The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a safe, respected and valued life.

Our areas of focus are child protection, housing, disability, the prevention of family violence, multicultural affairs, LGBTIQA+ equality, veterans, women and youth. The work we do benefits thousands of Victorians, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable.

We work in a variety of community-based settings, including people's homes, residential facilities and secure settings across metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated. All jobs can be worked flexibly, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse backgrounds and abilities. .

If you’re having any trouble viewing this ad and would like it or any attachments in an accessible format (such as large print), please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on the ad.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Head of Legal, Corporate, Construction and Property, the Managing Principal Solicitor will co-manage the Corporate and Construction Team, which plays a central role in managing and providing timely legal advice and prepare contracts and advice for our clients. This includes the Chief Executive Officer of Homes Victoria, other senior management, housing development and commercial project teams in Homes Victoria and the housing portfolio Minister who is supported by the department. Your advice must be clear, accurate and appropriate to meeting the client's needs. The Managing Principal Solicitor will also be required to assist in monitoring and reporting on the performance and quality of advice of contracted legal firms in meeting the needs of the department's clients.

The Managing Principal Solicitor will provide specialist legal advice to the Minister, Secretary and the department on issues associated with the delivery of the State's $5.3 billion Big Housing Build investment program, and work across a range of areas including construction, infrastructure, contracts and procurement, commercial structures including private public partnerships, market engagement, contract administration, project finance, debt and equity structures, funding agreements with non-profit organisations and taxation. The successful candidate will also share the lead role in providing oversight of the management of the other lawyers in the Corporate and Construction  team.

The Managing Principal Solicitor's role is key in providing leadership, management, support and mentorship to the solicitors in the team.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

• Provide authoritative advice on complex legal and policy issues, and prepare high level briefings and correspondence reflecting a strong understanding of cross government legal policy considerations. 
• Leading the delivery of high quality, client focused and cost effective legal services in relation to highly complex and sensitive matters. Where relevant, the role may be required to support or manage the development and implementation of primary and subordinate legislation proposals and policy reforms, including identifying legal risks and providing practical recommendations to address such risks. 
• Participate in strategic planning and contribute to strategic decision making impacting on the operating environment. 

Please open the position description to read more.

COVID-19 VACCINATION
The department strongly recommends (but does not mandate) that employees maintain their COVID-19 vaccination status in accordance with current ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) advice, given their individual circumstances. As of June 2023, DFFH does not require evidence of COVID-19 vaccination status.

HOW TO APPLY

All VPS employees (and ex-VPS employees with extended access to the Jobs and Skills Exchange website) MUST apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) <https://jse.vic.gov.au/user/login?destination=/new-home-page> portal.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria. 
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process. 
Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

Please apply to submit your interest in this position.