Job Description
Title:
Position Number:
Classification:
Salary range:
Section:
Reports to:
Location:
Legal Counsel
108
Legal1 (APS6 or EL1 equivalent depending on experience)
$74,868 to $113,287
Legal Services
General Counsel (SES Band 1)
Canberra, ACT
Job Context
The National Blood Authority is an independent, Australian Government statutory agency whose role is
to work in a collaborative manner with all State and Territory governments and other responsible parties
to ensure that Australia's blood supply is safe, secure, adequate and affordable.
This position reports directly to General Counsel.
Primary Job Purpose
The Legal Services team in the NBA provides a range of legal services to the NBA General Manager,
Board and staff to support the performance of NBA functions, and manages interactions with the NBA’s
external legal services providers.
While the work of the NBA Legal Service team covers all of the legal requirements of the NBA, there is a
significant focus on government procurement and contracting, information law (particularly FOI, and
privacy and governance of health data), and corporate governance and compliance.
1.
Provide high quality legal advice and services for the NBA, primarily in the following areas:
> contracting and procurement;
> corporate governance and financial management and accountability, including requirements
particularly related to a Commonwealth government agency;
> compliance with regulatory, administrative and policy requirements;
> freedom of Information, privacy and intellectual property;
> health law issues;
> risk and liability management; and
> employment and OH&S.
2.
Provide legal advice and services in a variety of modes, including:
> research and analysis;
> formal and informal written and oral advice;
> drafting of contracts and other legal documents;
> clearance of documents;
> participation in meetings and negotiations;
> development of guidance material and templates;
> delivery of training; and
> maintaining general client liaison and awareness of NBA business.
3.
Manage interactions with external legal services providers.
4.
Ensure compliance with the Legal Services Directions, relevant professional standards, and relevant
laws and policies.
5.
Contribute to the efficient and effective operation of the Legal Services team.
6.
Provide support to other teams and NBA functions as required.
Selection Criteria
In the context of the primary job purpose for this role, you are required to establish that you have:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Experience in, and sound knowledge of, areas of law as outlined in the Primary Job Purpose.
Demonstrated application of sound judgement and business intelligence, the capacity to
research and analyse issues and provide sound advice, and to explore innovative solutions to
problems in a governmental context.
Sound oral communication skills, with demonstrated effective representation, liaison and
interpersonal skills to facilitate interaction with stakeholders, internal and external.
Sound written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to draft contracts and other
legal documents, and to provide advice and responses effectively, accurately and with attention
to detail.
Demonstrated ability to be flexible, to work proactively and cooperatively in a small agency, and
to build productive working relationships.
Qualifications/Experience
Essential:
> Relevant legal qualifications, comprising a degree in law from an Australian tertiary institution or
equivalent, and admission or eligibility for admission as a legal practitioner, however described, of
the High Court or of the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory
Additional notes:
It is an expectation that all NBA employees will perform their jobs professionally, respectfully and
pleasantly and in accordance with the principles and practices of workplace diversity, workplace
participation and in support of a safe working environment.
National Blood Authority
pg. 2