Senior Solicitor

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

• 6+ years of post-admission experience
• Unique regulatory exposure and opportunity to help shape the future of education
• Supportive team environment and management with flexible working options

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

Help shape the future of education within this public law team. Prior experience in public law is not essential provided you have a desire to work in this space.

You will be joining a small, high-performing, legal team providing support to the wider Ministry of Education.

The public law team provides legal advice and support to the Ministry across operational advice in relation to education legislation, contracting and procurement, human rights, official information and privacy, the development of policy and legislation, the Treaty of Waitangi | te Tiriti o Waitangi, and dispute resolution and litigation.

You will get unique regulatory and public law exposure in this varied and challenging role and some of your work will include:

• Providing general legal support and advice to the Ministry on the application of education legislation to the early childhood, schooling, and tertiary education sectors.
• Supporting the development, implementation and monitoring of education policy and legislation.
• Preparing, drafting and/or reviewing agreements and memorandum of understanding relating to sector funding, information sharing, and privacy.
• Support colleagues and manager in other areas of the Public Law team’s work.

Salary range: (6+ PQE) $119,171 - $144,560 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. 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 Senior Solicitor

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for a lawyer who can work collaboratively with others to achieve results. You will be a team player who is a self-starter with a high-level of integrity.

You will also bring:

• 6+ years of post-admission experience
• While public or commercial law experience would be beneficial, it is not essential. Alternative experience will be considered provided you can demonstrate good analytical skills and a desire to work in this space
• A strong client service attitude, with sound relationship skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Solid understanding of the impact of the Treaty of Waitangi | te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles on the Ministry’s work
• Strong research, organisational, investigative, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• A commitment to ongoing personal and professional development
• Tertiary qualification in law and the ability to hold a practicing certificate issued by the New Zealand Law Society
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate group is responsible for delivering essential Ministry-wide statutory and corporate functions. We enable the organisation to operate effectively and help fulfil the statutory and reporting obligations of Te Tāhuhu.

The Legal team sits within Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate and enables Education to undertake its functions lawfully by providing quality legal services. 

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 Matthew Kidd, Legal Manager, Public Law at matthew.kidd@education.govt.nz.

Applications close Midnight Sunday 22 February at 5pm but will be considered as they are received.

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.