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About us

The Department of Education (the department) is responsible for delivering and regulating state-wide learning and development services to approximately one-third of all Victorians across the early childhood and school education sectors. The department is also one of Victoria's biggest employers, with approximately 80,000 teaching staff and around 5,000 public service employees.

The Legal Division provides highly valued legal services to support the delivery of the department's strategic objectives, key reforms and to manage legal risk. In doing so, Legal Division provides direct, practical and strategic legal advice to portfolio ministers, the secretary, other senior staff and over 1,600 government schools, supporting approximately over 650,000 Victorian Government school students.

About the role - full-time, fixed term till 29 January 2026

A rare opportunity has arisen to work as a Principal Lawyer and Co-Manager of the Negligence, Litigation and Redress (NLR) unit in the Workplace and Education Law branch of the Department of Education's Legal Division.

The Negligence Litigation and Redress (NLR) unit manages all litigated and non-litigated negligence claims brought against the department, including personal injury and property damage claims, bullying and historical sexual abuse claims. In addition, this unit is responsible for managing the department's responses to requests for information about applications for Redress.

The primary responsibility of this role is to work with and support the management of the Legal Division and Workplace and Education Law branch in litigation managed by the NLR unit in accordance with the department's values and objectives.

The role requires a strategic and highly experienced litigation lawyer with a sensitive and compassionate approach given the nature of the claims and reputational risks for the department.  The sucessful candidiate will also have excellent communication, project management and stakeholder management skills.

Why join us?

• Meaningful work that is varied, satisfying and rewarding - As part of a career in the public sector you can help shape Victoria's future, serve the community and follow your ambition. Visit https://careers.vic.gov.au/why-work-for-vic to find out more about careers in the public service and the range of careers available.

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements — part time, flexible start and finish times, work from home to help manage your work and personal commitments.
• Competitive salary - Salary increases in line with the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement.
• Diversity and inclusion - As one of Victoria's largest employers, the Department is committed to creating an organisation that is diverse, fair and inclusive and ensuring it has a diverse workforce that represents the community it serves.
• Values - The Department has adopted the public sector values which are set out in the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees, which are Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The Department's values underpin how we interact with colleagues, learners and families, members of the community, suppliers and Government.
• Employee assistance program — for emotional, mental and general psychological wellbeing.

How to apply

Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter summarising their skills and experience (no more than two pages).

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description. 

The Department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website [education.vic.gov.au] , HRWeb [education.vic.gov.au] and our Diversity and Inclusion page [education.vic.gov.au]. 

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person. 

Applications close 11:59PM 9th December 2024.