Legal Counsel (People & Conduct Team): Employment and Industrial Relations Law

Legal Counsel (People & Conduct Team): Employment and Industrial Relations Law

Job no: 526689

Work type: full time

Location: Sydney, NSW

Categories: Legal

Employment Type: Full time, fixed term contract until 31 December 2025

Remuneration: Competitive total package

Location: Kensington, NSW (Hybrid work arrangement available)

About UNSW:

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Why Your Role Matters:

UNSW Legal & Compliance provides trusted independent legal advice across the University community. As a senior member of the People & Conduct Law team, you build trusted relationships across the HR and Safety teams to provide forward thinking legal advice, counsel and support, acting as the go-to authority for matters in this area. You will be advising on UNSW’s diverse workforce across disciplinary issues, termination of employment, complex staff complaints, industrial disputes, enterprise bargaining, grievance handling, advising on compliance with Work Health Safety laws and on anti-discrimination matters. Your day to day will include:

• Providing proactive and reactive advice on UNSW’s obligations under workplace legislation and industrial instruments.
• Providing strategic advice, in relation to staff complaints, litigious and potentially litigious matters, including appearing in courts and tribunals as necessary.
• Developing workplace policies and practices in conjunction with Human Resources and relevant University management.
• Partnering with the Safety team to achieve sustained safety outcomes by advising on work health safety laws, conducting training and leveraging off your experience in dealing with safety regulators.
• Drafting, advising and negotiating workplace and employment agreements.

This position reports to the Senior Legal Counsel (Employment Law Compliance) to support UNSW's diverse workforce and has no direct reports.

Who You Are:

We’re seeking a solutions-focused lawyer to become a trusted advisor to our internal stakeholders and support UNSW in navigating employment and industrial relations law. You’ll hold the confidence to advise senior stakeholders and offer broad-ranging employment law advice across the University in support of our organisation’s diverse workforce. You’ll hold the following skills & experience:

• A law degree and current practicing certificate with admission to the Supreme Court of NSW.
• 6+ years post-qualification experience in a quality employment law practice or in house environment.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic, commercial advice and counsel in relation to complex legal issues.
• Practiced in negotiating and drafting high quality legal documents independently, interpreting for internal stakeholders as needed.
• Confidence in advising senior management and ability to design and effectively deliver high-quality and understandable training programs on workplace issues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills as well as an ability to build relationships and influence with impact.

For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the position description.

How to Apply:

Submit your CV & cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the job description) before Sunday 1 September by 11:55pm.

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

UNSW Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc).
• Additional 3 days leave during December festive period.
• Career development opportunities.
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses.
• Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport).

Job queries contact: Katherine Molloy, Talent Acquisition Consultant

E: katherine.molloy@unsw.edu.au (applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online)

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

Position Description

Advertised: 01 Oct 2024 AUS Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: 14 Oct 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight Time