Job Description

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN NAURU

The Government of Nauru seeks expressions of interest from persons suitably qualified under Part V of the Constitution of the Republic of Nauru to be appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Nauru on a circuit basis.

Demonstrated experience as a judicial officer is essential. The Supreme Court is a superior court of record that hears and determines a wide range of matters, inclusive of civil, criminal, land and constitutional matters. The successful candidate will be required to travel to Nauru to preside over cases as and when required.

FUNCTIONS

The functions of a Supreme Court Judge include:

(a) hearing and determining constitutional, criminal, civil and all other matters brought before the Court in accordance with Nauruan law and procedure;

(b) delivering fair, balanced and consistent decisions according to law and within time-based benchmarks;

(c) writing high quality judgments comparable with the importance of the decisions of a superior Court of record;

(d) working collaboratively with and providing collegiate support to the other judicial officers; and

(e) working constructively with key stakeholders, including legal practitioners, the Registry of Courts and self-represented litigants.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Proficiency in the law and its underlying principles, especially relating to criminal and civil matters

Experience in dealing with land matters in the Pacific region or of similar ownership of land would be an advantage

Decisiveness and ability to discharge judicial functions promptly

High level of professional expertise and ability in the areas of professional specialisation

Intellectual and analytical ability

Effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills with peers and members of the public, which include clearly explaining the procedure and decisions to all parties

Effective management of workload

Ability to maintain authority and inspire respect

Willingness to participate in ongoing judicial education

Ability to introduce, use and willingness to learn modern information technology progressively

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Integrity

Independence and impartiality

Good character

Courtesy and patience

Willingness to work and adapt to the constraints of a small community with limitations and having respect for different culture and expectations

COMPETENCY AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor of Laws from a common law jurisdiction

At least 10 years' post admission legal practice experience as a senior counsel or as a judicial officer of a superior court with the ability to preside over civil, criminal, constitutional and judicial review matters

Knowledge and experience of a range of legal subjects and the ability to analyse and formulate judgments and apply the principles of law and equity to develop legal jurisprudence

TERM OF APPOINTMENT

The successful applicant's appointment will be for three years, subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract and the possibility of further renewals based on performance.

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

The successful applicant will receive a competitive salary in Australian currency, rent-free accommodation, travel to and from Nauru, transport and internet while in Nauru, which is prescribed under the Supreme Court Judges Conditions of Service, Salaries and Allowances Regulations 2020.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Interested persons are to provide the following required documents, otherwise, applications will not be considered:

(1) letter of expression of interest setting out how the applicant meets the requirements of the position;

(2) a curriculum vitae of no more than four pages, including the names and contact information for three professional referees; and

(3) 5 recent court decisions demonstrating the applicant's scope of experience and ability to address legal problems in different areas of the law.

The successful applicant will be required to provide further documentation which includes:

(1) copy of passport bio data;

(2) medical clearance report;

(3) police clearance report; and

(4) certified copies of professional / tertiary qualifications, and other qualifications and memberships.

CLOSING DATE

: 30th November 2025. Any late submission of an expression of interest will not be accepted.

Job Types: Full-time, Contractual / Temporary
Contract length: 36 months

Pay: From ?875,000.00 per month

Application Question(s):

Will you be able to relocate to Nauru if you are successful in this application?
Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)
Experience:

* post admission legal practice: 8 years (Preferred)