Solicitor

Opportunity to be involved in a variety of legal practice areas and contribute to conservation outcomes in Aotearoa.
- Varied and challenging role supporting legal advice and support on Treaty settlement negotiations and Treaty settlement implementation matters.
- Four weeks + three days annual leave per year, flexible working options.
- Permanent full time, Wellington location.

Toitū te marae a Tāne-Mahuta, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata
If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive
Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and sustain nature across Aotearoa. We put nature and people at the heart of our mahi, guided by te reo Māori, te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We do this by:

- protecting land, species, ecosystems, and cultural heritage for conservation purposes
- managing threats and adverse impacts
- being a voice for conservation
- connecting people to nature.

He angitūtanga | About the role
DOC is looking for their next solicitor to utilise legal skills and the court system to advocate for conservation values.

**The position will be focused on**:

- Providing legal advice and support to the Policy Negotiations Team who negotiate the cultural redress component of Treaty of Waitangi settlements as relevant to the Department, on a variety of matters including:

- Attending meetings with the Office of Treaty Settlements and negotiations with iwi.
- Providing legal advice as required to the Policy Negotiations team members.
- Participating in the drafting process and providing advice on draft agreements in principle, draft deeds of settlement and Treaty settlement bills.
- Preparing and reviewing drafting instructions and ensuring that they clearly set out desired policy and negotiation outcomes.
- Advising on implementation issues such as the development of plans and the interpretation of deeds of settlement and settlement legislation.
- Supporting conservation by providing legal input and advice on other DOC activities, legislation administered by DOC and other agencies, other internal customers, and Business Groups.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
This is a varied and challenging role. Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate practical legal advice in a non-technical manner are essential. While we are looking for a committed team player, the right person will also be a self-starter and able to work independently. An in-depth understanding of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi is a must.
If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:

- LLB or higher, and a NZ practising certificate or eligibility to obtain.
- Preferably 2 or more years' practical legal experience.
- Experience in areas of law in which the Department operate.
- Knowledge in how the principles of how Te Tiriti o Waitaingi - The Treaty of Waitangi relate to DOC's work.
- Intellectual and organisational skills and maturity of judgment to handle a complex, large and demanding workload with a high degree of autonomy.

Interest in developing and adapting policy and practice issues to ensure continuous improvement
- Some experience or interest in providing advice to clients in a complex political environment.
- Full New Zealand Driver Licence.

Mō te tīma | About the team
The Legal Services Unit provides legal advice on many aspects of DOC's business. We have 30+ lawyers throughout New Zealand, located in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Rotorua, Invercargill, Nelson, Whangarei and Hamilton. We cover a wide range of legal and Treaty of Waitangi related work. We deliver efficient and effective legal services focused on the Minister's priorities and DOC's stretch goals. We have strong relationships with DOC's other business units and our Treaty partner.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?
Te Papa Atawhai is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve, creating an inclusive workplace culture, supporting the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and lifting our cultural capability. We encourage our people to bring their authentic self and unique perspectives to work, in pursuit of our collective aspirations. Our commitment to well-being and professional development includes:

- Flexible working opportunities suited to your role.
- Career development, secondment and training opportunities to help you realise your goals.
- Study assistance in programmes that are relevant to your work.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and discounted medical insurance.
- Great discounts on DOC accommodation and outdoor apparel and gear so you're ready for your next adventure.
- Te Pukenga Atawhai - Cultural Capability Development Programme.

The salary range for this position is $76,039.00 - $103,078.00 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.
Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory - this