Legal Research Officer – Native Title Tribunal

About the role

The Legal Research Officer supports the Manager, Legal and Compliance and assists senior leadership in delivering the statutory functions of the National Native Title Tribunal. Based in one of several Australian cities, the role involves independent decision‑making on registration matters and providing high‑quality legal research and analysis.

Key responsibilities

• Consider and decide on applications to register body corporate and area agreements (ILUAs) based on experience.
• Manage non‑claimant native title determination applications, including administrative processing and stakeholder communication.
• Provide legal assistance for ad‑hoc requests as part of the Tribunal’s assistance functions.
• Support the Manager, Legal & Compliance team in administering statutory functions of the NNTT and Registrar.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of Commonwealth and State legislation relevant to the Native Title Act 1993.
• Apply approved records and information management practices in line with NNTT policies.
• Exercise delegated authority within scope and produce high‑level written analysis for the President, Members and Registrar.
• Coordinate team projects, mentor junior staff, and identify process improvements.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders, including prescribed bodies corporate.

Required profile

• Understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Ability to communicate sensitively and demonstrate cultural respect.
• Capability to interpret and apply the Native Title Act and related regulations, or willingness to acquire this knowledge.
• Strong analytical skills to identify problems and propose solutions.
• High attention to detail with well‑developed administrative and organisational abilities.

Required skills