Senior Legal Counsel - Ref: 565
Applications closing Monday 8 September
Permanent - Full time
Are you an experienced legal professional with a passion for serving the community? Do you thrive in dynamic work environments and have a vision for making an impact within local government? If so, this is the perfect opportunity for you to shape the future of a newly formed legal team!
The opportunity | He angitūtanga
Council’s Legal Services team are trusted advisors to the organisation, responsible for the provision of quality, cost-effective and timely legal advice and assistance. The team work across the organisation to foster a high-performance culture, accountability and to reinforce Council’s social license.
As the Senior Legal Counsel, you will provide expert advice and guidance on a broad range of complex legal issues relevant to local government. This includes providing advice across a variety of legislation and risk areas, managing external body investigations and litigation, and instructing external providers.
You will be confident providing quality, timely and pragmatic advice to the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership team, Council Managers and when required – the Mayor and Elected Members.
You will have a growth mindset and excellent judgment. You will build effective relationships, be customer-orientated and committed to high quality outcomes.
This is an exciting new leadership position to compliment a small in-house function where you will have the opportunity to support the General Counsel and wider legal team to implement the legal strategy and contribute to Council’s priorities and community outcomes.
What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou
When you join Kāpiti Coast District Council you’ll enjoy a range of fantastic benefits, including:
- Dependant leave – because family matters.
- Thriving team culture – we work hard and support each other.
- Free access to pools – dive into fun.
- Council staff discounts – because who doesn’t love a good deal?
About you | He kōrero mōu
To excel in this role, you will bring strong knowledge and experience with:
- Current legal practicing certificate for New Zealand and relevant legal qualifications.
- Demonstrated senior-level knowledge and experience providing legal advice and assistance across a range of issues relevant to local government (6+ years PQE desirable). Current legal practicing certificate for New Zealand and relevant legal qualifications.
- Demonstrated understanding of key legal areas relevant to an in-house role in local government and experience in one or more key areas (public law, resource management, regulatory, planning, commercial, grants and funding.
- Ability to succeed in dynamic work environment and to manage competing priorities.
- Demonstrated high level of discretion and diplomacy with ability to maintain strict confidence on any Council matter of a sensitive nature.
- Understanding and awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Māori perspectives and Council’s statutory obligations to Māori and mana whenua in the Kāpiti Coast District, and the ability to apply this knowledge to ensure the effectiveness of Council’s internal legal function and the advice provided to Council staff particularly where this relates to Council’s partnership with mana whenua.
For more information regarding the role, please view the job description [PDF 307 KB].
Enquiries about this position should be directed to Sarah Wattie, General Counsel on 04 296 4700 or free phone 0800 486 486.
Applications close Monday 8 September at midday so get yours in now!
You must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Please note preferred candidates are required to undergo pre-employment checks including drug and alcohol screening and Police checks.