Legal Counsel
Closing date:
Australian Western Standard Time (AWST)
Type:
Full time
Location:
Karratha
Western Australia
Job category:
Senior management
Salary and conditions
$150,000+
Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation
Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) is the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) for the Ngarluma people, the Traditional Owners of land and waters across the Pilbara region in Western Australia.
NAC represents the cultural, social and economic interests of its members.
The organisation is responsible for protecting heritage, managing land related matters, and progressing opportunities that create long-term benefit for the Ngarluma people.
Job description/overview
Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join the organisation in a key advisory and governance role supporting Native Title, commercial and corporate matters.
Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation is a well-established Aboriginal organisation based in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, representing the interests of Traditional Owners and supporting long-term cultural, social and economic outcomes for its members.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will provide legal and commercial advice across a broad range of matters relating to Native Title, governance, land access, agreements, commercial projects and organisational compliance.
The position will work closely with the CEO, Board, external legal providers and key stakeholders to support legal strategy, manage legal risk and ensure compliance with relevant legislative and contractual obligations.
This is a diverse role suited to someone who enjoys balancing technical legal work with commercial thinking, stakeholder engagement and practical problem solving within a dynamic and community-focused environment.
Key Responsibilities
Legal & Governance Advisory
- Provide legal advice to the CEO and Board across Native Title, governance, corporate, commercial and operational matters.
- Ensure organisational compliance with the Native Title Act, CATSI Act, Prescribed Bodies Corporate Regulations, contractual obligations and other relevant legislation.
- Support governance processes including Board matters, AGM actions, compliance obligations and risk management initiatives.
- Assist with development and implementation of governance frameworks, internal policies and organisational procedures.
- Provide commercially focused legal advice to support operational and strategic decision making.
- Monitor regulatory and legislative developments and advise the organisation on emerging legal and compliance risks.
Agreements, Contracts & Negotiations
- Draft, review and negotiate a range of agreements including land access agreements, commercial contracts, service agreements, confidentiality agreements and other legal documentation.
- Support negotiations with mining proponents, government bodies, external stakeholders and commercial partners.
- Provide legal support across commercial opportunities, partnerships and new business initiatives.
- Assist with contract development, interpretation and dispute management where required.
- Ensure compliance with ILUAs, Native Title agreements, trust deeds and related contractual obligations.
Legal Matter Management
- Coordinate and oversee external legal service providers and manage the progression of outsourced legal matters.
- Manage legal correspondence and maintain accurate legal records and document management systems.
- Oversee legal budgets and monitor external legal spend.
- Prepare legal reports, briefing papers and updates for the CEO and Board
- Support internal stakeholders by providing practical guidance on legal obligations and risk management.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Traditional Owners, agreement partners, government agencies, legal providers and key external stakeholders.
- Attend meetings with agreement partners, stakeholders and external advisers as required.
- Represent the organisation professionally across negotiations, meetings and external engagements.
- Support internal governance education and legal awareness initiatives across the organisation.
About You
You will be an experienced legal professional with strong commercial judgement, stakeholder management capability and the ability to operate effectively within a complex and community-focused environment.
You will ideally bring:
- Bachelor of Laws and eligibility to hold a current Australian practising certificate.
- Experience in commercial, corporate, Native Title or resources-related legal work.
- Strong contract drafting, negotiation and advisory experience.
- Understanding of the Native Title Act, CATSI Act, Future Acts regime and associated governance obligations.
- Experience working with Aboriginal organisations, PBCs, NTRBs, government, mining or related sectors highly regarded.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to provide practical and commercially focused legal advice.
- High level organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and discretion.
What’s on Offer
- Diverse in-house legal role with strategic influence.
- Opportunity to work closely with executive leadership and Board members.
- Exposure to Native Title, governance, commercial and stakeholder matters.
- Competitive salary package dependent on experience.
- Opportunity to contribute to meaningful long-term outcomes for Traditional Owners and community.
This role can be based in Karratha or Perth with regular time in the Karratha office, to be negotiated with the successful applicant.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if a suitable candidate is found, so we encourage early applications.
To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role, to rob@peoplestart.com.au.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Rob Gallacher, 0478760714.