Legal counsel

Breakthrough Victoria Pty Ltd has been established to manage the Victorian Government’s landmark Breakthrough Victoria Fund. Victoria is home to some of the best scientific, digital and knowledge institutes, businesses, and founders in the world - all sharing a mission to discover the next breakthrough. Whether it’s the next generation of medical tech, designing sustainable food sources, or uncovering new ways to take action on climate change, Victorian innovators are already developing the research, technology and ideas that will have a positive impact for Victorians and transform our lives for the better. We target investments across five sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-food, Clean Economy, Digital Technologies, and Health & Life Sciences, across all investment stages from pre-seed start-ups to investing in scaling and growth. Investing for Impact We are working with founders, start-ups, businesses, investors, research institutions and government agencies to commercialise and accelerate ideas, innovations and technologies from lab to market. We invest across the capital lifecycle, from pre-seed to growth equity, including: Early-stage innovations with strong commercial potential, Venture capital investment to prepare companies for growth; through to Mature companies wanting to scale up technologies, products and services. Breakthrough Victoria’s mission is to positively contribute to environmental and social advancements through our Investing for Impact objectives. About the Role The Legal Counsel position will provide high quality legal advice and services across the capital transactions and business units of the Company for Breakthrough Victoria to execute its strategy, whilst maintaining compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. The role will focus on corporate matters including drafting and reviewing various contracts, drafting documents for funding processes, investment and project transaction documents as well as governance and compliance. In this role you will be aided by and collaborate closely with other members of the Legal team to deliver in house legal services, currently consists of the General Counsel and Senior Legal Counsel. This is a genuine opportunity for personal and professional development in a dynamic company. About You You have demonstrated experience working in the investment fund environment and a strong and genuine interest in working with start-ups, innovations and tech. You are constantly curious, resourceful and proactive, and thrive in small and collaborative teams. Your ability to translate complex legal matters and issues into sound, sensible advice that is strategically-aligned makes you a great partner to all teams across the business. Role Responsibilities Provision of clear written and oral commercial legal advice across the business, including on sensitive, complex and/or challenging legal issues. Management and resolution of claims, disputes and litigation; minimise the Company’s exposure to liabilities. Ensure protection of data, privacy details and information. Drive the drafting, review, negotiation and ongoing management of agreements. Partner with internal stakeholders to progress due diligence and investment proposal evaluation and legal checks. Provide a solution focused service to stakeholders and instil best practice governance and legal practices to those across the Company, including those with little to no legal background. At times, partner with external consultants/stakeholders to conduct due diligence and checks. Partner with Senior Legal Counsel and General Counsel on Company legal matters and progress activities to deliver outcomes. Briefing external counsel when required. Provide training to staff on legal/governance issues which may affect the Company. Project Support: As a member of the CEO Office, provide generalist legal and project support as needed to the Company team members and board directors. Board Coordination: If, where and when required, assist in the coordination of company secretary duties to provide high level governance expertise. Key Selection Criteria The Legal Counsel will be expected to possess the following key skills and experience: Legal Experience: Commercially astute lawyer with at least 3-4 years + experience in a commercial/corporate environment for a complex organisation. Experience as an inhouse lawyer would be highly advantageous, but not essential. Sector Experience: experience as a Counsel/Lawyer in a financial services or funds management organisation or an equivalently complex/regulated industry. Business Acumen: The ability to balance commercial and legal considerations to deliver practical solutions. Have a pragmatic commercial focus with the ability to anticipate legal and compliance issues, needs and opportunities, and to respond in a proactive way. Confidentiality: Able to proactively and independently manage complex and sensitive matters including internal grievance procedures. Stakeholder Management: Excellent stakeholder management at all levels of the business. Ability to partner with stakeholders in a way that aligns to and delivers on the Company’s strategy. Experience dealing with Boards and government departments would be valuable but not essential. Communication: Outstanding influencing, communication, negotiation, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills. Industry Experience: Demonstrated experience or strong proven interest in the investment or venture capital space would be considered highly. Why Join Breakthrough Victoria At Breakthrough Victoria, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance. We strive to create a workplace, where the optimal mix of experiences, talent and capabilities in all areas, bring diversity of thought to our business and operations, and reflects the communities we serve. This position description provides a general overview of the role. As our goals and priorities shift, responsibilities may evolve to align with our mission and the dynamic nature of our work. If you’re excited about this opportunity but don’t meet every single requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply. We value potential, passion, and a willingness to grow alongside us. Flexible Working All employees have access to flexible working arrangements, including part-time roles, job sharing, adjustable hours, and a variety of leave options. Our hybrid working model supports remote and in-office working, with various spaces, tools and technology that facilitate and enable co-working and collaboration. Health and Safety Requirements The health and safety of all our employees, volunteers and visitors is treated with the utmost importance. Where possible, measures are taken to remove risks to health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace, including the reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace. Pre-employment Screening Requirements All applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Candidates may be subject to the following pre-employment checks such as: reference checks, National Police Records Check, declaration of private interests, potential and perceived conflict of interests’ disclosure. Some roles may also be subject to financial background checks. Your application will include the following questions: Are you legally entitled to work in Australia? Please detail your minimum salary expectations (excluding super): What is the notice period for your current employment? If required for a position you are applying for, do you consent to undergoing a police criminal records check? #J-18808-Ljbffr