Senior Legal Counsel

About us

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko is an independent Crown entity that regulates the electricity market. We are a kaitiaki of electricity, and our purpose is to enhance New Zealanders’ lives, prosperity, and environment through electricity.

The electricity industry is at a pivotal moment, with the journey towards renewable energy sources and innovation reshaping how we operate. To meet these challenges and opportunities, we’re evolving as an organisation – growing our capabilities, expanding our reach, and building a team ready to create a brighter, more sustainable future for Aotearoa. Our focus is on making a difference through bold thinking, collaboration, and delivering value for the communities we serve.

About the role

We are looking for a Senior Legal Counsel to join our established and supportive in-house legal team. In this senior role, you will work closely with the Manager – Legislation, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and teams across the organisation to provide expert legal advice and analysis, with a focus on supporting the development of market policy and secondary legislation. 

Key responsibilities

You will support the Authority through:

• Interpreting and applying the law relating to the Authority’s functions, particularly the Electricity Industry Act 2010, related regulations, the Electricity IndustryParticipation Code 2010 (Code) and applicable administrative law
• Drafting and assisting with amendments to the Code
• Reviewing Board papers, Committee papers, consultation papers and decision papers
• Drafting and reviewing Authority policies and advising on compliance with legal obligations
• Providing legal advice related to Ministerial support and other functions of the Authority
• Assisting the Legal Compliance and Corporate Team with compliance and corporate activities as required, including drafting, reviewing and interpreting contracts, managing litigation and compliance processes, and assisting with governance matters and privacy officer duties
• Providing legal education to the organisation
• Improving existing processes and identifying opportunities to enhance the legal function.

Our ideal candidate

You will bring the following:

• A tertiary qualification (LLB or equivalent) with 6+ years PQE.
• Admission as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand.
• An understanding of public sector legal issues and requirements.
• Sensitivity to the unique issues of working within the public sector framework.
• Excellent critical reasoning and analytical skills.
• The ability to interpret, apply, and draft legislation.
• Curiosity, flexibility, and openness in integrating ideas, information, and differing perspectives.
• An aptitude for quickly understanding technical information.
• The ability to prioritise work and manage competing deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• The ability to build and maintain relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

Although it’s not a requirement, experience in the energy sector or in a crown entity would be an advantage.

Why work for us?
The salary for this role starts at $153,000.00 , and we're open to negotiation with the right candidate, based on skills and experience.

We support a healthy work-life balance and offer a range of benefits to support our teams.

• A 3% net contribution to your Kiwisaver
• Flexible working options 
• Ongoing training, support, and professional development to help you grow
• A range of health, wellbeing, and social initiatives including wellbeing and working from home allowances, access to Habit Health EAP services for you and your whānau
• Regular social events to connect with colleagues across the year.

Are you interested? 
If you're ready for a challenge and want to help shape the future of electricity in New Zealand, click "apply now" and complete the online application form including a cover letter. More detailed information about this position can be found in the position description on https://ea.careercentre.net.nz/job, if you have any additional questions about this role, please email MyHR@ea.govt.nz.

To apply for this role, you must have a legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of submitting your application.

Applications close Wednesday 23 April 2025

We may start considering applications as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early.