Vacancy – Legal Officer (LE6)

The Australian Embassy Beijing seeks applications from suitably qualified persons to fill the position of Legal Officer (LE6) with IP Australia.

Please see the attached for the position description and selection criteria. We are seeking high quality written applications.

How to apply

Your application, written in English, must include:

A Statement of Claims for the position separately addressing each of the selection criteria (maximum 2 pages); and
A Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages); and
Contact details for two work-related referees, including current supervisor.

Applications should be submitted in writing by email to the Human Resources Section of the Australian Embassy, Beijing at: [email protected].

The closing date for applications is on 19 October 2016. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.

Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.

For further information about this position, please contact [email protected].

Please note that only applicants short-listed for interview will receive a written reply. If you have not received any communication from the Human Resources Section within four weeks after the close of application, please consider your application unsuccessful. Thank you for your understanding and your interest in working at the Australian Embassy.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should address all of the selection criteria below, clearly outlining their claims and specific experience that makes them suitable for this position (maximum 2 pages).

Good understanding, or an ability to acquire an understanding of China’s intellectual property (IP) systems and enforcement, with demonstrated experience performing legal work in China for foreign businesses
Fluency in written and spoken English and Mandarin with high level interpretation and translation skills, including familiarity with subject matter-specific vocabulary
Good analytical skills, including the ability to analyse government IP policy, legislation, reports, and other sources of information and provide high level and/or detailed briefings as appropriate

Legal Officer – Duties

Agency	IP Australia
Position number	BJ13-001
Title	Legal Officer
Classification	LE6
Section	IP Australia
Reports to (title)	Counsellor (IP Australia)

About IP Australia

IP Australia administers intellectual property (IP) rights in Australia, providing an effective legal framework for businesses to protect their brands, inventions and products. Our vision is to have a world leading IP system that builds prosperity for Australia.

IP Australia uses its expertise, skills and experience to advise the Australian Government and provide information to help Australian business make the most of their IP, both in Australia and abroad.

About the position

The legal officer is responsible for supporting the IP Counsellor – China at the Australian Embassy in Beijing. This will primarily involve providing expertise on Chinese IP law and practice, and monitoring and analysing developments in China’s IP systems.

The position requires advanced knowledge and extensive practice of Chinese IP law; an understanding of business practices in China; and an understanding of the impact of these on Australian businesses. This position should be able to operate with some degree of independence under general guidance from the IP Counsellor.

The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Providing expertise on Chinese IP law and practice
Monitoring, analysing and reporting on developments in China’s IP policy, legislation and practice
Supporting the Counsellor in developing solutions and providing guidance on IP rights issues in China to Australian businesses across a range of industries
Establishing networks and engaging with internal and external stakeholders
Seeking cooperation from Chinese government departments responsible for IP
Contributing to the strategic plan for the new IP Counsellor role
Representing IP Australia and the Australian Embassy at meetings and events as required
Providing support to the Counsellor in arranging visits, delivering presentations, workshops and other events
Coordinating meetings and logistic support for ministers and senior officials

Qualifications/Experience

University degree in IP law and experience working in an international environment or with international issues
Extensive practice of Chinese IP law, including experience performing legal work in China for foreign businesses
Fluency in both written and spoken English and Mandarin is essential
High level interpretation and translation skills, including familiarity with subject matter-specific vocabulary
Good understanding of China’s IP systems, government policy and key stakeholders
Understanding of IP law in Australia or other common law context
Good analytical skills, including the ability to analyse government IP policy, legislation, reports, and other sources of information
Understanding of business practices in China and impact on Australian businesses
Strong ability to communicate and sustain relationships with stakeholders in the Chinese government and the private sector