Principal Solicitor- Governance and Integrity

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

Prosecution Officer (Lawyer) Level 4

Temporary, for a period of up to 12 months

$202,166. Package includes salary ($170,841 - $178,369 p.a.), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.

Make an impact where it matters, providing trusted legal expertise across governance, integrity and accountability

About us

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is the independent prosecuting authority responsible for the prosecution of all serious indictable offences committed against the criminal laws of New South Wales. We service the main court centres across NSW and employ over 1100 staff. Our 10 offices comprise Crown Prosecutors, Solicitor Advocates, Solicitors and support staff.

We aim to provide a dynamic prosecution service recognised for excellence and leadership. We act with integrity, meeting the highest ethical and professional standards in serving the NSW community.

We are also committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide ongoing support and professional opportunities for all staff.

The Role

Based in Sydney, the Principal Solicitor, Governance and Integrity, is a key advisory role supporting strong governance, integrity and accountability across the ODPP. Leading one direct report, you will provide expert advice in areas such as public interest disclosures, conflicts of interest and complaints. You will support the ODPP's Right to Information and Privacy Officers by managing information access requests and privacy issues, overseeing key governance policies, and acting as a central point of contact for requests for Mutual Assistance and Criminal Justice Certificates.

The role supports the ODPP’s statutory functions by ensuring compliance with integrity, governance, and professional standards obligations, whilst maintaining confidentiality, prosecutorial independence, procedural fairness, and, thereby, public confidence in the administration of justice.

Key accountabilities:

• Coordinate and support Public Interest Disclosures (PIDs), including risk assessments and management of welfare and reprisal risks.
• Manage sensitive disclosure information requests by maintaining appropriate registers and having regard to prosecutorial confidentiality and legal professional privilege.
• Navigate the challenges of managing complex and sensitive matters by balancing competing priorities, such as confidentiality, legal risk and legislative requirements.
• Triage complaints and support the Solicitor’s Executive in managing these and general enquiries.
• Coordinate and advise on referrals of enquiries and complaints to other agencies.
• Liaise with integrity and oversight bodies, including the ICAC, the NSW Ombudsman and the Legal Services Commissioner.

About you

• You possess the ability to operate independently, navigating complex legislative and policy frameworks, whilst supporting executive decision-making in a fast-paced legal environment
• You have experience in integrity, complaints, investigations or professional standards (preferably in a legal, prosecutorial or regulatory environment) supported by thorough knowledge of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (NSW) and other legislative frameworks such as the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998.
• You possess a degree or diploma in law and have been admitted as an Australian legal practitioner.
• You hold an Australian Practising Certificate that authorises you to supervise legal practice by others.
• You are an Australian or NZ citizen, Australian Permanent Resident (for ongoing roles) or hold a valid visa to work in Australia (for temporary roles).
• You consent to relevant pre-employment checks such as a Criminal History Record Check.

Why Us

As the prosecuting authority of NSW, the ODPP offers unique career opportunities.

• A premium location: Work from our brand-new office at Parkline Place, located beside Gadigal Metro station on Pitt Street and placing you in the vibrant heart of Sydney.
• Flexible work arrangements: Enjoy a 35-hour work week, access to flex leave, and hybrid working options with a minimum of three days in the office.
• Meaningful work: Be part of a team that delivers challenging, purpose-driven work that makes a real difference to the community.
• Exceptional working conditions: Benefit from a strong focus on wellbeing, including 24/7 Employee Assistance Program, wellbeing check-ins, special fitness passport rates, and tailored workplace adjustments.
• Growth and development: Access ongoing training and development opportunities to support your career progression.
• Inclusive culture: Join one or more of our five affinity groups—First Nations, Disability and Neurodiversity, People of Diverse Genders and Sexualities, Women, and Cultural and Linguistic Diversity—offering connection, advocacy, and a platform through which to share experiences.

Interviews

The interview process will include capability-based assessments which may require your time and presence on more than one day.  

How to Apply  

Please review the Role Description and address the key accountabilities and focus capabilities when preparing your resume (maximum three pages) and cover letter (maximum two pages). Shortlisting will be based on merit and the information provided in response to the targeted questions.

Your cover letter must clearly and directly respond to the two targeted questions listed below. Each response must be included within the body of the cover letter and clearly identify which targeted question is being addressed (for example, by using headings or explicitly referencing “Targeted Question 1” and “Targeted Question 2”). These responses will form the basis of the assessment of your suitability for the role.

1. Provide an example of a situation where you were required to manage a complex matter that required you to balance multiple competing priorities, such as confidentiality, legal risk, policy considerations and legislative requirements. How did you reconcile these and exercise your discretion in formulating a decision or recommendation?

1. Outline your experience in integrity, complaints management, investigations or professional standards. How has this experience prepared you to manage sensitive and complex matters in a fast-paced prosecutorial environment?

We encourage applicants to submit authentic applications that reflect their own skills, experience and insights. Skills, knowledge and capabilities will be assessed and verified throughout the selection process in line with the ODPP’s commitment to Acting with Integrity.

Please apply via jobs.odpp.nsw.gov.au, reference number 1604.

When completing the online application form, you will be asked to provide the contact details of two relevant referees (who can speak from a Supervisory perspective), and consent to a Criminal History Record Check.

Closing date: Wednesday 18 November, 11:59pm

Please note that a talent pool may be created to fill ongoing and temporary vacancies which may arise over the next 18 months.

Further Information

Learn more about the ODPP here: About us | ODPP (nsw.gov.au) | Code of Conduct

To learn more about First Nations People and the ODPP: First Nations People and the ODPP | ODPP (nsw.gov.au).

Benefits of working with the ODPP: Benefits We Offer | ODPP (nsw.gov.au)

Enquiries

For general enquiries, technical difficulties, or if you require any adjustments to be made to support you during the recruitment process (including alternate formats of the application form), please contact Bianca Burgess, Recruitment Business Partner on (02) 8268 2693 or recruit@odpp.nsw.gov.au and a response will be sent during business hours.

The ODPP values diversity and supports all staff to reach their full potential. The Office welcomes applications from First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people identifying with diverse genders and sexualities, people with disability and other diversity groups. If you have individual requirements that need to be accommodated in order to participate in the selection process, please indicate this in your application.