Senior Solicitor and Solicitor - Commercial at Ministry for the Environment, Flexible

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• 1 x Senior role – permanent, 1 x Solicitor – fixed term until 30 June 2025
• Flexible working to support your work-life balance
• Supportive and dynamic team
• Available as permanent, fixed term or secondment

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role  

This team provide advice to business groups to ensure that the Ministry purchases goods and services in accordance with All-of-Government principles and good practices for procurement, and departmental funding arrangements in a way that is fair, transparent and demonstrates that we are using taxpayer money responsibly, effectively, economically and without waste. 

The purpose of this role will be to work in partnership with the organisation to provide in-house legal advice for Ministers and the Ministry on a wide range of issues.   

In particular you will advise on commercial law issues as they affect the Ministry's operations, with a particular focus on contract and deed work to support investment in environmental projects and Ministry procurement.  Advice is required to be delivered in a range of formats and varied timeframes to suit the needs of internal clients and Ministers.    

As a Senior Solicitor you will advise on good decision-making and advise on litigation risk. You will also be expected to coach and mentor other solicitors in the legal team and contribute to the Legal & Risks development and training initiatives.  

Senior solicitors are expected to participate and contribute to wider Ministry fora on quality of advice and training related to legal issues, public sector duties, roles and functions.  You are also expected to work across public sector agencies to develop a Crown-wide approach.   

Ngā Whakaritenga Mōkito | Skills and Experience – Solicitor

Our ideal candidate will bring; 

• 3+ years' experience providing commercial legal advisory services
• Experience in ICT contracts would be an advantage
• A law degree and a current NZLS practising certificate (or current eligibility to obtain one)
• Providing commercial legal services in a government agency is an advantage. 

Ngā Whakaritenga Mōkito | Skills and Experience – Senior Solicitor

Our ideal candidate will bring; 

• 5+ years' experience providing commercial legal advisory services
• Significant experience in advising on and/or drafting commercial contracts, funding arrangements and information matters. Experience in ICT contracts would be an advantage
• A law degree and a current NZLS practising certificate (or current eligibility to obtain one)
• Experience providing legal advisory services in a government agency would be an advantage. 

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range

Solicitor salary range for this role is $90,160 to $109,279 pa. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience. 

Senior Solicitor salary range for this role is $118,318 to $143,695 pa. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience. 

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 Nadine Eales (Nadine.eales@mfe.govt.nz) or MFE Legal Managers Nicolette Butler and Barbara Dean (nicolette.butler@mfe.govt.nz  barbara.dean@mfe.govt.nz).

Rā Katinga | Applications close: Tuesday 17^th September @ 11.59pm