* Melbourne
* Applications close 8 December 2024
About the Department
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:
* Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
* Investing in science and technology
* Strengthening the resources sector.
The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.
If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.
Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.
About the Anti-Dumping Commission
We are Australia’s international trade remedies authority – the Anti-Dumping Commission. Commission staff investigate alleged unfair trade practices involving goods entered into Australia. These investigations seek to deliver a level playing field for industry. We are responsible for administering Australia’s anti-dumping legislation.
About the team
Paralegals are part of the Legal and Regulatory Affairs team, a small group of lawyers with legal expertise in administrative and trade remedies law.
The team provides high quality, client focussed legal services to investigations teams and the policy team. We prioritise workflows to meet legislative deadlines and collaborate across the Commission. We work closely with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, external legal providers, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. We manage the Commission’s role in merits review proceedings by the Anti-Dumping Review Panel and are involved in judicial review proceedings.
The Commission is committed to delivering a positive, flexible and inclusive workplace. Our goal is for staff to reach their full potential through engaging work and career growth opportunities, within a diverse, inclusive and connected team of peers and leaders.
The opportunity
As a paralegal in the commission, you will provide legal research and administrative support to lawyers in the Legal and Regulatory Affairs team.
You will take the initiative to identify practice-related improvements within the Legal and Regulatory Affairs team to enhance the commission’s outcomes. Paralegals work under the direction/supervision of a Senior Legal Counsel and the Principal Legal Counsel in performing their role.
We are interested in candidates currently studying a law degree with an interest in international trade and/or administrative law. This is an opportunity to work part-time while completing your degree and gain invaluable exposure to domestic and international legal matters/issues in a supportive and professional environment.
Our ideal candidate
As a highly motivated individual, you will demonstrate:
* Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage and prioritise work to meet deadlines.
* Well-developed verbal and written communication skills.
* Well-developed planning and organisational skills.
* Proficiency in utilising legal research databases (such as LexisNexis and/or Westlaw) and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
* Ability to work in an evolving regulatory environment, and in the context of a complex statutory scheme, including problem-solving skills and an inquiring mind.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build constructive working relationships with colleagues.
* High standards of professional and personal integrity.
What you will do
This role’s key duties include:
* Undertaking legal research and analysis in areas such as statutory interpretation, administrative law, evidentiary matters, investigations practice/procedure, and World Trade Organization case law in relation to trade remedies.
* Maintaining team databases, including the legal advice register and merits review database.
* Supporting team management by assisting with document management, onboarding of new team members and monitoring the team shared mailbox.
* Assisting with team and branch reporting and data compliance.
* Identifying opportunities for continuous practice and operational improvement, aligned to the commission’s strategic direction.
* Providing support on submissions to merits and judicial review.
* Actively contributing to a positive, productive, and collaborative team environment across the commission.
* Other duties as required from time to time to support the work and priorities of the Legal and Regulatory Affairs team and the commission.
Skills and experience you will gain:
* Exposure to international and domestic legal matters/issues in the field of trade remedies.
* Develop your legal research and analysis skills with the support of experienced lawyers.
* Enhance your ability to communicate and collaborate with a range of stakeholders in a professional environment.
* Be part of a welcoming team that values belonging, high performance and efficiency.
Eligibility
Tertiary study in the field of law is required for this role.
To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.
Positions require a Baseline security clearance, and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
Notes
Our ideal candidate will have completed at least two years of a law degree, or one year if studying a juris doctor. We are looking for candidates who can work part-time (1-3 days per week) while completing your degree.
The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is Melbourne based. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.
A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.
Application information
Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information.
Please provide a pitch explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role and why you are the best candidate for the position. Your pitch can contain no more than 500 words and should align to the key duties listed above.
Please complete your application online and provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format).
Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact recruitment@industry.gov.au or (02) 6276 1235 if you require assistance with your application.
Please refer to our Applying for a position information for additional information on how to apply.
Contact Information
For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Natalie Ozer on 03 8539 2568 or via email on natalie.ozer@adcommission.gov.au