Head of Legal and General Counsel

About the role

Greenpeace Australia Pacific is seeking a senior legal leader to head its legal function and serve as General Counsel. The role combines strategic governance, risk management, and campaign‑focused legal support to protect and advance the organisation's environmental mission.

Key responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality, risk‑based legal advice to campaign teams, including review of public communications for defamation and consumer law risks.
• Oversee defensive litigation and strategic legal proceedings, selecting and briefing external counsel as needed.
• Act as legal spokesperson for campaign‑related matters and build partnerships with pro‑bono providers.
• Advise the Board, CEO, COO, and senior leadership on governance, compliance, and risk management.
• Maintain and enhance contract management systems, negotiate commercial contracts, and advise on privacy, data protection, and intellectual property.
• Develop internal legal processes and ensure alignment with organisational objectives.

Required profile

• University degree in Law.
• Current, unrestricted practising certificate in an Australian jurisdiction.
• Extensive experience providing legal counsel in a complex, mission‑driven environment.
• Proven ability to advise senior executives and boards on governance and risk.
• Experience managing legal teams and external counsel networks.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead legal strategy for a globally recognised environmental organisation.
• Influence on high‑impact climate and conservation campaigns.
• Collaborative work environment with passionate teams.