Ministry of Social Development→
Principal Legal Advisor | Permanent at Ministry of… · Location…
Job Description
- Be our sole in-house legal advisor, providing trusted advice and influencing decisions across the agency.
- Work across complex commercial, contracting and public law matters in a dynamic environment.
- Help shape legal frameworks and commissioning arrangements that support better outcomes for New Zealanders.
It's an exciting time to join us as we lead change across the public service to implement social investment and support Government to achieve better outcomes from social sector spending.
Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role
We are looking for an experienced Principal Legal Advisor to provide high-quality, practical and commercially astute legal advice across the Social Investment Agency.
As our sole in-house legal advisor, you will work closely with senior leaders and teams across the agency, providing trusted advice that supports effective decision-making, manages legal risk and enables delivery.
This is a varied and influential role where you will:
- Provide strategic and practical legal advice across commercial contracts, procurement, commissioning, privacy, information sharing and public law.
- Support the design and negotiation of funding agreements, provider arrangements and social investment initiatives, ensuring legal considerations are addressed early.
- Strengthen legal risk management, governance and organisational capability, while overseeing the effective use of external legal advice.
You'll work at the intersection of law, public policy and social investment, helping the agency navigate complex legal matters and develop practical solutions that support better outcomes for New Zealanders.
He kōrero mōu | About you
You'll be an experienced legal professional who enjoys working across a broad range of matters, building trusted relationships and finding practical solutions to complex challenges.
We're looking for someone who brings:
- At least 10 years' post-qualification legal experience, including significant expertise in public, commercial or regulatory law.
- Strong experience in contracts, procurement, funding arrangements and commercial negotiations.
- Sound judgement and the confidence to provide clear, pragmatic and legally robust advice to senior leaders.
- The ability to balance legal risk with organisational priorities, commercial considerations and public sector obligations.
- An understanding of the New Zealand public sector, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and effective Crown–Māori relationships.
You'll hold a Bachelor of Laws or equivalent qualification, be admitted or eligible for admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, and hold a current New Zealand practising certificate.
Experience in social investment, commissioning, or working with iwi, Māori entities and community organisations would be an advantage.
Above all, you'll be someone who can work independently, build strong relationships and make complex legal advice accessible, constructive and solutions-focused.
Utu ā-tau | Salary
The salary range for this role is $153,344 – $216,485. Starting salaries reflect skills and experience relevant to the role, with offers generally made between $153,344 – $180,405.
Please note that this is a permanent position. We welcome expressions of interest from employees seeking a secondment and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements, including 0.8 FTE.
Ko wai mātou | About us
The Social Investment Agency is a central agency, set up to lead the social investment approach to improve people's lives and to support the Government to achieve better outcomes from social service expenditure. Social investment involves using data to understand people's needs and the best prevention points, implementing evidence-based approaches to improving outcomes, and testing that they've been successful. The Agency has a particular focus on cross-sector work to address the most pervasive social sector challenges.
We are committed to having a safe and inclusive workplace and value the diversity everyone brings. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of gender identity, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or religion. 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.
Tono mai | How to Apply
To apply for this role, please click the 'Apply Now' button and follow the online process. To view a copy of the position description, please click here: Principal Legal Advisor, position description
Applications close at 11.59pm, Sunday 08th of November. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and suitable candidates may be invited to interview before the closing date. We encourage interested applicants to apply early.
If you have any questions, please email peopleandculture@sia.govt.nz
We look forward to receiving your application.