Senior Lawyer - Wellington and Christchurch
Wellington, NZ
About us
The Ministry of Social Development 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 and 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.
Permanent full time position available - Based in Wellington or Christchurch
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
- Support us to deliver solution-focused legal advice on corporate matters
- You will join at an exciting time as MSD engages with new and innovative ways of working
About our team | Mō te tīma:
Our Corporate Team is one of several legal teams within MSD Legal and is responsible for providing advice in relation to corporate matters, including procurement, commercial and social sector contracting, privacy, OIAs, delegations and health and safety.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
We are looking for a senior lawyer experienced in leading advice on corporate matters, particularly in the areas of contracting (commercial and social sector) and information sharing. Experience in providing such advice in a public sector context is a strong advantage.
As a Senior Lawyer in the Corporate Team, you will work closely with a range of Ministry business areas to identify legal risks to ensure MSD meets its legal and compliance obligations.
You will mentor and support other legal staff, contributing to the overall capability and excellence of MSD Legal. The Senior Lawyer role involves working collaboratively with others in the Corporate Team and across MSD Legal.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
Our ideal senior lawyer:
- provides clear legal advice on complex issues
- enjoys working collaboratively across a range of subject areas and has excellent relationship building skills
- can coach, mentor, and develop lawyers
- has experience in instructing and managing external legal counsel
- is observant of trends in technology and government policy, and the impact this has on our work.
- has a current practising certificate or the ability to immediately obtain one and we would prefer at least 5 years PQE.
Position Description
Salary range: $122,381.00 - $152,296.00
How to apply
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, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.
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.
Closing date: Sunday 7th September 2025
Joining us
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. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.
