Senior Solicitor
- Be involved in a variety of legal practice areas and contribute to conservation outcomes in Aotearoa, contribute to the application of Treaty principles to DOC's work.
- Varied and challenging role supporting legal advice and support on Treaty of Waitangi matters, in particular, advice on the development, interpretation and application of statutory management planning[1]
- $107,544 - $144,321, flexible working options.
- Permanent full time, Wellington location preferred.
Toitū te marae a Tāne-Mahuta, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata
If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive
Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and sustain nature across Aotearoa. We put nature and people at the heart of our mahi, guided by te reo Māori, te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
He angitūtanga | About the role
Are you a seasoned legal expert with a passion for environmental conservation and Treaty of Waitangi issues? Do you thrive in the dynamic realm of legal strategy and advocacy? Join DOC as a Senior Solicitor, where your expertise will fuel our mission to protect and preserve our natural world and contribute to the development, interpretation and application of statutory management planning documents.
The purpose of this role is to enable and support conservation with expert legal services in Treaty related matters to the Director-General, other internal customers and business groups.
The position will be focussed on:
- Expert Legal Guidance: Provide senior legal input and advice on Departmental activities, legislation, statutory planning and strategic initiatives, ensuring clarity, robustness, and alignment with conservation goals.
- Leadership in Legal Strategy: Lead the charge in drafting Ministerial and Cabinet papers, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks while advancing DOC's strategic agenda.
- Litigation: Contribute to DOC's litigation practice, from drafting submissions to representing us before decision-making bodies, ensuring our stance on conservation matters is heard loud and clear.
- Proactive Risk Management: Anticipate legal issues, assess risks, and develop innovative strategies to navigate complex legal landscapes, ensuring proactive mitigation and compliance.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
This is a varied and challenging role. While we are looking for a committed team player, the right person will also be a self-starter and able to work independently.
If you have most of following, we are keen to hear from you:
- LLB & Practising Certificate.
- Excellent communication, including ability to provide practical legal advice to non-technical audiences in a complex political environment.
- At least 6 years post PQE recent practical legal experience, including expertise in legal issues that affect the interface between iwi and Māori organisations and the Crown, local government and other entities.
- Sound knowledge and demonstrated experience in legal matters related to the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi space.
- A good understanding of Te Ao Māori including key concepts such as tikanga Māori.
- Experience in areas of law in which DOC operates – e.g. administrative and land law.
- Proven analytical, intellectual and organisational skills with maturity of judgment to handle a complex, large and demanding workload with a high degree of autonomy.
- Interest in developing and adapting policy and practice issues to ensure continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication, including ability to provide practical legal advice to non-technical audiences in a complex political environment.
- Knowledge as to how the principles of Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi relate to DOC's work.
Desirable:
- Full NZ Drivers License.
Mō te tīma | About the team
The purpose of the Legal Services Directorate is to provide quality legal services that enable DOC to achieve its strategic outcomes.
Our work includes:
- Interpreting conservation and other legislation and policies to enable DOC to meet its statutory obligations.
- Providing litigation (both civil and RMA) and prosecution services.
- Supporting our Policy colleagues in the development of legislation.
- Supporting our management planning team in the development of statutory planning documents, their interpretation and application.
- Understanding the interface between Māori and the Crown and Māori organisations.
- Advising on the application of Treaty principles to DOC's work.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?
DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.
You can learn more about what we offer here.
Tono ināianei | Apply now
Apply online via the DOC Careers Centre with:
- A CV; and
- Cover letter that highlights:
- your relevant skills and experience.
- how you meet the capabilities in the role description and advertisement; and
- your motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai and working in the Treaty space.
If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.
The salary range for this position is $107,544 - $144,321 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.
Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.
Rā katinga | Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 14 July 2024
Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Monica Winder, mwinder@doc.govt.nz
Taupānga | Job reference: 6000/11003
[1] See Part 3A Conservation Act 1987, Part 5 National Parks Act 1980, s41 Reserves Act
Job details
Job reference: | DOC/1798665W |
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Location: | Wellington |
Date posted: | 24-Jun-2024 |
Application close date: | 14-Jul-2024 |
Attachments: | Role Description - Senior Solicitor.pdf (PDF, 773KB) Job Specification Application Information Sheet.pdf (PDF, 692KB) |