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, whanau and communities. As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Maori, whanau, hapu, 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. Senior Lawyer, Northern Regional Legal team, Auckland Full time, Permanent opportunity Location: Ellerslie, Auckland Regional Office Put your legal skills and experience to work, helping New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent. We are seeking an enthusiastic senior lawyer with high levels of integrity and professionalism to join our supportive and collegial team, in providing quality legal services for the Ministry of Social Development. What you'll be doing | He aha tau e mahi ana The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is involved in supporting New Zealanders through income and housing support, wage subsidy and employment support. You will work with a broad range of internal clients to support the work that MSD does to help New Zealanders. The focus of this Senior Lawyer role is to provide quality advice to the regional staff and help our internal clients make great decisions while supporting the growth and development of their colleagues. You will need excellent statutory interpretation skills and ideally sound knowledge of the Ministry's legislation, policies, practices, and systems. Experience and/or familiarity with court processes and litigation is desirable. Government legal team experience, experience in training and developing lawyers is also desirable. You may also contribute to work done in other parts of the MSD Legal team. We are looking for a practical lawyer who would enjoy helping our internal clients lawfully achieve their goals. The focus of the role is providing advice to front line staff, advocacy on appeals before the Social Security Appeal Authority and conducting prosecutions in the District Court. What you'll need to succeed | Ko nga mea ka hiahiatia e koe kia angitu Our ideal Senior Lawyer must: Be curious, analytical and have a strong eye for detail. Provide clear legal advice on complex issues. Coach, mentor and develop Lawyers. Enjoy working collaboratively and developing trust relationships with clients. Support team working. Hold a current New Zealand practising certificate (or be eligible to hold one). Hold a full New Zealand driver's licence. What's in it for you | Nou te rourou We are committed to providing you with a positive work environment and you will work with like-minded people who want to get great results for New Zealanders. We focus on the growth and development of our staff. We care about the wellness of our people and you will join an inclusive and fun environment where we celebrate achievements and prioritise development. Our team values diversity and the Ministry has a flexible working policy. Our core values | Whanonga pono Manaaki – We care about the wellbeing and success of people. Mahi tahi – We work together, making a difference for communities. Whanau – We are inclusive and build a sense of belonging and place. Tika me te pono – We do the right thing with integrity. Our values represent who we are and what we stand for – if this role appeals to you, do not hesitate, apply now! For a further discussion about the role, please contact Vaiula Roberts, Team Manager MSD Legal by email: Salary range $116,827.00 - $141,873.00 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 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: Tuesday, 8 October 2024 Joining us Joining MSD means being part of a whanau 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 Maori, Hapu, 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr