Senior Solicitor

Salary range: $120,696 - $150,199

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), hosted by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) | Te Tari Taiwhenua, provides national leadership to New Zealand's distributed emergency management system. NEMA's primary focus is on the performance and capability of the emergency management system as a whole, across all hazards and all risks and the 4 Rs of risk reduction, readiness, response and recovery.

NEMA’s key functions are steward, operator and assurer of the emergency management system. As steward, NEMA provides strategic leadership for risk reduction, readiness, response and recovery activities, and build emergency management capability and capacity. As operator, NEMA leads or supports the response to and recovery from emergencies while also supporting the operation of the emergency management system. As assurer, NEMA provides assurance that the emergency management system is fit for purpose.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

You will be part of a dedicated team providing legal support to NEMA, reporting to the Manager Legal – NEMA. Working as part of this fast-paced and dynamic team, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of New Zealanders. You will work in a collegial environment where experience and knowledge is shared, and support, peer review and constructive feedback are encouraged.

Your work will be public law focused. You will manage legal risk and provide operational advice to NEMA internal clients and the Executive Leadership Team. You will provide advice on a range of issues including legislative projects, statutory decision-making and responding to emergency events.

NEMA is an operational agency ready to respond when emergencies happen. Attributes of adaptability, agility, and resilience are essential.

Mōhou ake | About you

• 5 + years’ PQE with strong experience in public law (ideally some acquired in the public sector)
• An interest in emergency management
• Knowledge and understanding of government processes and the machinery of government
• An ability to convey complex legal issues succinctly
• Be comfortable giving advice on the go, while also recognising when something may require more thorough research and analysis
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to tailor advice for the audience
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to influence others
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi is important to our work, so an interest in Māori/ Crown relations and the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is desirable
• A current practicing certificate or the ability to hold one

Flexible working is on offer, including part-time and candidates looking for a fixed term or secondment opportunity will be considered.

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

Robert Walters is exclusively managing the recruitment of this position. Apply now. Or, for a confidential discussion contact Apryl Burgess +64 27 816 9899 | apryl.burgess@robertwalters.co.nz. Applications close 9am 27 March but we encourage you to submit an application prior if you are interested.

DIA are committed to doing their part to deliver on the Crown's commitments to Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. They strive to actively build te Ao Māori perspectives and capability into their day-to-day work, values and practices. They are also an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion; committed to creating a workplace where all kaimahi have equal access. If you require any additional support throughout the recruitment process, please let our consultants know.

Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence in this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Apryl Burgess on +6444719721.