Senior Legal Counsel (Fixed-Term To June 2027)

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko is New Zealand's independent electricity market regulator. This fixed-term Senior Legal Counsel role focuses on privacy, data, technology and regulation, providing trusted advice across AI governance, data governance and information governance.

You will partner with subject matter experts across the organisation to shape regulatory approaches and support strategic priorities in a rapidly evolving sector.

Qualifications

• LLB or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admission as Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.
• At least six years' post-qualification experience providing legal advice in public sector, private practice or in-house environment.
• Strong expertise in privacy law and practical application of the Privacy Act.
• Experience advising on commercial, intellectual property and technology legal issues.
• Understanding of public sector legal issues and requirements.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for emerging issues such as AI governance, data management and technology-enabled change.

Skills

Privacy law

Technology law

Data governance

Regulatory advisory

AI governance

Education

LLB or equivalent

Barrister and Solicitor admission

Job description

Job description

Ko mātou - About us

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko is New Zealand's independent electricity market regulator. We work to ensure New Zealanders have access to reliable, affordable electricity by supporting a well-functioning electricity system and market. Our vision is reliable electricity at lowest cost for New Zealand consumers. Our strategic priorities focus on building an electricity sector that is reliable, efficient and works well for consumers. We work to strengthen electricity markets and system security, enable greater flexibility and innovation, support efficient networks, and be a strong, responsive regulator that protects consumers. New Zealand's energy future is changing rapidly. As the country electrifies and renewable generation continues to grow, our electricity system is becoming more dynamic, complex and interconnected than ever before. These changes bring exciting opportunities, but also important challenges that require thoughtful regulation and innovative thinking. Join a high-performing team, working at the heart of New Zealand's energy transition. The work is meaningful, challenging and nationally significant. Together, we're shaping the rules, settings and decisions that will help deliver a more reliable and affordable electricity future for all New Zealanders.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to apply your privacy and technology law expertise in a sector undergoing rapid transformation. As Senior Legal Counsel, you'll work at the intersection of privacy, data, technology and regulation, helping the Authority navigate emerging opportunities and risks responsibly. You'll partner with subject matter experts across the organisation, providing trusted legal advice on privacy, digital procurement, AI and data-related initiatives that support the Authority's strategic priorities. You'll lead and contribute to significant privacy projects, advise on Privacy Act obligations, support information governance and help shape approaches to emerging issues such as AI governance, data sovereignty and digital innovation. This fixed-term role offers the chance to develop your expertise, influence important organisational decisions and contribute to work that has a direct impact on New Zealand consumers and the future of the electricity sector.

Nōu te rourou - What you'll bring

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent legal qualification
• Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand
• At least six years' post-qualification experience providing legal advice in a public sector organisation, private practice or in-house environment
• Strong expertise in privacy law and experience applying the Privacy Act in a practical setting
• Experience advising on commercial, intellectual property and technology legal issues
• An understanding of public sector legal issues and requirements
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Curiosity, adaptability and enthusiasm for emerging issues such as AI governance, data management and technology-enabled change

Experience or interest in data science, digital innovation, information governance or Responsible AI would be highly regarded. While we are looking for a senior lawyer, we will consider applicants with less post-qualification experience if they bring experience in data science, digital innovation, information governance or Responsible AI.

Ngā hua ka riro ki a koe - What's in it for you?

Electricity underpins almost everything we do. Here, you'll work on issues that matter to New Zealand, alongside people who care deeply about getting them right. You'll have the opportunity to do challenging, important work in a collaborative environment where your thinking is valued and your contribution is visible. And you'll have the flexibility and support to make it work for you, including:

• Training and development
• Flexible working arrangements
• A friendly, intellectually stimulating workplace, alongside colleagues who are supportive and generous with their experience

Nau mai koutou katoa - Everyone is welcome here

We value the different experiences, perspectives and backgrounds people bring to our work. We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

To view a copy of the position description, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://expressonline.haineslink.co.nz/pdfs/808109_JobDesc.pdf