Legal Officer – International Law (APS5/6)

About the role

The Office of International Law (OIL) supports the Attorney‑General by providing legal advice on Australia’s international obligations and managing international dispute settlement (excluding WTO matters). OIL is recruiting APS Level 5 and 6 Legal Officers across its Rights, Regulatory, Air and Space Law, Security, Cyber, Criminal and Immunities Law, and Oceans, Environment, Climate, Antarctic and Nuclear Law practice groups.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal and policy advice to Australian government agencies on complex international law issues.
• Conduct research, analyse treaties and conventions, and produce clear written advice and submissions.
• Assist with the conduct of international dispute settlement and related case management.
• Support the development of government responses to human‑rights communications, cyber‑security matters, maritime and environmental law issues, and other specialised areas.
• Draft legal opinions, briefing notes, and legislative advice for senior officials.

Required profile

• Admission to practice as a lawyer in Australia.
• Experience in government legal practice or public international law, including areas such as human‑rights, refugee, cyber, maritime, environmental, or nuclear law.
• Strong analytical abilities and capacity to distil complex legal concepts into concise advice.
• Excellent written communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with diverse stakeholders.

Required skills

• Legal research and analysis of international treaties, conventions and case law.
• Drafting of legal opinions, policy advice and briefing materials.
• Knowledge of specific international law domains (e.g., human‑rights, cyber, maritime, environmental, nuclear).

What we offer

• Opportunity to work on high‑profile international matters affecting Australia’s foreign policy.
• Exposure to a broad range of legal specialisations within a supportive public‑service environment.
• Professional development and career progression pathways within the Australian Public Service.