Commercial Lawyer at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

You will provide timely, accurate and effective legal advice to maintain the NZDF's legal reputation, minimise legal risk and ensure legal compliance. Your speciality is commercial law, primarily providing advice on commercial matters.

You will:

• Assist the commercial procurement team including reviewing, drafting and approving significant commercial contracts.
• Provide legal advice and support for commercial, property, leases and other in-house matters.
• Ensure NZDF's contracts comply with legislative and commercial law, and government's procurement policies.

Ideally, you will also be able to provide advice, support and advocacy on employment matters and appear at mediations and the Employment Relations Authority on occasion.

This role typically requires general expertise in three disciplines - land, contract/commercial and employment law. However, our priority is finding an experienced commercial lawyer, so while experience with employment law is advantageous it is not essential.

This role is based in Wellington CBD. Once you are familiar with the role and up to speed, there is the option of working from home up to two days a week.

Please Note: The formal title for this role within the NZDF is Assistant Manager Resources Law.

We are prepared to offer competitive pay matched to your experience. For more information on the remuneration range, please contact us using the ‘Contact Us' button below.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

You will have the ability to build effective relationships as well as a high level of discretion and confidence. Commercial law expertise is essential.

You will have three-five years post admission experience in commercial law. You must have a LLB Degree and the ability to hold a practising certificate as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.

This role requires occasional domestic travel to complete mediation or litigation activities.

A Class 1 Full Driver's Licence is required.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Monday 24 March 2025.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

NZDF is currently undertaking a Workforce Savings Programme (WSP) to realise efficiencies and required enduring savings, which may require NZDF to propose changes to the organisational structure of its civilian workforce. As we progress through the WSP, we will be communicating with our people about any potential impact on roles and structures. We welcome your application for this important role and want to let you know that if the WSP, and any subsequent proposed change process, is likely to impact on the role you are applying for, we will let you know at the earliest opportunity.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
• You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.