This role is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term position based in Wellington.
Ko wai matou - About OSPRI OSPRI is an integrated national disease management agency and a proud part of New Zealand's agricultural sector. We play an important part in protecting New Zealand's biosecurity system. OSPRI currently manages three major national programmes: TBfree (directed at the eradication of bovine tuberculosis), M.bovis (OSPRI manages the Mycoplasma bovis programme under a government industry agreement) and NAIT (National Animal Identification and Tracing System). We have a people strategy we are proud of where our vision is to have the most talented people doing their best work, feeling great about being a part of OSPRI.
Korero mo te turanga - About the role: We have a unique opportunity for an intermediate Legal Counsel to?join OSPRI to help establish and shape the legal and regulatory compliance function. In this pivotal role, you will provide advice on contracts, policy, regulations, and legislative reform. Working closely with our General Counsel, you will navigate complex decision-making, conduct legal research, interpret a range of legislation including the Biosecurity Act, Official Information Act, and Privacy Act, and contribute to our animal disease eradication programmes and initiatives.
This role goes beyond offering legal advice and ensuring compliance with New Zealand law. You will have the opportunity to shape outcomes and play a key role in OSPRI's future success. You'll contribute to the drafting, reviewing, and negotiating of key contracts, ensuring our agreements adhere to all legal and regulatory standards. Additionally, you'll provide precise guidance that supports informed decision-making and effective risk management.
In this role, you will establish valuable relationships, foster collaboration across OSPRI and with key stakeholders, and lend subject matter expertise to critical projects. You will also?champion legal compliance, develop policies, and stay updated on legislative changes. Korero mou - About you: We are looking for an intermediate lawyer with a demonstrated understanding of contract law, law reform, regulatory compliance, and the legal landscape which applies to access to information in New Zealand. Your ability to apply legislation and regulations practically and pragmatically is crucial in providing effective advice.
Your integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail will enable you to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines. You will provide strategic legal advice in compliance with New Zealand law. Strong strategic, analytical, problem-solving, and critical reasoning skills are essential.
The ability to move between disciplines is paramount, and your excellent writing skills will enable you to draft a range of key documents, including contracts, legal notices, and papers which support legal decision making. Your strong research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities will ensure effective handling of complex legal issues.
In addition, the successful candidate will have: A Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) approved by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education and a current practising certificate, or ability to apply for one. At least four years of experience in a legal counsel or similar role in New Zealand, preferably with expertise in environmental, agricultural, or biosecurity sectors.An understanding of any of the following: contract law, law reform and parliamentary process, the Official Information Act and Privacy Act, regulatory compliance, and legal risk identification and management. A proactive and can-do attitude with good interpersonal skills. Experience in designing, or supporting the development of, internal processes and procedures.
Me pehea te tono - How to apply:? To apply, please click 'Apply for this role' and include your cover letter and CV. Applications close at 4 pm Wednesday, 13 November 2024. Please note:?Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory, and this role requires a Ministry of Justice criminal history check and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.?
OSPRI supports a workplace of diversity, equity, and inclusion where our people feel welcomed, valued, and supported to do their best work. If you need specific support or accessibility adjustments to enable you to take part in this application process, please don't hesitate to contact us.