Senior Specialist Legal
Mō tēnei mahi | About this job
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is seeking an experienced legal professional to step into a Senior Specialist – Legal role within the Strategy and Transformation function. Reporting to the Director – Legal, Risk and Compliance, this position plays a critical role in safeguarding the organisation’s integrity, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring compliance across a dynamic and values-led environment.
As a trusted advisor to senior leadership, you will provide high-quality legal guidance across a broad portfolio including regulatory compliance, governance, risk management, privacy, contracts, and dispute resolution.
You will:
- Deliver proactive legal advice and support to senior stakeholders and kaimahi across the organisation
- Lead and embed a robust privacy programme, including risk assessments, breach management, and liaison with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner
- Identify and mitigate legal and organisational risk, contributing to policies and frameworks that strengthen compliance and governance
- Support the drafting, review, and management of contracts and legal documentation
- Contribute to governance excellence, including legislative compliance and organisational policy frameworks
- Build strong relationships across internal and external networks, including iwi, regulators, and legal partners
Aligned to Te Kaupapa Matua, you will uphold and integrate Te Ao Māori values, ensuring all legal activity supports the mana and mission of the Wānanga.
This is a unique opportunity to apply your legal expertise within a kaupapa Māori organisation that is shaping the future of indigenous tertiary education.
Mōu | About you
You are a senior legal professional who combines technical expertise with sound judgement, cultural awareness, and a collaborative approach. You thrive in complex environments and are confident engaging with senior leaders on strategic and sensitive matters.
You will bring:
- A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a current practising certificate from the New Zealand Law Society
- At least 5 years’ legal experience, ideally within a complex in-house, public sector, or education environment
- Demonstrated experience in privacy, compliance, and legal risk management
- Strong capability in interpreting legislation, providing advice, and drafting legal documents to a high standard
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively
- Strong analytical thinking and a pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset
Importantly, you will also demonstrate:
- A genuine commitment to Te Ao Māori, tikanga, and kaupapa Māori principles
- The ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups, including iwi and community partners
- Integrity, discretion, and a commitment to ethical practice
Kua whati te tai, tono mai! | Apply today!
If you are ready to contribute your legal expertise to an organisation with a powerful kaupapa and national impact, we would love to hear from you.
Join us in supporting the protection and advancement of mātauranga Māori, while shaping strong, resilient legal and governance frameworks for the future.
Apply now and be part of a purpose-driven organisation where your mahi truly matters.
