Chief Legal Advisor

Help shape the future of Education 

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes 

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system. 

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga 

This is a full-time permanent role based in Wellington. 

The Chief Legal Advisor is the Ministry of Education’s senior legal authority, responsible for providing leadership and high‑quality advice that protects the Ministry’s legal, regulatory, and reputational interests and supports effective decision‑making.  
 
It forms part of the Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate leadership team and works with the group to ensure that key priorities are identified and resourced so that Te Pou Rangatōpū works as a unified strategic group. 

Reporting directly into Hautū |Deputy Secretary within the Corporate Group, the role leads the Ministry’s legal and privacy functions and is a trusted advisor to the Secretary for Education and senior leaders. The Chief Legal Advisor is accountable for setting the direction, priorities, and delivery of the legal and privacy work programmes, ensuring alignment with the Ministry’s purpose, strategic direction, and public sector obligations.  

The role has overall responsibility for the quality, consistency, and assurance of legal advice across employment relations, commercial and policy matters, regulatory issues, and general legal matters. The role has the same responsibility for the provision of privacy advice, and the Privacy Officer reports to the role.  
 
Working in partnership with other corporate functions, the Chief Legal Advisor strengthens governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks, helping to ensure the Ministry operates within a robust legal and regulatory environment and maintains public trust and confidence. The specific responsibilities of this role may change in line with the Ministry’s wider requirements in the future.  

To be successful in the role, you will demonstrate: 

• Sound strategic leadership and direction on legal and privacy issues and risks 

• Provide trusted advisory and support to the Secretary for Education on all legal, privacy, legislative and regulatory matters 

• Proven collaboration skills and be comfortable working with Crown Law, Parliamentary Counsel and other departmental legal teams  

• Sound expertise in governance, machinery of government and compliance frameworks 

The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience. 

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here Chief Legal Advisor

About you | Mōhou ake 

We are looking for someone who brings extensive experience across all facets of an in-house legal leadership role.  
 

Essential Qualifications 

• A relevant tertiary qualification in law 

• Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand  

• Current Legal Practising Certificate from the New Zealand Law Society  

• Extensive experience in a legal role in the public (preferred) or private sector including sound knowledge of the public sector environment, legislative and policy processes, privacy and official Information as well as other areas of law relevant to the Ministry’s business. 
   
  You will also offer:  
   

• Proven record in successfully designing and implementing changes and improvements to processes and practices.  

• Proven ability to coach and constructively challenge others to shift mindsets and foster collaborative action including from a non-people leader position.  

• Experience working at a leadership level as a leader or alongside senior leaders, ideally in a complex organisation 

• Proven experience in building and maintaining relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes including at a senior level and with external / sector stakeholders and a proven ability to consult and influence at all levels.  

• Proven ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities, and to inform system-level decision making and to provide quality advice.  

• A proven track record of building and maintaining trusted relationships  

• Sound political awareness and knowledge of government processes, with proven ability to navigate ambiguity in a complex environment.  

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.  

• A commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.  

• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct. 

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake 

The Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate group is responsible for delivering essential corporate support and functions that enable Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | The Ministry of Education to operate effectively and help fulfil its statutory and reporting obligations. It includes pivotal people, financial and other corporate functions that are integral to the Ministry, which enable the delivery of excellent and equitable outcomes for users of the education system. The functions within the group are focused on providing responsive services and solutions that enhance staff to maintain and grow public trust and confidence in the Ministry’s delivery.   

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi? 

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role. 

For further information, please contact Nicola Giles, Principal Advisor Recruitment Services at Nicola.Giles@education.govt.nz 

Applications close Midnight Friday 27 March 2026 

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.