Mō te tūnga | 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. Reporting to Manager, Resources Law, this role requires general expertise in three disciplines - land, contract/commercial and employment law. However your speciality is employment law, primarily providing advice, support and advocacy on employment matters.

You will:

• Advise on all aspects on employment law including grievances and disputes, performance and disciplinary processes, complaints and investigations and employment agreements.
• Appear at mediations and the Employment Relations Authority.
• Assist the commercial procurement team including reviewing, drafting and approving significant commercial contracts.
• Provide legal advice and support for commercial, property, leases and other in-house matters.

This is a 12 month fixed term position from 1 December 2024 – 1 December 2025 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 one-two days a week.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā 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. Some commercial law experience is required, litigation or property exposure is advantageous.
You will have at least five years post admission experience in employment and / or commercial law, 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 preferred but not essential.
Nōu 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 pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply
Applications close on Thursday 19 September 2024.
Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• 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.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.
NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.
NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

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.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.