$127,641 plus 9.5% Superannuation
Maximum Term Contract up until February 2024

We are the City Of Melbourne, a place to be bold and inspirational.

We are rapidly transforming to meet the evolving challenges faced by a global city. With a vision of being a leading organisation for a leading capital city, our mission is to create positive impact for our community. Each day, we work with passion and purpose so that together we achieve incredible things.

Together we Make the Difference

How this position will Make the Difference to City of Melbourne…

As the Legal Counsel – Planning you will work collaboratively with operational areas across Council, with a focus on planning scheme amendments and interpretation of the Melbourne Planning Scheme in respect of land use and development permit applications. You will provide advocacy services and support on behalf of the Council at Planning Panels Victoria and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal with a focus on Planning and Environment Law.

You will be required to provide well-considered, current and sound legal and related advice on strategic planning and statutory planning work-cycle including applications, reviews, failure appeals and planning scheme amendments. Furthermore you will appear and advocate at planning related legal and quasi-legal matters including VCAT, Planning Panels, Building Appeals Board and the Magistrates’ Court including directions hearings, mentions, compulsory conferences, interlocutory applications, hearings, cost applications and appeals.

Our ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in enabling the making of decisions following the application of the common law and the interpretation of statutory enactments. Highly developed interpersonal, consultative, negotiation and presentation skills will be key to your success.

You can bring… (Selection criteria)

•Ability to demonstrate and display City of Melbourne Values – accountability, integrity, courage, respect for self and others, and striving for excellence.
•Extensive knowledge and demonstrated experience of planning and environment law, the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and an ability to identify issues and limitations that affect Local Government.
•Proven ability to conduct legal proceedings in courts, tribunals and panels both led and unled.
•Demonstrated and current experience in advocacy and appearance work at Planning Panels Victoria, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (both led and unled).
•Demonstrated and current experience in cross examination of expert and lay witnesses and satisfactory completion of the Bar Readers’ Course would be beneficial.
•Proven ability to provide clear, specialist, expert and strategic legal advice on complex and sensitive matters with a focus on planning and environment law.
•Proven interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, particularly in the provision of expert, accurate, confidential and sensitive advice and support to the Council and corporate management.
•Demonstrated ability to manage and participate in projects relating to the development, implementation and review of major organisational legal issues and initiatives

By joining us, you will become part of a remarkable team who work in a constructive and inclusive culture to shape the future of this city. Together, we champion difference, celebrate achievement and recognise positive impact.

To view the physical requirements of this position, please visit our careers page.

How to apply…

As part of the online application form you are required to:
•attach your resume
•attach a separate cover letter, responding to the selection criteria (no more than two pages), as listed above under ‘You can bring…’

Please address your covering letter to Kim Wood, Chief Legal Counsel.

Applications will be accepted up until 11:45pm Sunday 21 February 2021.

The position description for this role will not be provided at this stage of application.

For those interested in working with us, the City of Melbourne offers a great range of benefits.

City of Melbourne conducts a safety screening process for all employees including a national criminal check and Working with Children Check prior to commencing in the role. For information about the broader collection and use of personal information by the City of Melbourne, please refer to our Privacy Policy

City of Melbourne is proud to be a workplace that champions diversity. Our commitment is for our people to be safe, included and supported so that they can be at their best. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from people regardless of their gender identity and expression, ethnicity, cultural background, sexual orientation, disability and age. We look for the right values, skills and knowledge to build our capabilities so that we can best deliver for our community.