Kaitohutohu Mātāmua | Principal Legal Advisor | Flexible

Job Description

• Permanent role
• Supportive and dynamic team
• Flexible on location

Join our amazing award-winning team and use your skills in a way that will make a difference to Aotearoa New Zealand and our environment. 

Mō te tūnga | About the role 

Reporting to the General Manager Legal & Risk, you will provide expert legal advice to the Ministry and to Ministers on a wide range of public law matters, particularly the development of legislation, management of litigation and advising on Māori rights and interests.  You will advise on environmental law matters, including resource management, climate change and waste minimisation matters and on the public exercise of powers and functions.  You will be an expert in understanding the legislative reform process and the Crown's constitutional position. 

You will be confident in delivering advice in a range of formats to a range of clients, including internal leaders, external groups the Ministry engages with and Ministers. You will support the growth and development of legal team members and other Ministry staff.

The MFE Legal team provides a great place to work and the mahi is challenging and rewarding.

This a significant, once in a career, opportunity to use your legal skills in a way that will make a difference to all New Zealanders and our environment. 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience 

Our ideal candidate for each role will bring: 

• a law degree
• a current NZLS practising certificate (or current eligibility to obtain one)
• proven experience in managing litigation, experience in the Waitangi Tribunal will be highly desirable.
• knowledge and experience of Te Ao Māori and tikanga
• knowledge and experience of Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and settlements
• experience in resource management and/or climate change law
• experience in legislative development and drafting process
• excellent analytical skills and a proven ability to apply legal concepts
• strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels
• proven ability to effectively manage competing priorities and tight time frames.

Specific litigation experience, and experience engaging effectively with iwi and hapū would be an advantage. 

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range

Salary range for the Principal Legal Adviser role is $140,222 to $170,467 pa. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE  

• a flexible working approach to embrace a healthy work-life blend 
• agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as ‘One MfE' 
• active employee networks including Māori Rōpū, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network 
• opportunities for development and education.           

Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.  

Tono ināianei | Apply now  

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter.  Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.     

If you require further information about this position please contact phirak.appleton@mfe.govt.nz.  The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.  

The location for this role is flexible which means you can work anywhere in New Zealand and there is an option to work from home.  As a flexible friendly employer, we are happy to discuss solutions that may work for you and the business.  We value and care about enabling our people to work in a way that means they can work at their best.   

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture.  We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.  We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.   

We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all.  Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you.  Please contact us at vacancy@mfe.govt.nz if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.  

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.  

Rā Katinga | Applications close:   Sunday 13th April 2025