Senior Legal Counsel

Job Description

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Senior Legal Counsel is responsible for leading a small team in the provision of high-quality, commercially astute, internal legal services. The role will have a focus on ensuring Menzies research contractual obligations have the appropriate legal oversight and that legal issues of copyright, privacy and commercialisation are effectively addressed and risks mitigated.

External stakeholders include a  broad base of funders and collaborators in both Australia and internationally, including the National Health and Medical Research Council; Commonwealth, State and Territory Government Departments; higher education, primary health, hospital services and research institutions; charities and not-for-profit organisations; and industry partners.

This position will also be responsible for managing a range of legal services, as they arise, across the organisation.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide legal advice to the Senior Executive Team, Divisional Leaders, Chief Investigators, Business and Corporate Managers and other staff as required, including but not limited to intellectual property, contracts, compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, procurement and licensing, service agreements, confidentiality agreements, tenders and other relevant matters.
2. Ensure contractual agreements are achieved in a timely and effective manner in accordance with the Menzies Policy framework and are aligned with current risk appetite and the requirements of individual projects. This includes managing the end-to-end requirement for gaining contract agreement, including establishing, reviewing, negotiating and coordinating the execution of contracts.
3. Lead the establishment, and make continuous improvement of, best practice workflows, information management, policy documents, templates, systems and procedures to streamline contract review, approval and sign-off, whilst effectively managing and mitigating Menzies organisational risk exposure.
4. Develop and deliver relevant training opportunities to staff and key stakeholders.
5. Create a high performing team through effective leadership and people management.
6. Develop and maintain effective communication, relationships and networks with colleagues, stakeholders and partners.
7. Act as the Freedom of Information Officer, receive and deal with FOI requests in accordance with Menzies’ Information and Privacy Policy and take responsibility for annual reporting to the Officer of the Information Commissioner Northern Territory.
8. Take initiative to deliver on the intent of the role by undertaking other duties and activities as required and perform work activities relevant to the role’s primary responsibilities as approved by the Supervisor and commensurate to the role’s classification level.
9. Understanding and awareness of relevant Workplace Health and Safety as well as Equal Opportunity principles and legislation along with a commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe workplace for all Menzies staff, students, volunteers and visitors.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Essential:

1. A tertiary qualification in law with extensive relevant experience gained from a reputable law firm or in-house organisation, and eligibility to practice as a legal practitioner in the Northern Territory.
2. Strong contract drafting skills, including reviewing, negotiating, executing and managing a large volume of research and commercial contracts.
3. Highly developed skills in communicating clearly and effectively to non-legal colleagues and inspire confidence when providing professional advice.
4. Demonstrated initiative and ability to apply critical thinking and expert judgement to achieve successful organisational outcomes within tight deadlines, while maintaining quality of work and composure.
5. Evidence of managing the competing demands of a range of internal stakeholders.
6. Demonstrated experience in managing and driving transformation and continuous improvement resolving issues of a complex nature.
7. Demonstrated experience supervising and developing employees.
8. Ability to build strategic and professional relationships, including interacting effectively with people from diverse cultures.

Desirable:

1. Experience in providing contracts and/or legal advice in the research or higher education sector, including in depth knowledge of Intellectual Property.

About Menzies:

Menzies is one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and a leader in global and tropical research into life-threatening illnesses. If making a positive health impact in Australia and across our region excites and motivates you, join us as we continue to translate our research into effective programs and partnerships in communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, and find enduring solutions to health problems that matter.

As a recognised national leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research, education and research training, Menzies is committed to providing a culturally inclusive and supportive work environment, and ensuring our workforce is representative of the people with and for whom we work. We seek to amplify First Nations voices in all aspects of our work, and we strongly encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply for this position.

The benefits:

• Attractive salary package $154,883 – $166,513 pa including superannuation and salary packaging benefits up to $15,900 tax free (Base salary of $125,541 – $135,216)
• Option to increase employer superannuation contribution to 14%
• Flexible and supportive employer
• Modern office facilities
• Enjoy Darwin’s beautiful tropical lifestyle benefits
• Training and development opportunities
• Fantastic leave offerings:
  • 6 weeks annual leave
  • 3 weeks personal leave
  • 16 weeks paid parental leave
  • Option to purchase additional leave
• And more!

If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact:

Abbey Kiem

Senior Human Resources Officer

Email: [email protected]

Menzies is committed to diversity and inclusion in our workplace. If you require any support or accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know.

How to Apply:

Please click on the ‘Apply’ button to submit your application.

Applicants are required to provide the following supporting documents:

• Cover letter
• Updated resume
• A statement addressing the selection criteria
• Any other relevant supporting documentation

For a copy of the position description or to find more information on how to apply for this role please visit Menzies careers website: http://careers.menzies.edu.au/ or email: [email protected]

Closing date:  Sunday, 5 March 2023

Please note this role is available for immediate start and applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. The job ad may close early if a suitable applicant is identified, apply now!