Manager Agriculture, Forestry & Corporate Law – Legal Services
Do you have extensive experience of legal practice in the public sector?
Do you thrive on providing robust and creative legal solutions in a changing legislative and commercial context?
Are you able to lead a team of enthusiastic legal professionals working in (and on) the legal regimes affecting agriculture, forestry and MPI's corporate activities?
We've realigned our legal team to support MPI's business units. As part of this realignment we need exceptional leaders to drive the new focus forward. Our Agriculture, Forestry & Corporate Law team supports MPI's staff working in those areas with advice on a mix of issues including statutory interpretation and development of legislation, resource management law, forestry transactions, the emissions trading scheme, public sector procurement, and property and commercial transactions. We need your skills as an experienced lawyer who can take responsibility for delivering the legislative, operational and commercial advice they need, personally and through a team of dedicated and enthusiastic lawyers.
Mo to matou ropu | About our team
Legal Services contributes to the achievements of MPI by advising on legal risks and opportunities, helping to deliver legally robust solutions, and turning policy into effective legislation. We enjoy working in (and on) the complex and fascinating statutory regimes that MPI administers, knowing that what we do protects our environment and enhances the prosperity of New Zealanders. We are proud of our inclusive and supportive directorate culture, and strive to maintain that.
Korero mo te turanga | About the role
This is a new role, leading a newly established team. Most members of the team already have a background in emissions trading, forestry, property and/or commercial issues, including investment to support innovation in the primary industries. The team will need to grow further in the resource management area, and in its knowledge of the other legislation relating to agriculture and horticulture. You will need to draw on your knowledge of public law in regulatory contexts to provide legally sound and pragmatic advice; and to support the team in advising on more complex issues. Your leadership experience will foster the professional development of the team. Over time you will work with the team to identify further areas of work where clients can be supported effectively without legal advice on each transaction.
You will manage the team's work on legislation, working with policy teams and Parliamentary Counsel on Acts and regulations, and working with MPI staff on other delegated legislation. The team will have an overview of the legislation relating to agriculture and forestry, and facilitate feedback of operational experience into regulatory stewardship processes.
You will need to ensure the team provides prompt and reliable advice on operational and commercial issues, including public sector rules of sourcing.
You will need to earn the trust of our senior leaders as an adviser who can assist their decision-making and facilitate delivery of effective legislation. You will have the support of your peers in a leadership team that includes Principal Legal Advisers with expertise in legal risk management, resource management, litigation management and development of legislation.
The Legal Services directorate operates with a degree of flexibility around resources. Members of your team will periodically be required to contribute to projects across the range of the directorate's responsibilities.
Mou | About You
To join us you will need:
To be qualified to practise law in New Zealand and a current practising certificate (or eligibility to hold a practising certificate);
Extensive knowledge of government legal frameworks, public law, the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi; and commercial practice in a public sector context;
(Preferably) knowledge of environmental law relating to farming and forestry;
Experience of legal services management in a multi-disciplinary organisation;
Ability to gather, organise and communicate information quickly;
Ability quickly to understand the nature of a problem, identify a range of possible solutions, form conclusions and provide advice.
Mo te Manatu Ahu Matua | About MPI
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) works to ensure New Zealand will be the world's most sustainable provider of high-value food and primary products. It's no mean feat and we have a team of hard working and dedicated people in a variety of roles supporting us to make this happen!
Me pehea te tuku tono | How to apply?
Our work stretches all the way from the Beehive to the border and beyond. If you want a career where you help New Zealand's prosperity, sustainability and protection in a very real way then this is it. Our team is collegial, supportive and hard working. MPI has a focus on career pathways so this is the first step in your career with us and we will help you grow.
Salary range is $126,977 to midpoint $149,385 depending on skill set and experience.
See the benefits of working at MPI
To view the position description and apply for the role, please click on “APPLY NOW” in order to be directed to our website. For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Recruitment Adviser, Ruth at **********
Applications close:Sunday 24 November 2019
The Ministry for Primary Industries is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values inclusion and diversity. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to our communities in Aotearoa. In return you'll enjoy an inclusive and flexible working environment in a diverse team of people while you're growing your career here in NZ and internationally. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so that we can assist you through the recruitment process.
