Legal Manager (National Office) - Permanent

• Based in National Office Wellington
• Plenty of people engagement and across a variety of areas of law
• Deal with interesting and challenging legal issues alongside a team of exceptional lawyers
• Be part of a collaborative and supportive management team

We are looking for an experienced people leader with excellent legal skills and experience to help make a difference for tamariki and their whānau.

About us | Mō mātou
The National Office legal team at Oranga Tamariki is experienced, strategic, agile and focused on outcomes. The team's work has been recognised through being a finalist in the 2022 ILANZ public sector in-house team of the year award and a Solicitor-General commendation at the Government Legal Network Awards 2024.

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

The legal services team support the Ministry to achieve the goal of all tamariki being in loving whānau and communities where Oranga Tamariki can be realised. The team is a central part of the business providing strategic advice, support and advocacy across all work areas.


About the role | Mō te tūnga
The purpose of this role is to co-lead the National Office Legal to deliver a transformational service that proactively supports business needs. This role is influential in ensuring timely, high quality and effective strategic legal services are provided to the Chief Executive, Leadership team and managers of the enabling functions that support the business activities of Oranga Tamariki.
Working closely with the Chief Legal Officer and the second National Office Legal Manager you will have a significant role in shaping legal services provision across Oranga Tamariki to support our organisational change agenda in a way that meets our ambitions for tamariki and whānau.
The National Office team is one of seven legal teams within Oranga Tamariki, with the other six teams focusing on supporting social work and proceedings in the Family Court. Working collectively, our lawyers support Oranga Tamariki to achieve the goal of all tamariki being in loving whānau and communities where Oranga Tamariki can be realised.

Key responsibilities include:

• Setting the standard on "what we do" and "how" we do our mahi that recognises our Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments, te ao Māori principles and the Oranga Tamariki values.
• Leading and developing the National Office team to ensure that lawyers deliver proactive legal services and advice to accomplish the goals, strategies and priorities of Oranga Tamariki
• Driving a culture of high performance with a focus on providing expert timely service to those who are working for better outcomes for tamariki - Ensure that the experience of the National Office legal services team informs future legal policy, strategy and advice

What you will bring | Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu

You will come to us with management experience and a demonstrated ability to motivate and lead change with a high level of political awareness and knowledge of machinery of government.
You will work to help build and maintain your team's capability and skill. You will be able to demonstrate your experience leading in a complex environment and will be skilled in relationship management and influencing. You will enjoy working in a dynamic environment and leading cultural change.
You are an excellent creative and strategic thinker and willing to challenge the status quo. You will be naturally collaborative and enjoy working with a diverse range of stakeholders to make a real difference for tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $174k and $193k per annum, dependant on experience.
We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.
To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit: https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply
Apply online with your CV and Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you register or login using your work email address.
For reporting and transparency, it is important that all applications are submitted through our careers site, please do not email through applications and/or CVs.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact info_recruit@ot.govt.nz
Applications close: 11:30pm Friday 22nd November 2024
Oranga Tamariki is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. We also support flexible working arrangements.
If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol