Senior Legal Advisor

Join our diverse and talented people and work at the heart of national security, providing essential intelligence to the NZ government to protect New Zealand and its people.
At the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) | Te Tira Tiaki, our mission is to protect and enhance Aotearoa New Zealand's security and wellbeing. We provide Signals Intelligence and Cyber Security and resilience to organisations of national significance to successfully navigate in an unpredictable world.
Why work for us
Alongside getting to work with other talented people, we also offer a range of comprehensive benefits which include:
Medical Insurance and Vision Care packages
Enhanced employer contributions to your Kiwisaver
Generous Leave benefits, including additional paid days off and enhanced sick and parental leave
Childcare allowance for your preschoolers
Onsite free gym (Wellington only)
Opportunities for personal and professional growth and career pathways across the intelligence community
Great work-life balance
We're looking for a commercially savvy and solutions-focused Senior Legal Advisor to join our GCSB Legal Team. Due to the unique nature of our environment, you'll need to be able to think on your feet and be prepared tackle commercial matters from new angles.
We can't reveal all the details of what you'll get to work on - but our work is complex and challenging, covering a broad range of commercial activities including matters that must be handled with the utmost sensitivity. Working in a close-knit team, you'll collaborate with different parts of GCSB to support procurement activities, review and negotiate contracts, and manage commercial legal risk. You will also contribute to initiatives that seek to continually improve how we support GCSB to deliver its important work.
The role will ideally be based in Wellington.
**As an enthusiastic and practical lawyer, you'll demonstrate**:
Experience providing commercial legal advice at a senior level including experience reviewing and negotiating contracts (including technology related contracts)
A minimum of 8 years' post-qualification experience
Knowledge of contract, public and administrative law
The ability to identify, communicate and manage legal risk
You'll be able to accurately and concisely provide commercial legal advice in our unique environment, demonstrating a principled and practical attitude to your work. As a trusted adviser you'll be discreet, identifying and offering solutions to legal problems.
Along with your knowledge and a commitment to the Crown's Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership, you'll be mindful of its impact on GCSB's work and keep up with developments recognising tikanga and Te Ao Māori in the law.
This is an opportunity to work somewhere really different on interesting work in a supportive, fun and highly collaborative team environment. If this sounds like you and you can demonstrate the above requirements, we are keen to hear from you.
Before you apply
Working within our unique environment means we have to ensure you're eligible for employment.
**You must**:
Have been a New Zealand Citizen for at least 10 years
OR
Hold a current NZ Residency Class Visa and ideally have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia for at least 10 years
Be eligible to obtain a Top Secret Special (TSS) security clearance
Ordinarily, this means you'll have a 15 year checkable background in countries NZSIS Vetting can make meaningful and reliable checks.
Job Details
Reference #
8683
Location(s)
Wellington
Salary
Band I $120,358 (90%) - $153,791 (115%)
Midpoint of the salary range (100%) reflects full competence in the role
Closes on
04 Jun 2025 23:55
Work type(s)
Permanent full-time
Job level(s)
Experienced, Management
Expertise
Legal