Organisation : RSL NSW
Location : Sydney
Work type : Full-time
Sector : Veterans, Ex-Service Men & Women
Salary type : Annual Package
Application closing date : 15 Mar, 2022
About the organisation
RSL NSW is a member-based veterans’ charity, founded in 1916. For over 100 years, we have supported veterans and their families through effective advocacy, camaraderie and commemoration. RSL NSW also connects veterans and their families to specific support services through our network of 340 sub-Branches around New South Wales and through our partner charity RSL LifeCare, which provides support with DVA claims and advocacy, financial and housing assistance, counselling, homelessness, employment and training, wellbeing through equine therapy and community support.
RSL NSW is implementing its Strategic Plan for 2021 – 2026 (see below and https://www.rslnsw.org.au/members-suite/strategic-plan-development/) to realise its vision of ensuring by 2026 that every veteran in NSW knows what the RSL stands for, what it does and wants to be involved as member. RSL NSW is making a $15m plus investment in its future to achieve this vision.
The implementation of the Strategic Plan’s initiatives will be managed as a program of projects to ensure that the members’ benefits are achieved in a pragmatic, timely and commercially efficient manner. The Program is arguably the largest change initiative RSL NSW has undertaken in the last 50 years and is essential for it to remain a relevant and effective advocate for veterans in NSW.
About the role
Purpose of Role
The Head of Legal is responsible for:
- providing legal advice on the general business of RSL NSW;
- providing legal advice on the governance of RSL NSW; and
- providing, arranging and/or procuring legal support to RSL NSW sub-Branches, or related entities;
- delivering the legal function supporting the general business of RSL NSW.
RSL NSW’s related entities include ANZAC House Trust, Australian Forces and Overseas Fund NSW Division (AFOF), RSL Custodian Pty Ltd.
Key Responsibilities
General Business of RSL NSW
The general business of RSL NSW includes all matters relating to its activities as a charity, its general business operations, and those of its related entities.
The Head of Legal is responsible for supporting the general business of RSL NSW in relation to:
- the review, drafting and negotiation of all contracts, and their administration, including maintaining the contracts register;
- instructing third party solicitors and briefing barristers and managing their engagement
- providing input into the development and maintenance of RSL NSW’s corporate governance framework including the RSL NSW Constitution and RSL NSW policies and procedures;
- managing and supervising the RSL NSW legal team and the resourcing and delegation of legal matters within RSL NSW
- reviewing and advising on RSL NSW publications and media releases as required
- ensuring a proper record of all RSL NSW and related entities property is maintained – including support to the Corporate Trustee, RSL Custodian Pty Ltd
As a member of the leadership team:
- supporting, contributing to and advising on the development and implementation of RSL NSW’s strategic direction and plans, business plans and budgets
- supporting and contributing to the development, implementation and maintenance of processes, procedures and practices to ensure all RSL NSW employees and volunteers are appropriately trained to identify, disclose and manage risk
Governance
The governance of RSL NSW and its related entities is supported by a team of executives including the Head of Legal, and the Head of Legal is to provide legal assistance to that team.
The Head of Legal is required to attend Board, Board Committee and Leadership meetings from time to time.
Legal Support to sub-Branches
On behalf of and as required by RSL NSW from time to time, the Head of Legal is to provide ancillary support to sub-Branches in relation to any legal matter including but not limited to assistance with the instructing of solicitors, briefing barristers, provision of original documents, and coordinating exchanges and settlements.
The Head of Legal may, as required, provide sub-Branches with advice on compliance with the Constitution and other governance matters, and assist with the administration of RSL NSW approvals that may be required for proposed sub-Branch transactions.
As required, the Head of Legal may deliver or assist in the delivery of compliance training programs to sub-Branches and their members.
Key Working Relationships
Position Title / Group: CEO
Nature of Work and Purpose: Is accountable to this position
Position Title / Group: Paralegal
Nature of Work and Purpose: Responsible for managing and supervising the Paralegal
Selection Criteria – Essential
Suitably qualified legal practitioner admitted in the State of NSW with a current unrestricted practicing certificate.
Expertise in the following areas:
- Property and Trust Law
- Administrative Law
- General Commercial Law
- Superior drafting and document management skills
Demonstrated experience managing and administering a legal function within an organisation including by:
- effectively managing legal budget;
- strategically engaging third party advice;
- maintaining property, corporate, contracts and other document registers;
- effectively managing files;
- mentoring direct reports.
- Excellent interpersonal skills
Selection Criteria – Desirable
Ability to work as an independent in-house legal counsel, without direct supervision.
Experience working with a not for profit, charity or member-based organisation
Dispute Resolution experience.
Familiarity with policy and procedure frameworks including their drafting and development.
An understanding and an ability to support compliance and risk management frameworks.
Key Performance Indicators
- Provide independent, impartial legal, regulatory, compliance, risk, governance advice to the organisation
- Deliver on identified key major projects as agreed with CEO from time to time
- Delivery quality and timely support to internal stakeholders
- Develop and maintain trusted relationship with internal and external stakeholders
- Manage and deliver services within allocated budget
How to apply
Applications not allowed for this job listing.
Please quote in application: Head of Legal via Pro Bono Australia.
Sector: #Veterans_Ex-Service_Men_and_Women
