Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $113,022 - $124,884
Grade: VPS 5
Occupation: Legal
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: 286
About Us
Our vision: Victoria is Fair
The Victorian Ombudsman (VO) provides a free, independent, accessible and impartial service to the public. Our purpose is to ensure fairness for the public in their dealings with the Victorian public sector, to improve public administration, and engage within both public organisations, the government sector and the broader community. The Ombudsman Act 1973 (Vic) is the governing legislation.
The Ombudsman’s role is to ensure that state and local government services are delivered in a fair and reasonable manner that is compatible with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006. The Ombudsman also investigates allegations of improper conduct referred by the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC), and any matter referred by parliament.
We protect human rights as the independent complaint handler and investigator, and by making it easier for those experiencing disadvantage to complain.
We enhance integrity by investigating serious matters and exposing maladministration and improper conduct.
We ensure fairness through independent and impartial complaint resolution and promoting fair and reasonable decision making.
We champion continuous improvement and assist public bodies to learn from complaints and investigations and work constructively to identify solutions.
As a sworn member of Ombudsman staff, the incumbent will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of office of Ombudsman and will not divulge, except according to law, any information received in the performance of those duties.
About this role:
We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated solicitor to join the in-house legal team at VO.
The solicitor will provide critical support to the Legal Team preparing succinct and practical legal advice, drafting contracts, briefs to counsel, correspondence and court documents across the range of VO’s functions.
The solicitor role requires demonstrated in-house corporate and commercial legal experience, including contracts, procurement, governance, privacy law, freedom of information, statutory interpretation and administrative law.
The Senior Solicitor role requires knowledge of or experience in public sector decision making, human rights, litigation, investigations, and investigative strategy, including assessing and evaluating evidence.
It is an essential component of the role that the Senior Solicitor be able to consult with all teams across the VO and their colleagues in the Legal Team, and build trust and establish and maintain, constructive relationships at all levels within the organisation.
The Senior Solicitor also assists in designing, coordinating and facilitating of training across all division of the Ombudsman, under the guidance of the Director, Legal and Managing Principal Solicitor.
A strong team player, it is an essential component of the role that the Senior Solicitor be able to consult with stakeholders, and build trust and establish and maintain, constructive relationships at all levels within the organisation.
The Senior Solicitor needs to also demonstrate strong strategic awareness in the pursuit of organisational goals and outcomes.
Please review the position description for full details.
How to apply:
Applications need to be submitted online via the ‘Apply Now' button.
To be considered for this role, you must include:
Applications close midnight Monday 21 July 2025.
VO is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive, accessible and safe work environment. We want to ensure all applicants and employees with disability are treated respectfully and equitably in all stages of the recruitment process.
We encourage job applications from people of all genders, ages, religions, disability, LGBTIQ and cultures, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
VO is committed to supporting our employees work and life balance commitments. All requests for flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements.
Employment at the Victorian Ombudsman is subject to: