Employment Lawyer

**Mo te tunga | About the role**

You will provide timely, accurate and effective legal advice to maintain the NZDF's legal reputation, minimise legal risk and ensure legal compliance. This role specialises in employment law, primarily providing advice, support and advocacy on employment matters.

You will:

- Advise on all aspects of employment law including grievances and disputes, performance and disciplinary processes, complaints and investigations, employment agreements and restructuring processes.
- Appear at mediations and the Employment Relations Authority.

This is a fixed term position until January 2026 for parental leave cover.

This role is based in Wellington CBD. Once you are familiar with the role and up to speed, there is the option of working from home up to two days a week.

**Please Note**: The formal title for this role within the NZDF is Assistant Manager Resources Law.

**_ We are prepared to offer competitive pay matched to your experience. For more information on the remuneration range, please contact us using the 'Contact Us' button below._**

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

You will have the ability to build effective relationships as well as a high level of discretion and confidence. Employment law expertise is essential. You must be comfortable working with complex employment matters, including appearing at mediations and before the Employment Relations Authority.

You will have three-five years post admission experience with a minimum of two years in employment law. You must have a LLB Degree and the ability to hold a practising certificate as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.

This role requires occasional domestic travel to complete mediation or litigation activities.

A Class 1 Full Driver's Licence is required.

**Nou te rourou | What's in it for you**

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning - safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all - irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics - NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

**Me pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply**

Applications close on **Monday 24 March 2025**.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

**Please Note**:

- Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
- Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

**Please Note**:
To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:
Higher Level Security Clearance
- You **must** be a New Zealand citizen **or** you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence **or** have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
- At minimum, you **must** hold New Zealand Permanent Residence **or** have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, **and** you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
- You **must** have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.