The Opportunity

• Work on major projects implementing UNSW’s New Campus Development Plan
• Make a difference in how UNSW contracts and manages risk
• Part-time (3 days week, 0.6FTE), Continuing (permanent) role
• Hybrid/flexible working arrangements

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. It is home to many leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholars who do vital work for their communities and the nation more broadly. UNSW is passionate about creating a vibrant, inclusive environment where our Indigenous staff can shine. Our Indigenous Employee Network meets monthly to cultivate community and connection. We also hold regular yarning circles.  We understand the importance of cultural and ceremonial responsibilities, offering 10 days of cultural leave to honour these commitments.  

The Senior Legal Counsel (Indigenous Targeted) provides expert, risk-based legal advice and strategic support to the University across major capital projects and institutional initiatives including as part of UNSW’s new Campus Development Plan.  The Senior Legal Counsel will focus on complex construction matters and supplementary expertise in planning, property, and commercial law. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you’ll partner with senior stakeholders to mitigate legal risk, shape contracts and dispute resolution strategies, and ensure compliance across the project life cycle. The position reports to the Head of Commercial & Real Estate Law and has no direct reports.

Whilst this role is open to everyone, we strongly encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to apply. 

Who you are

You have at least eight years’ post-qualification experience, strong expertise in complex construction law, and eligibility to practise in NSW. Ideally, you’ll also bring experience in property, planning and environment law, and familiarity with AS and NSW Government construction contracts.

How to Apply:  Please submit your CV and Cover Letter addressing the Skills and Experience required.

Applications close: 11.55pm, Sunday 4th January 2026.

In addition to creative a safe and inclusive workplace for our Indigenous staff, we offer other great staff benefits, such as career development opportunities, generous superannuation, additional leave over the end of the year, and other discounts. You can find more information here.  

To find out more about how we support our Indigenous staff and grow their careers, refer to this page Careers at UNSW for Indigenous Australians | UNSW Sydney 

To access our Indigenous Strategy, refer to https://www.indigenous.unsw.edu.au/  

To apply: Please submit your CV and Cover Letter.  A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW

Any questions? 

For any questions about the kind of support available for our Indigenous staff, get in touch with our Manager, Indigenous Employment, Nat Chenhall: n.chenhall@unsw.edu.au 

For any questions about the recruitment process, if you need an adjustment or to submit your application in an alternative format, contact your recruiter, Shiree Thomas: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au