Chief Legal Adviser

Protect reputation and navigate complex human rights and litigation challenges.
- Lead the Legal Services Unit and drive change in a fast-paced legal environment
- Trusted adviser to the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team

**_'Kotahi ano te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi' - 'There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of our people._**

**Nga kawenga | About the role**

We are seeking an experienced and energetic Chief Legal Adviser to lead and manage the Department's Legal Services Unit and associated legal resources. This is your opportunity to make a difference in this important and varied legal role, managing complex work in a dynamic and fast paced environment.

As Chief Legal Adviser, you will serve as a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team, providing solutions-focused guidance while managing legal risk.

You will be responsible for the strategic leadership, direction and oversight of all aspects of the Department's legal function. You will ensure that the Legal Services Unit provides solutions-focussed advice that aligns with, and enables, the Department's goals and objectives while effectively managing legal risk. This is a key role in protecting the Department's reputation, particularly in relation to claims and litigation (generally relating to human rights and judicial review proceedings), and in advising on the impacts of proposed legislative change.

Much of the work of the Legal Services Unit is delivered through five legal teams - Litigation, Advice and Legislation, Commercial, Employment and Prosecution Support - the managers of which report to the Chief Legal Adviser.

This role requires a broad skill set and significant wide-ranging legal and leadership experience.

**Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience**

To be considered, you _must_ have:

- Sound professional judgement
- Excellent communication and strong relationship management skills
- Proven experience leading and managing other lawyers
- A fundamental understanding of the machinery of government
- Appreciation for the operational, cultural, political and social environment of the Department of Corrections and how it delivers services
- Demonstrated ability to identify potential risks and flow-on effects arising from proposed decisions or actions, and to negotiate mutually acceptable solutions
- This role requires the successful applicant to hold and maintain a _**_Top Secret _**_level security clearance. You can check you eligibility here _Eligibility Self-Check Tool | Protective Security Requirements_. Applicants unable to obtain this clearance will not be able to be considered for this role._
- The successful applicant must hold a current practising certificate, or the right to hold one._

**Utu a-tau | Salary**

The midpoint of the salary range is $244,422 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $207,759 - $293,307 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

**Ko wai matou | About us**

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the oranga and safety of the people, whanau, and that of the communities we serve across the motu.

It is an exciting time to join us, and we continue to seek out talented individuals who are committed to an inclusive, vibrant workplace. We recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals, and that of the collective talent in our whanau.

To view the job description, click 'apply' and you will be taken through to our careers site, where you can view this.

To apply, please submit a tailored **CV and a cover letter** describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience. Alignment to our kaupapa is critical to our success - we ask that you provide examples which reflect and demonstrate our organisation values.

**Applications close on: Wednesday 26th February 2025