General Counsel

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Ensuring a sustainable NSW through climate change and energy action, water management, environment and heritage conservation and protection.

 

• Lead the Governance and Legal function across DCCEEW


• Parramatta location preferred | Ongoing opportunity


• Band 2 Senior Executive role | TRP from $295,511

 

Our Corporate Services team is currently seeking to appoint a General Counsel to lead the Governance and Legal function across the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

 

The General Counsel oversees all functions of the Governance and Legal branch on behalf of the Department and network entities. The role ensures the Department and network agencies comply with their legal obligations, mitigates legal risk, and provides expert legal advice to ensure strategic priorities are achieved in line with NSW Government and Department objectives. It is also responsible for delivering corporate governance, audit, risk and ethics functions across the Department to ensure compliance with relevant laws and policies and driving and embedding a culture of good governance.

 

About You

 

To be successful in the General Counsel role you will be a strong people leader and be a subject matter expert in governance and/or legal functions of large, complex organisations. You will also have demonstrated experience in establishing new governance frameworks and processes, as this is a key leadership position in a relatively new Department still growing and evolving.

 

Your senior executive experience will ensure you have the communication and technical capabilities to lead and represent, where appropriate, the Department and Portfolio Ministers in high level negotiations and meetings regarding legislative proposals and legal and governance issues. This will include providing expert legal and policy advice to ensure informed decisions for the release of information and Public Interest Disclosures processes are actioned in accordance with policy and legislative requirements and are able to withstand rigorous external scrutiny.

 

Essential Requirements 

• Degree in law and qualifications for admission as a solicitor or barrister in the Supreme Court of NSW


• Hold, or be eligible for, a NSW practising certificate


• Extensive relevant legal leadership and substantial executive management experience


• Extensive experience and expertise at a senior level in developing corporate governance and enterprise risk management policies and practices

 

For more information read the full Role Description: General Counsel

 

Who we are

 

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

 

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

 

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

 

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

 

To Apply

 

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

 

Applications close Monday 7th October 2024 at 11:55PM.

 

Should you require further information about the role please contact Chris Hanger, Chief Operating Officer via chris.hanger@environment.nsw.gov.au.

 

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

 

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

 

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

 

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.


• How we encourage and support people with disability


• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

 

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsws.gov.au or contacting Gemma Battison on 0499 944 566. (please mention reference number 538641).

 

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn 

 

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