Principal Solicitor - Charter Schools / Legal Lead - Wellington
Help us to make a positive difference
At the Charter School Agency, our mission is to lift student achievement, strengthen and diversify our education system. We do this so that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.
Charter schools | kura hourua offer high quality education with diverse choices for students and families, greater flexibility for educators, and increased accountability.
With the child at the heart of what we do, we achieve better outcomes together.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
This is a full time, fixed term role for 12-15 months (until June 2026). Secondments may also be considered.
We’re looking for a problem solver to provide sound legal advice to the Charter School Agency’s Chief Executive and the Executive Leadership Team. Your advice and leadership will ensure we effectively implement and operate the model for charter schools | kura hourua, as set out in the Education and Training Act 2020.
The role includes providing advice on fast-turnaround matters relating to contract negotiations, assurance around our contract management approaches, and navigating the inherent risks and potential challenges relating to applications and contracting, performance and monitoring.
You will bring experience and confidence to the role, assisting the Agency with all legal matters, and building strong relationships with the Ministry of Education’s Chief Legal Advisor and Legal Services team.
You will be immersed in the Agency’s operating context and bring experience as a legal practitioner covering government, commercial and/or public law. To ensure that quality legal services are provided, you will be the key interface with the Ministry of Education’s Legal Services team and manage the provision of external legal advice (as required) to support the Agency’s functions and goals. You will be expected to transfer this knowledge within the Ministry’s Legal Services team to ensure functional resilience.
This role will report to the Head of Business Strategy and Services, with a dotted line to the Chief Legal Advisor at Ministry of Education, and the support of the Ministry’s Legal Services team.
Salary range: $139,346 – $169,396 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary based on their individual skills and experience.
For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.
About you | Mōhou ake
To be successful in this role you will have the following experience and capabilities:
Recognised as an expert practitioner – both as a legal generalist and in specialist subject area(s) including government, commercial and/or public law
Proven experience developing and managing stakeholder relationships, with the confidence to escalate risks and implement mitigations
Sound judgement and the self-confidence to take a stance
Integrity, self-motivation, flexibility, agility and responsiveness
Understanding of the New Zealand system of government, including the role of Ministers, Cabinet, Parliament and central agencies and the requirements relating to the conduct of Crown legal business
The ability to anticipate, identify and resolve problems in an innovative manner
Demonstrate initiative and a high degree of professional independence and self-discipline, remaining calm under pressure
Tertiary qualification in law (LLB or higher), ability to hold a practicing certificate and at least 10+ years PQE
Ability to assess legal risk and balance with Crown objectives
Strong analytical, logical and problem-solving skills
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships across a diverse group
Strong advisory capability, with effective written and verbal communication skills
Ability to both self-manage and to play an active role in a high functioning team
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
About our Agency | Mātau rōpū ake
The Charter School Agency is a departmental agency that receives services and support from the Ministry of Education. The Agency opened on 1 July 2024 and is responsible for the delivery of charter schools | kura hourua. The first tranche of charter schools opened in Term 1 2025 with a second tranche planned to open in the coming terms. You can find more information about charter schools here Charter schools | kura hourua.
This includes information about the differences between charter schools and state schools, about the Charter School Agency, about the Authorisation Board, and information for sponsors.
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.
For further information, please contact Duane McKibben, Head of Business Strategy and Services, at duane.mckibben@charterschools.govt.nz.
Applications close: Midnight Thursday 24 April 2025
We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
