EL2 Director, Legal (Principal Lawyer) (PT)

About the opportunity 

• Do you want to work at an agency where each day reveals new opportunities for meaningful work while implementing some of the biggest reforms to Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws?
• Do you want to work at a place where smart and dedicated people from all walks of life collaborate to work on impactful matters?
• Do you want to provide specialist legal services to decision makers, executives and employees of AUSTRAC on matters affecting agency operations?

Then this is the place for you! At AUSTRAC we recognise that our people are our strength and we are proud of the impact we can make together. We understand the responsibilities and challenges that come with a fast moving and ever-changing environment. Our high performing culture is built on a foundation of care, support and inclusion. AUSTRAC is driven by connection and collaboration, sharing our skills, knowledge and support with each other freely and frequently. We prioritise the wellbeing of our people and strive to empower them to work autonomously, flexibly and courageously. If you want to work within and nurture a culture of – and that’s the you we want working alongside us.

We value flexibility, and this role will be considered on a full-time, or part-time job-share basis (2.5 to 3 days per week). Ability to work closely and collegiately with others, manage a small team and provide support on a broad range of legal issues including enforcement related matters and litigation is essential.

Applicants from diverse backgrounds including First Nations peoples, people with disability and those from different cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

What are we looking for

While we are looking for these capabilities, we consider transferrable skills and encourage applicants who embody AUSTRAC's culture and values to apply.

All candidates are expected to meet the APS Integrated Leadership Profile (ILS) for the classification advertised.

This role in particular requires:

• Admission as a practitioner, however described, of the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory, or the ability to become so admitted before commencing in the role.
• Substantial legal experience at a senior practitioner level in matters relevant to the functions of Principal Lawyer.
• Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to communicate legal and strategic advice clearly to a range of audiences.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and collegiately across teams and with people at different levels.
• Demonstrated experience leading a team or similar role in a fast-paced and large complex people-centred organisation.
• Knowledge of AUSTRAC’s functions and objectives, or the ability to acquire that knowledge.

Key Duties

Principal Lawyers hold key leadership roles in AUSTRAC’s legal teams. Under broad direction of the General Counsel and National Manager Legal and Enforcement, the Principal Lawyer may be responsible for:

• Leading and developing a team of lawyers to provide independent, strategic and client-centric legal services.
• Leading the delivery of advice and litigation services on more complex matters in respect of current and emerging legal issues.
• Overseeing the development of procedures and systems to enhance the efficiency of AUSTRAC’s in-house legal practice.
• Managing the instruction and engagement of external legal providers.
• Liaising and consulting on a range of matters with senior levels of internal and external stakeholders and ensuring compliance with service level standards.
• Providing training to build legal literacy and capacity within AUSTRAC.
• Supporting the General Counsel and National Manager, Legal & Enforcement contribute to the strategic direction of the Branch.

Eligibility 

To be eligible for this role you:

• Must be an Australian citizen at the time you apply.
• Will need to undertake AUSTRAC’s pre-engagement checks.
• Will need to obtain and maintain an ongoing Negative Vetting 1 Clearance

Affirmative Measures

This vacancy is also being advertised under Affirmative Measures, to apply under Affirmative Measures you must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. For more information, please visit the APSC Guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants.

To be eligible to apply under Affirmative Measures provisions:

• Must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
• Provide evidence that you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

*Please indicate in your application if you are applying under Affirmative Measures, by ticking the relevant box in the application form.

Why AUSTRAC?

Flexible, hybrid work environment: We are committed to providing flexibility in working arrangements to recognise the importance of balancing work commitments with family, caring and other personal commitments of employees outside of work. AUSTRAC currently operates under a hybrid work arrangement.

Diversity and Inclusion: Our core values of diversity, inclusion, and integrity drive everything we do. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and those of mature age. We recognise that united behaviours and mindsets will support our agency today and guide us into the future.

Employer of Choice: We have a strong reputation as an Employer of Choice, renowned for our exceptional work culture and outstanding employee census results which highlight our dedication to creating a positive and engaging environment.

Closing Date

Applications close at 11:30 pm on 10 August 2025

For enquiries, please contact: [email protected]