Associate General Counsel

A rare opportunity to perform a senior and substantial government legal role focused on property law, with reference to both large scale urban developments and business as usual acquisitions, subdivisions, disposals, leasing, resource management consents, easements and so forth
- Previous incumbents have described the job as being the best legal property role in NZ given the varied and complex work and the sheer volume of developments being undertaken
- You will have strong thought and people leadership skills together with a meaningful commitment to contribute to the operation of the wider Legal Team and to the attainment of the organisation's core strategic priorities
- You will be a member of the Legal Leadership Team with colleagues leading legal teams in respect of Construction Law, Public Law & Litigation, Legal Operations, Maori Interests, and Commercial Law
- While you will need to work closely with the General Counsel given the character of the issues that frequently arise in the areas you manage, the role comes with a substantial amount of autonomy
- A salary of $202,329 per annum plus 5 weeks annual leave, Kiwisaver, a suite of insurances and various other benefits
- This is a permanent, full-time role based in Auckland

Mō mātou - Our Organisation
At Kāinga Ora, ours is the important responsibility of transforming New Zealand's housing choices, outcomes and the entire housing sector by creating homes and communities that allow New Zealanders to thrive.

What is exciting about working for Kāinga Ora is getting the chance to make a real and positive impact on New Zealanders' lives. With skills, planning and purposeful action, our people are creating the homes and neighbourhoods that will build the future of Aotearoa. We are passionate about transforming New Zealand for the better. That includes being a trusted partner for Māori and iwi, protecting and enabling their rights, interests and aspirations under the guidance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Ko tā mātou mahi - Our Role
Reporting to the General Counsel, you will lead a team of 9 solicitors, a Land Compliance and Advisory Manager with a team of 4, and a Transactional Unit Team Leader with a team of 9 legal executives.

As the Associate General Counsel - Property, you will provide strategic legal advice to the organisation on all matters concerning land or property owned or managed by Kāinga Ora. You will also manage all land and property related transactions including the buying, selling, developing and redeveloping and leasing of land, as well as the creation of interest in land and maintenance of the property portfolio.

Thought leadership will come naturally to you and you will be confident in your ability to influence and promulgate ideas along with identifying and embedding strategic opportunities for the organisation. You will also be confident in providing specialist advice to the Board and senior leaders. The role offers significant opportunities to contribute to the success of the organisation beyond simply providing the legal perspective.

We are looking for legal super star who is a strong leader of people and ideas and who has the commitment to drive the role to meaningfully contribute to our organisation's success.

We anticipate that this role will appeal to a range of people. You could be a mid career solicitor with the drive and the potential to 'step up' to this very significant role. Or you could be very established in your career and looking for opportunities to 'give back' to society.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu - What you will bring
- Demonstrated ability to lead strategically using deliberate, thoughtful long-term thinking, whilst balancing current business needs and preparing for and responding to future challenges and opportunities
- Demonstrated experience leading highly skilled, high performing and engaged management and professional legal teams in a multi-faceted and demanding environment
- In-depth knowledge of New Zealand's legal system, particularly in the property area
- A good working understanding of Te Ao Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi
- A current NZLS Practicing Certificate
- Deep understanding of NZ Legislation around Property Law
- Excellent interpersonal, relationship management and networking skills
- The behavioural characteristics and skills required to work in a matrixed environment
- Interest in public sector structure, governance, processes and systems
- Experience navigating and operating in a regulated environment, experience working constructively across functions and track record of building and maintaining the trust of all stakeholders

Nōu te rourou - What's in it for you?

As a Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities employee, we want to make sure that you have all the tools and support you need. We want to ensure you are healthy and have work-life balance. We also want to support and grow your personal and career development through on-the-job learning, training courses, secondments and stud