Legal & Governance OfficerAbout the OrganisationAurukun Shire Council (ASC) is an Indigenous community located approx. 800km northwest of Cairns that has a population of around 1400 people. Council provides a variety of services to the community that include provision of education, health, community, and welfare services; operation of airport, postal and bank agencies; development and maintenance of roads and housing. About the RoleThis position is based in Cairns with intermittent travel to Aurukun.The Legal and Governance Officer will lead the strategic and operational Governance and Legal services for whole of Council, which includes Records, Governance, Legal, Property & Leasing, Corporate Planning and Reporting, Investigations and Risk & Insurance services. This includes the provision of high quality, trusted and impartial legal, policy and compliance advice to Council in order to support business outcomes and maintain legislative compliance. The role also encompasses the efficient and effective implementation of Grant funding to provide opportunities and development for Aurukun Shire Council and our community.Key AccountabilitiesLead strategic and operational legal and governance planning, analysis and advice to support effective and efficient legal and governance management and compliance and the achievement of Council’s vision and corporate goals. Provide expert strategic advice and support to Council on legal and governance matters including legislation, compliance, records management, risk management, insurance, investigations, local government and on a wide range of legal issues affecting the Council, including commercial, contract, construction, planning, property, administrative law and statutory requirements.Manage the provision of legal services outsourced to external legal providers to ensure value for money, quality and timeliness of work produced. Coordinate the development of relevant strategic policy for Council, including research, development and implementation of strategies, policies and procedures that provide Council with a procedural and legislative framework in which to operate. Coordinate operational areas relating to Council’s property & leasing portfolio, risk and insurance, corporate planning and reporting and records management. Participate in Council wide integration of strategic planning. Represent the Council in discussion and negotiation with external solicitors, courts and tribunals, Federal and State agencies, other local authorities, private sector proponents and other stakeholders. Prepare timely and well-researched advice, briefings, reports, submissions and correspondence. Manage significant projects and work programs to ensure the delivery of successful governance, legal & management outcomes within agreed timeframes and resource constraints. Monitor the budget, follow up implementation / deliveries of program and complete acquittals for one off Grants including financial and performance reports as per grantor body’s recommendation / contract agreementSelection CriteriaTertiary qualifications in law and the admission or eligibility to be admitted as a solicitor or barrister in the Supreme Court of Queensland and significant post admission experience. Demonstrated expert knowledge and experience in the interpretation and application of various legislation relevant to local government and experience in administering and monitoring legislative compliance across a number of areas Demonstrated ability to communicate complex, sensitive and strategic issues to a variety of stakeholders, with the ability to apply high-level negotiation and facilitation skills to form collaborative solutions and assist in implementing appropriate strategic responses Demonstrated experience and understanding of First Nations cultures and ability to show a high level of commitment to interact positively in a remote First Nations communityBenefitsJoining Aurukun Shire Council means becoming part of an organisation with strong cultural values with a focus on providing exceptional services to, and for, the community. You will be offered;A salary of $130,000 to $140,000 depending on qualifications and experience plus superannuationLocality Allowance5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% Leave LoadingAccess to our Employee Access Program (EAP)How to applyClick the “Quick Apply” button and include a copy of your current resume and a cover letter which addresses the above selection criteria.Applications close 4pm Friday 20 December 2024.Shortlisting for this position will begin immediately and Council reserves the right fill the role prior to the nominated deadline.Applications which do not address the selection criteria will not be progressed.Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.Appointment to this position is subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and pre-employment medical assessment.To apply, you must have the legal right to work in Australia.