justice, Judges, CEO and Principal Registrar, registrars and executive leadership, as requested.

Duties

The Legal Operations Data Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting the Court’s strategic and operational goals through high-quality data management, analysis and reporting. Key responsibilities include:

Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare and distribute regular reports on Court workload to the Chief Justice, Judges, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Registrar, senior executive staff and the National Operations Team.
• Critically analyse data to provide tailored reports, identifying trends in filings across the Court and NPAs.
• Develop and deliver reports and presentations for internal and external engagements.
• Prepare data and insights for inclusion in Court reports such as the Annual Report.

Data Quality and Governance

• Ensure the accuracy of information entered in reporting tools and systems.
• Liaise with Judges, chambers, registry and the National Operations Team to resolve data quality issues.
• Supervise Reporting Team staff to maintain up-to-date and accurate data in the NCF Reporting Framework systems.
• Apply data governance principles to plan and monitor data management practices.

Training and Stakeholder Engagement

• Conduct training for registry staff and chambers staff regarding the importance of accurate data entry and its role in the NCF Reporting Framework.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across all levels of the Court.

System Development and Integration

• Contribute to the design, development and testing of Business Information Reports, NORS and CourtPath.
• Provide subject matter expertise to support the Digital Court Program and the integration of reporting tools with modernised case management systems.
• Identify and implement improvements to systems, processes and tools to enhance efficiency and reporting capabilities.

Attributes and experience

To be successful in this role, candidates should demonstrate:

Technical and Analytical Expertise

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret large volumes of data and communicate insights effectively.
• Experience in data reporting and analysis, including the use of statistical methods and principles.
• Proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint). Experience with data visualisation tools (e.g. Power BI) and online platforms (e.g. SharePoint) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the Court’s case management systems (e.g. CaseTrack, Electronic Court File, CourtPath) and the NCF Reporting Framework, or the ability to quickly acquire this knowledge.

Data Management and Governance

• Understanding of data lifecycle management, including data collection, transformation, analysis, categorisation, and secure disposal.
• Ability to apply measures to ensure data is fit for purpose and to conduct quality assurance checks.

Communication and Collaboration

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a small team and across the organisation.
• Capacity to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Strategic Thinking and Initiative

• Ability to develop and implement reporting initiatives that support strategic goals and operational outcomes.
• Demonstrated initiative in identifying opportunities for innovation and process improvement.
• Experience in guiding stakeholders in accessing and using data effectively.

Formal Qualifications

No formal qualification required. However, experience providing high level reporting and information delivery to senior executive leaders, Commonwealth Government or the legal profession will be highly regarded.

Relevant qualifications and experience in the legal profession would also be highly regarded.

Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated experience in data analysis and reporting. Proven ability to analyse complex datasets, identify trends and produce high quality reports and presentations tailored to diverse audiences. Experience using data to support strategic decision-making is highly regarded.
2. Strong understanding of data governance and quality assurance principles. Ability to manage data throughout its lifecycle, ensuring accuracy, consistency and fitness for purpose. Experience in applying data validation techniques and maintaining data integrity across systems.
3. Proficiency in relevant software and data tools. Familiarity with the Court’s systems such as CaseTrack and CourtPath, or the ability to acquire this knowledge quickly. Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Experience with data visualisation tools (eg Power BI) and online collaboration platforms is highly regarded.
4. Knowledge of the Federal Court’s jurisdiction, practices and procedures, or the ability to acquire such familiarity and knowledge quickly.
5. Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently. Demonstrated capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively within a small team, managing multiple tasks and deadlines with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
6. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across the Court. Experience in delivering training on data-related matters.
7. Capacity for innovation and continuous improvement. Proven ability to identify opportunities for process and system improvements, and to implement changes that enhance efficiency and support organisational goals.
8. Experience in supervising staff and coordinating team outputs. Ability to lead and support team members in maintaining data accuracy and timeliness, including oversight of reporting systems and contribution to team development.
9. A demonstrated understanding and commitment to the application of the Australian Public Service (APS) Values, to abide by the APS Code of Conduct.

Recruitment Process

To apply, please complete the application form on the Court’s career portal. If you have any issues with applying, please email [email protected].

As part of your application, you will be required to submit a written response to the selection criteria listed in the position description (maximum word limit 1500). Please ensure this document is attached before submitting your application.

Contact Officer

For more information, please contact Simon Haag: [email protected] or (02) 8099 8543.

Eligibility

Employment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999, and the following:

1. Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship;
2. Security and character clearance – the successful applicant must satisfy a Police Records Check, and may also be required to complete security clearances during the course of their employment;
3. Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period

Interested candidates who have received a redundancy benefit from an APS agency are welcome to apply, but note that they cannot be engaged until their redundancy benefit period has expired.

Diversity and Inclusion

Federal Court Australia is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from People with Disability. First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, Mature age workers, as well as young workers and supporting an inter-generational workforce and supporting gender equity and families.

Federal Court Australia will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the inherent requirements of the role.

RecruitAbility

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability