Senior Solicitor at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Senior Solicitor - Secondment / Fixed term - Wellington

Three positions available

The National Office legal team at Oranga Tamariki is experienced, strategic, agile and focused on outcomes. The team's work has been recognised through being a finalist in the 2022 ILANZ public sector in-house team of the year award. Opportunities in the team don't come along often, so make sure to get your application in now.

Mō mātou | About us  

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono 
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role  

Our Legal Services team has secondment / fixed term positions available for three generalist Senior Solicitors with 5-8 years PQE experience in expert legal advice in a variety of areas to join our dynamic and agile legal team. Previous public sector experience is valued.

Successful candidates will offer demonstrable experience in at least one or two of our key core work areas, including:

• The Treaty of Waitangi & Māori Partnerships
• Policy and Legislation Support
• Providing advice to operational and frontline personnel
• Claims Management
• Employment
• Commercial and Procurement

The successful applicants will be expected to provide advice in a range of areas of law. We provide strategic advice across all areas of our service.

Reporting to one of our two Team Manager - National Office roles, we have a preference that successful candidates will be based in Wellington, although applicants from other locations will be considered and working from home days can be supported. If working primarily from other locations, occasional travel to Wellington will be required.

The National Office team is one of eight legal teams within Oranga Tamariki, with the other seven teams focusing on supporting social work and proceedings in the Family Court. Working collectively, our lawyers support Oranga Tamariki to achieve the goal of all tamariki being in loving whānau and communities where Oranga Tamariki can be realised.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring 

• You will have been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in New Zealand and have (or be eligible for) a practicing certificate;
• You are driven by a desire to ensure all tamariki are in loving whānau and communities
• You are committed to helping us honour our treaty commitments to Māori to improve long-term outcomes.
• You thrive in a job where no day is the same but each day your mahi matters. 
• You are committed to a supported and ongoing journey towards an understanding of Te Ao Māori and increasing cultural competence.
• You have a sound understanding of one or more areas of relevant law or have a genuine passion and interest to work in this area.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you  

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. 

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit: https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply   

Apply online with your CV and Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you register or login using your work email address.

For reporting and transparency, it is important that all applications are submitted through our careers site, please do not email through applications and/or CVs. 

If you have any questions about the role, please contact info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

Applications close: 27 March 2023

Oranga Tamariki is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. We also support flexible working arrangements.