• Permanent opportunity focused on construction law and construction contract drafting in respect of the Kāinga Ora build programme
• A person with strong thought and people leadership skills, together with a meaningful commitment to contribute to the operation of the wider Legal Team and to the attainment of the organisation's core strategic priorities
• You will be a member of the Legal Leadership team with colleagues leading legal teams in respect of Property Law, Public Law & Litigation, Legal Operations, Māori Interests, Commercial Law and Resource Management
• A salary of $206,329 per annum plus 5 weeks annual leave, plus KiwiSaver and a suite of insurance benefits
• Location: Ideally based in Auckland but will consider Wellington and Christchurch

Mō mātou - Our Organisation
At Kāinga Ora, ours is the important responsibility of transforming New Zealand's housing choices, outcomes and the entire housing sector by creating homes and communities that allow New Zealanders to thrive.

What is exciting about working for Kāinga Ora is getting the chance to make a real and positive impact on New Zealanders' lives. With skills, planning and purposeful action, our people are creating the homes and neighbourhoods that will build the future of Aotearoa.

We are passionate about transforming New Zealand for the better. That includes being a trusted partner for Māori and iwi, protecting and enabling their rights, interests and aspirations under the guidance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Ko tā mātou mahi - Our Role
Reporting to the General Counsel, you will lead a team of 10 solicitors specialising in building and construction law.

As the Associate General Counsel – Construction, you will provide strategic legal advice to the organisation on all matters in respect of the development drafting and management of the full range of construction contracts. Our move to the Housing Delivery System model at Kāinga Ora also provides an opportunity to work with the HDS team to ensure the contracting model is innovative and efficient.

Thought leadership will come naturally to you and you will be confident in your ability to influence and promulgate ideas along with identifying and embedding strategic opportunities for the organisation.  You will also be confident in providing specialist advice to the Board and senior leaders on behalf of the General Counsel. The role offers significant opportunities to contribute to the success of the organisation beyond simply providing the legal perspective. 

We are looking for a strong leader of people and ideas, someone who works collaboratively with others and who has the commitment to drive the role to meaningfully contribute to our organisation's success. 

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu - What you will bring

• Demonstrated ability to lead strategically using deliberate, thoughtful long-term thinking, whilst balancing current business needs and preparing for and responding to future challenges and opportunities 
• Demonstrated experience leading highly skilled, high performing and engaged management and professional legal teams in a multi-faceted and demanding environment 
• In-depth knowledge of New Zealand's legal system, particularly in the development, drafting and managing of construction contracts
• Provide high quality strategic/legal advice on all matters that affects, or can potentially affect, Kāinga Ora on construction and contracting issues
• A good working understanding of Te Ao Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi
• A current NZLS Practicing Certificate
• Deep understanding of NZ Legislation around building & construction law, including commercial agreements, litigation and disputes, consumer law, insurance, trade practices, IP etc.
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship management and networking skills 
• The behavioural characteristics and skills required to work in a matrixed environment 
• Interest in public sector structure, governance, processes and systems 
• Experience navigating and operating in a regulated environment, experience working constructively across functions and track record of building and maintaining the trust of all stakeholders 

Nōu te rourou - What's in it for you?  
We offer competitive salaries, five weeks' annual leave and a benefits package including a range of insurances, flexible working arrangements and career development. These benefits are described in more detail here.

As a Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities employee, we want to make sure that you have all the tools and support you need. We want to ensure you are healthy and have work-life balance. We also want to support and grow your personal and career development through on-the-job learning, training courses, secondments and study opportunities. 

Ō Tātou Uara - Our Values
Our values were developed by us, for us. They unite us as an organisation and guide how we work every day. Our values are:

• Manaakitanga - People at the Heart
• Mahi Tahi - Better Together
• Whanake - Be Bold

Tūhono mai - Join us
To view the position description and apply for this role, please follow the online process link.

Please note: all applicants, including existing employees, need to follow this process. If you have any questions, please contact the recruitment team via Kaingaora.recruit@kaingaora.govt.nz

Applications close on Sunday, 26 November 2023.

We value diversity and are committed to working with each other and our customers in an inclusive and respectful way. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and appreciate the richness of experience that your point of difference brings to the organisation.