Senior Legal Counsel (Fixed-term to June 2027)

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development

Flexible working arrangements

Inclusive workplace

Job summary

The Electricity Authority is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to lead privacy, data, and technology law work in a dynamic regulatory environment. You will provide trusted advice across the organisation, focusing on Privacy Act obligations, information governance, and emerging issues like AI governance and data sovereignty.

This fixed-term role offers an opportunity to develop expertise and contribute to work with direct impact on New Zealand consumers, collaborating with subject matter experts and

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (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.

Responsibilities

• Provide privacy and technology law advice to the Authority.
• Navigate Privacy Act obligations and information governance.
• Support AI governance, data sovereignty and digital innovation initiatives.

Skills

Privacy law

Commercial law

Technology law

Public sector

Education

LLB or equivalent

Barrister and Solicitor admission

Job description

## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role**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**You'll bring a strong foundation in privacy and commercial law, along with the ability to turn complex legal issues into practical, risk-based advice. You enjoy working collaboratively, can quickly understand technical concepts, and are comfortable navigating new and emerging issues in a fast-changing environment.**You'll also 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 changeExperience 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**Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply**If you're ready to make an impact and help shape the future of electricity in New Zealand, click 'apply now' and submit your cover letter and CV.For further details, see the position description linked below. If you'd like to have a kōrero about the role, contact [e-mail] apply for this role, you must have a legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of submitting your application.**Applications close Sunday 11 October 2026 but we may start considering applications as they are received, so don't wait.**