Lawyer Policy and Legislation - Wellington
Wellington, NZ
About our team | Mō te tīma
- Permanent full time position available
The Policy and Legislation team works collaboratively across MSD to advise on operational, policy and legislative matters, in a way which achieves the Ministry’s regulatory stewardship obligations.
As part of the Policy and Legislation team you will get the opportunity to work with talented colleagues that will support you to develop your skills as a Lawyer while contributing to work that has a meaningful impact on the lives of New Zealanders.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As a Lawyer in the Policy and Legislation Legal Team, you will play a key role in delivering high quality legal advice across MSD’s policy, legislative, and operational work.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing legal advice on a broad range of operational and public law matters
- Supporting policy development and regulatory reform
- Drafting secondary legislation, and working directly with the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office on the drafting of primary legislation
- Identifying and managing legal risk across complex and politically sensitive matters
- Ensuring MSD meets its legal and compliance obligations
This role will require you to work collaboratively with colleagues from across the Ministry as well as with Lawyers, Senior Lawyers and Principal Counsel within MSD Legal.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
Applicants must be admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in New Zealand and hold (or be eligible for) a practicing certificate.
Our ideal candidate will have:
- An understanding of legal, policy, and practice issues relevant to the Ministry’s business including the legislation MSD administers and works with
- Proven ability to provide high-quality legal services within a complex political and regulatory environment
- The ability to work collaboratively with excellent relationship building skills
- Prior experience in the Government Legal Network
- At least 2 years post qualification experience
Strong applicants that do not strictly meet all of the above criteria will be considered for the role.
Please reach out to michael.fitzgerald017@msd.govt.nz if you would like to discuss the position before applying.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $90,743.00 - $109,980.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Thursday 22nd October 2026
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.
We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
