Associate Counsel at Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Wellington

• Provide expert legal support for our diplomats in New Zealand and overseas
• Join a high performing legal team
• Broaden your career in a key government department

Advise on a range of corporate and public law matters arising all around the world in a unique foreign affairs and trade environment.

The Associate Counsel is a specialist professional position in our Corporate Legal Unit, working to provide sound legal advice to all parts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  The Corporate Legal Unit supports our diplomats in their work to make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous.  The role requires agility to work on a wide variety of matters, from core public sector work to unique matters involving diplomatic immunity and privileges. 

Responsibilities include:

• Leading advice on corporate legal matters, including property and leasing;
• Supporting the management of litigation and development of legislation;
• Advising on core public sector matters, including constitutional and administrative law, te Tiriti o Waitangi and OIA/Privacy law;    

The appointment range for this role is $113,856 to $133,948 total remuneration – negotiable depending on experience.

Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role.  This is a ‘Corporate’ role (known here as a Specialist role) based in central Wellington, NZ.  

Mā‎ wai te mahi nei? – Who are we looking for?

We would like to hear from you if you are a capable lawyer with:

• A  background in the public and/or private sectors,
• At least 7 years post admission experience,
• And an interest in broadening your legal career.

Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous.  By building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance New Zealand’s interests and pursue New Zealand's values.  We provide advice to the Government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world. 

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options.  Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

We are also working to grow the diversity of our workforce and the inclusive nature of our workplace. Click on our diversity and inclusion page to find out more.

Apply today with your CV and cover letter.

For a copy of the position description please click here.

If you have any questions prior to putting in your application contact Jeremy Salmond, Corporate Counsel on Jeremy.Salmond@mfat.govt.nz.

You must be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident and able to obtain and maintain an appropriate NZ Government Security clearance.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a security clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process:

http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

Applications close at midnight on Sunday May 22, 202