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General Counsel - Environment Canterbury - Christchurch

In-House Job Hub » General Counsel - Environment Canterbury - Christchurch

General Counsel

  • Commercially minded lawyer leading the legal framework for key decision making
  • Work with a high level of integrity and independence for the business providing unbiased advice
  • Influence and lead a highly skilled team of professionals


Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | About Environment Canterbury

Environment Canterbury is the regional council for one of New Zealand's largest, most diverse, and naturally stunning regions. The stated mission of this vital organisation is to work with the community, taking action together to shape a thriving and resilient Canterbury, now and for future generations/Toitū te marae o Tāne, toitū te marae o Tangaroa, toitū te iwi.

 

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the opportunity

To lead a team of highly skilled legal professionals for the provision of vital advice on strategic legal matters for Environment Canterbury while enabling the organisation to stay true to its values and mission, we need a highly trustworthy, solutions focused leader who can withstand and respond to pressure and balance risk to ensure strong legal safeguards are in place for the organisation. Based in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, the role of General Counsel is a critical position reporting to and working closely with the Chief Executive.

As a strategic advisor to the Chief Executive and Council, the General Counsel will:

  • Lead and manage a high performing legal function

  • Lead the legal framework that facilitates and supports strong executive decision making

  • Mitigate risks of legal challenge in accordance with all statutory and legal obligations

  • Advise on appropriate strategic and operational legal actions

  • Ensure appropriate advocacy is provided on all matters that are required by Council

  • Manage the cost of internal and external legal resources

This role is dynamic and impactful across the organisation and has the opportunity to support the shaping of future decisions, actions and regional leadership across our local environment. 

 

About you

To be successful as the General Counsel, you will have at least 10 years PQE with a career demonstrating
diverse and deep experience, ideally – but not necessarily - in commercial contracts law, property transactions, Local Government legislation, local and or central government policy, and official information situations. As mana whenua are key stakeholders in our region and within Environment Canterbury as an organisation, an understanding of principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and an affinity with the organisation’s values will be important.

A strong level of commercial acumen and the ability to balance a range of risks, you will be known for your ability to swiftly and confidently provide well-considered, yet practical advice and you are “a trusted advisor” at an executive and governance level. You will have an understanding of the Resource Management Act and how it applies within the Local Government context.

This role will suit an influential, intelligent, commercially capable and passionate legal professional who is ready to take on this critical, influential, leadership role within a complex and dynamic environment. Are you ready?

 

How to apply

Apply here

To discover more about Environment Canterbury visit www.ecan.govt.nz
For a confidential discussion about the role; please contact Kerry Ellis on 021 0886 7475 or
email [email protected]

View detailed position description


Applications close: Thursday 22nd September 2022