Principal Solicitor

Founded in 2001, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is Australia’s largest human rights organisation providing support to people seeking asylum. We are an independent not-for-profit organisation whose programs support and empower people seeking asylum to maximise their own physical, mental and social well being. We champion the rights of people seeking asylum and mobilise a community of compassion to create lasting social and policy change.
We are a values-driven organisation that strives to be part of a change movement that supports people seeking asylum by providing critical services such as assistance with accommodation, food provisions, casework and legal services.
The ASRC movement is proudly supported by a community of committed volunteers and supporters who embrace the organisation’s vision that people seeking asylum can live safely, sustainably, independently and equally.

About The Role 
The ASRC is seeking an exceptional Principal Solicitor to lead the Human Rights Law Program (HRLP). The HRLP, works with thousands of people seeking asylum each year to provide legal advice and support.

Shape the strategic direction of our Human Rights Law Program in line with our FY25-27 strategic plan.

The Principal Solicitor is responsible for managing the Human Rights Law Program including staff and volunteer management, Access to Justice legal service, Law Reform and Strategic Litigation activities. The role works closely with our media and advocacy teams and informs systemic change priorites.

Oversight of the program including holding the role of Responsible Person for Community Legal Centre, independent of Federal government funding.

About You
You are a Solicitor with significant post-admission experience with sound technical experience in refugee law and practice. You must hold a current legal practising certificate.

This role requires a strong strategic and operational leader who can manage and lead critical program services, projects and essential compliance requirements while representing the ASRC to key external stakeholders.

You are both an excellent solicitor and an excellent people leader. To excel in this role, you must be able to demonstrate you can excel in both of those roles.
We are also looking for the following skills, expertise and experience:

• Proven experience in leading and managing a diverse team of staff and volunteers.
• Experience managing a Program or Service area including; program design, managing budgets, evaluating impact, reporting and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated competency in advocacy before administrative decision makers and/or courts.
• Exceptional communication, leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to build key internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent problem solving skills and be able to think outside the box to find solutions with limited time and resources/
• Demonstrated ability to manage strategic change and operational demands in a complex and diverse setting.
• Cultural competency with the ability to work inclusively and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in working in a Community Legal Centre environment with knowledge of the NACLC risk management guidelines and cross check procedures.

Lived experience of seeking asylum in Australia is highly desirable.

Employee Benefits   
We recognise and appreciate our incredible staff for their contribution, dedication and passion to support and empower people seeking asylum by providing the following conditions above the relevant modern award:

• Flexible Working Arrangements
• Additional discretionary leave provisions including:
  • Leave due to Cultural or Religiously Significant Events
  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Leave
  • Leave for Staff Seeking Asylum
  • Gender Affirmation Leave
• Free onsite car and bicycle parking
• Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year tax free)
• Entertainment Packaging (up to $2,650 per year tax free)
• Discounts via HR systems provider at grocery and retail outlets
• Close proximity to public transport (100 metres from Footscray station and buses)

Position Description
Please find the Position Description and address the Selection Criteria (copy and paste the below link into your browser) in your application:

https://asrc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Position-Description-Principal-Solicitor-Oct-2024.docx-1.pdf

Application Process
Only applications that include a CV and cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria will be considered.

Applications close Sunday 10th of November 2021, 11:59pm.
All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement.