Senior Attorney- Oceania

Overview

This role involves providing legal services on complex matters to support organizational priorities and manage risk effectively. The Senior Attorney for the Oceania region will handle legal matters for programs including Australia and New Zealand business units, with possible assignments involving Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and other Asia-Pacific region units as needed. The position ensures that transactions and activities comply with the organization's mission, authority, policies, and procedures, and clearly communicates complex legal concepts and options to assigned programs.

This is a fully remote position, subject to country-specific remote work regulations, for candidates located in or willing to relocate at their own expense (no visa sponsorship) to Australia or New Zealand.

Responsibilities

• Structure activities, transactions, and projects to effectively achieve organizational goals.
• Review organizational documents and prepare or examine contracts involving government grants, leases, licenses, purchases, sales, insurance, easements, and more.
• Influence decision-makers within assigned programs through strong communication.
• Manage outside counsel efficiently.
• Undertake special projects as requested by department management.
• Serve as the primary legal contact for various clients.
• Advise on governance issues related to affiliated entities.
• Travel occasionally and work flexible or extended hours as needed.
• Potentially supervise or provide guidance to less experienced attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent legal degree and current license to practice law.
• Willingness and ability to obtain a license in a jurisdiction within the Asia-Pacific region.
• Minimum of 3 years practicing law in Australia and/or New Zealand, or at least 5 years of relevant legal experience in another geographic area.
• Experience negotiating complex transactions and agreements.
• Experience working across cultures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Legal experience in Papua New Guinea and/or Solomon Islands.
• Legal experience in one or more jurisdictions within the Asia-Pacific region.
• Multilingual skills.
• Legal expertise in one or more of the following areas in Australia:
  • Real estate
  • Corporate, contracts, and transactions
  • Governance
  • Workplace Health and Safety
  • Non-profit and charities, including relevant tax and regulatory matters
  • Indigenous and traditional owner matters
  • Construction
  • Land use regulation
  • Government relations
• Ability to work across time zones and with diverse teams.
• Willingness and ability to learn new legal areas and tools, including AI.
• Experience in-house and/or at law firms advising sophisticated clients and senior management.
• Experience managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Working knowledge of current trends in relevant legal disciplines.

Compensation & Benefits

The position is based in Australia or New Zealand where the organization has an established entity, considering legal restrictions such as non-national ratios and immigration processing times. Salary will be paid in local currency and determined by the local labor market. Actual pay will depend on factors including qualifications, skills, and experience.

Comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the country of employment may include health care, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance programs, and other well-being benefits.

A flexible work environment supporting employee health and well-being is offered.

Location

Remote within Australia or New Zealand, subject to local remote work regulations. Candidates must be located in or willing to relocate at their own expense without visa sponsorship.