This role is a seasoned in‑house lawyer position supporting IHACPA. You’ll provide legal guidance on complex corporate, regulatory and operational matters, interpret statutes, manage legal risk, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance and solid governance. Daily work includes drafting and reviewing legal opinions, advising on privacy and FOI matters, and guiding regulatory processes while supervising external counsel where appropriate.
Role Specifications
| Job Title | Legal 1 (Executive Level 1) – In-house Counsel |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Number | VN-0768154 |
| Position Number | 26-IHACPADIV-31116 |
| Classification | Executive Level 1 |
| Salary | $130,387 – $154,622 |
| Job Type | Full-Time, Ongoing; Non-Ongoing |
| Primary Locations | Surry Hills, NSW |
| Future Merit Locations | ACT, NSW, VIC, WA, QLD, TAS, NT, SA (various locations) |
| Office Arrangement | Hybrid |
| Office Arrangement Details | Hybrid working arrangements by negotiation |
| Closing Date | Wednesday 15 April 2026 |
| Agency Website | IHACPA Careers |
About the Opportunity
The In-house Counsel reports to the Director, Governance, Legal and Secretariat Services and plays a key role in supporting IHACPA’s governance, compliance and operational objectives. The role involves identifying and managing legal risks, providing timely, high‑quality legal advice, and overseeing legal transactions across the agency. You may deliver services directly or manage external legal providers to ensure the organisation meets its legal obligations.
In this role you’ll help IHACPA navigate complex regulatory landscapes and build legal awareness across the organisation. You’ll engage with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with privacy, FOI, and other statutory requirements while contributing to a strong culture of integrity and accountability.
Duties (What You Will Do)
| Key Responsibilities | Specific Tasks |
|---|---|
| Provide legal advice on complex matters | Advise on corporate, regulatory and operational issues; prepare clear, practical guidance |
| Statutory interpretation | Identify practical regulatory issues and outcomes; interpret legislation to support decision‑making |
| Maintenance of compliance | Support full compliance with IHACPA’s legislative requirements; guide compliance initiatives |
| Promote legal awareness | Highlight matters requiring legal consideration within the agency |
| Review FOI responses | Assess FOI materials and related documentation for accuracy and privacy compliance |
| Privacy Act matters | Provide advice on privacy issues within the scope of the Act |
| Stakeholder engagement | Engage with internal and external groups on relevant legal matters |
About You (Eligibility)
- Mandatory admission to practice as a legal practitioner in an Australian state or territory
- Tertiary qualifications in law
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance (or hold an existing clearance)
- Australian citizenship at the time of offer
- Experience providing high‑level legal advice in corporate/regulatory settings
- Proven ability to interpret legislation and manage legal risk
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders
- Experience with FOI and Privacy Act considerations is desirable
Important Information for Applicants
In relation to the search for candidates who may be looking for jobs in australia for foreigners, please note that this role requires Australian citizenship and the ability to obtain a Baseline security clearance. If you are not an Australian citizen, please consider how your eligibility aligns with APS recruitment standards and security requirements before applying. The agency emphasises fairness and accessibility and supports the RecruitAbility program for eligible applicants with a disability.
Additional Information
Diversity & Inclusion
IHACPA is committed to a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged.
RecruitAbility
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. You may be invited to participate in additional assessment if you declare a disability and meet the minimum requirements. For details visit the APS RecruitAbility page.
Future Merit Pools
This recruitment process may create a pool of eligible candidates for ongoing and non‑ongoing positions of a similar level.
How to Apply
| Contact Officer | Olga Liavas, 02 7232 6063 |
|---|---|
| Candidate Kit | IHACPA Careers |
| Application Portal | IHACPA Careers |