• Employment Type: Full-time, continuing
• Remuneration: Competitive total package
• Location: Kensington, NSW (Hybrid working model)

About UNSW
At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.  We aspire to be Australia’s global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society. 

Why this role matters

Working in close collaboration with the Chief Assurance & Legal Officer (CALO) in their capacity as Chief Legal Officer (CLO) you will manage the day to day functions of the Legal & Compliance team. Additionally, as Deputy Chief Legal Officer (DCLO) you will provide expert, timely, cost effective and pragmatic commercial legal advice and solutions to specific emerging and critically strategic University business units.

This role is relatively unique for the Higher Education Sector and represents an excellent professional developmental opportunity for an experienced lawyer with extensive experience in commercial and corporate law to join UNSW, and take that important career step which will see you working as a mentor and leader to a high performing legal team.

Whilst the DCLO is accountable for the day-to-day operational functions of the team, this role will see you being instrumental and working closely with the CLO to ensure that matters are escalated where appropriate and in a proportionate and considered manner. This role will work very closely with the CLO in terms of the CLO’s accountability for the overall function, and the provision by the CLO of strategic legal advice to senior leadership and Council.

The DCLO will assist in leading the team to ensure the provision of high-quality legal advice to the Faculties and Divisions, and provide pragmatic and innovative solutions to mitigate risk and enable the achievement of UNSW’s strategic objectives. The Heads of each legal practice area report to the DCLO. This position acts as the CLO in the absence of the CLO.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, the DCLO will be required to undertake and have experience in the following areas of expertise:        

• Manage the University’s legal and compliance function on a day-to-day basis to deliver the service delivery model developed by the CLO and the Legal & Compliance Leadership team.
• Have primary responsibility for legal advice to the University’s key strategic areas:
  • Life Long Learning, being the business unit responsible for continuing education beyond traditional undergraduate and post graduate degrees e.g. AGSM, UNSW Online, key short courses and executive education
  • Transnational Education initiatives involving the delivery of education by UNSW outside Australia of undergraduate and post graduate degrees and global Life Long Learning initiatives and opportunities.
• Drive the effective communication of the legal risks involved in decisions to leaders across the university, enabling management to make informed strategic choices within the University’s risk appetite.
• Oversee the provision and management of external legal services in line with the NSW Government Legal Services Panel rules and within budget, and ensure effective utilisation of in-house and external legal services, to ensure expert operational support is provided on critical issues.
• Together with the CLO, drive the management of legal, compliance and policy programs of work with cross organisational impact, through leading and influencing key stakeholders.
• Engage with key stakeholders from across the University to identify and capitalise on opportunities to improve the legislative framework and business processes

About You

• 15+ years’ experience as a lawyer, with a strong background in commercial/corporate law (preferably with cross border experience) in a highly regarded law firm and/or in house legal team.
• Admission to the Supreme Court of NSW and holding a current unrestricted practising certificate (or admission in another Australian jurisdiction and eligible to practice in NSW on an unrestricted basis).
• An experienced and trusted strategic thinker and advisor with strong analytical skills and the ability to anticipate, manage and clearly communicate risks, solutions and expectations to management in a considered manner.
• Exemplary judgement in identifying and raising/escalating issues which are of a sensitive or strategic nature, ensuring the CLO’s timely awareness of such issues 
• Experience fostering a collaborative team environment, setting clear goals, and inspiring team members to achieve their highest potential 
• Excellent communication skills with a highly developed capacity to liaise, negotiate, consult and influence senior stakeholders.

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 Position Description) before 11.55pm on 6th January 2025.  

***PLEASE NOTE: Due to operational reasons linked to our University Shutdown Period - we have communicated with all current applicants that the closing date for this role has been extended - if you have already applied before the original closing date in December there is no requirement to re-apply*** 

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)

For Enquiries about this role please contact: Ian Hoyles, Interim Head of Talent

E: i.hoyles@unsw.edu.au

Please note that the above email is for queries about the role only. To ensure we treat all applicants fairly and equitably all applications must be made via our online application process – applications made directly unfortunately 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.