10 November 2025
Join Us: Principal Legal Officer – Make a Difference in the Native Title Sector
Location: Hybrid WFH & Office in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney or Canberra (flexible for the right candidate)
Salary: $160,000 – $180,000 p/year + 12% superannuation + salary packaging
Position type: Full time permanent (part time negotiable)
An exciting opportunity is available to bring your legal expertise to a purpose-driven organisation working at the national level in support of Traditional Owner organisations.
About us
The National Native Title Council (NNTC) is the peak body representing and advocating for Traditional Owners and the native title sector across Australia. We champion our members’ rights through advocacy, leadership and skill-building. We have more than 135 members and convene the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance, the Sea Country Alliance and contribute to the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance.
About the role
We are seeking a Principal Legal Officer to play a key part in providing effective in-house legal counsel on risk, compliance and strategic advice to the Executive and Board, as well as providing legal policy advice for native title and related projects.
The NNTC coordinates strategic legal action, advocacy and policy solutions to support members. This role will work closely to support the work of Native Title Representative Bodies and in-house legal experts at NNTC member organisations. Some of your duties & responsibilities will include to:
- Act as the senior in-house legal counsel, providing guidance on the NNTC constitution, executive processes and contracts.
- Engage with and support the work of Native Title Representative Bodies and Native Title Service Providers to deliver legal outcomes.
- Support delivery of the NNTC’s strategic goals by preparing submissions, delivering briefings, appearing in inquiries or presenting at conferences to deliver against the NNTC’s law reform objectives.
- Review and approve materials published by the NNTC to ensure they are strategically aligned and legally defensible.
- Understand the NNTC’s political and policy operating environment and provide timely and accurate advice to the CEO, COO and Board regarding compliance, risk and strategy.
- Ensure changes to native title and other relevant legislation both internationally and domestically are communicated both within the NNTC and our members.
- Foster and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders in government, industry and work to build ongoing stakeholder networks and partnerships.
- Provide leadership to legal teams including managing legal officers, researchers and external suppliers.
Qualifications
- Law degree and practising certificate (essential)
Experience & Skills
- This role involves extensive engagement with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Demonstrated experience working with first nations organisations, communities and/or people.
- Broad native title knowledge, and knowledge of native title policy and process.
- Working knowledge of native title legislation and other relevant legislation.
- Working knowledge of native title in Australia and other relevant agreements
- Excellent written communication and strong verbal communication.
Benefits
- We offer a competitive salary package
- Hybrid – WFH and Office at flexible work locations: the role can be based in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney or Canberra.
- Purpose driven organisation.
How to apply
If this role sounds like you, please click on the apply button via Seek or Ethical Jobs and follow the prompts. Candidates should provide a current resume and cover letter that addresses the key selection criteria from the position description. If you would like further information or a confidential discussion, please contact Melita Virginie, Human Resources on 0481 367 774.
We will be touch if you are shortlisted for this opportunity. Applications close on 28th November 2025.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.
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