Legal Counsel

Here is a stunning opportunity to join one of New Zealand’s premier in-house legal teams and organisations and be involved in important and impactful legal work. About the organisation We are the Kaitiaki / Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation. We are proud of our Te Whāinga / Our purpose: Sustainable investment delivering strong returns for all New Zealanders. We invest the NZ Super Fund, a global investment fund helping to ensure the country can pay for the growing cost of universal superannuation (New Zealand Superannuation) in the future. We also oversee the Elevate Fund, which invests in small, fast-growing New Zealand companies. At the Guardians there’s an energy, passion and a shared commitment to excellence: in 2022 the NZ Super Fund was named the world’s best-performing sovereign wealth fund. The work is complex, innovative and intellectually stimulating. Sustainable finance, including a commitment to being net zero by 2050, is core to our Mātāpono / way of working. About the role A new Legal Counsel role has been created in the Guardians’ highly regarded, award winning in-house legal team. The position represents a unique and exciting opportunity to join a collaborative and inclusive legal team and contribute to a distinctive, values-led business that exists for the benefit of all New Zealanders. The legal team works across all areas of the business and helps the Guardians’ achieve its strategic and legal objectives. The Legal Counsel will work closely with senior members of the team and gain exposure to a wide variety of interesting and challenging legal work. This includes both transactional and corporate advisory work along with broader day to day and operational advice to business units. In particular, the Legal Counsel will assist in providing legal input on the Guardians’ third-party relationships and activities; deliver legal support in relation to the investment activities of the fund; prepare, review and negotiate varied contracts and advise on regulatory, risk and compliance matters. There is the opportunity to actively participate in relevant internal committees, forums and working groups, and collaborate with senior colleagues and peers at the top of their professions.  We are seeking a highly engaged and motivated individual who takes a proactive and flexible approach, is willing to get involved in diverse legal areas, and contribute positively to team culture.  What we are looking for

• Qualified lawyer with NZ practising certificate (or eligibility to hold one). 
• Mid-level legal experience with a background in corporate and commercial law.
• Some transactional experience from any of the following would be of interest but is not essential: M&A, banking & finance and/or investment funds. 
• Willingness to learn and assist in diverse legal areas.
• Collegial, constructive approach, with the ability to foster both internal and external relationships. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

What’s on offer

• A dynamic, exciting place to work with a team unified by a common purpose of sustainable investment delivering strong returns for all New Zealanders.
• Competitive remuneration package including base salary, discretionary bonus programme, and up to 8% KiwiSaver matching.
• World class professional development, career pathways and job rotation opportunities.
• Comprehensive leave and benefits programme including strong parental leave package and insurance cover.
• Flexible and accessible work environment that reflects the Guardians’ commitment to equity and an inclusive team.

How to apply The Guardians’ encourage and welcome applications from people with diverse experience, including applicants interested in discussing flexible work options and those with specific disability needs. As a proudly committed equal opportunity employer, the Guardians’ challenge discrimination and actively work to eliminate bias in their hiring practices. Diversity of experience and diversity of background help them to solve complex problems and deliver on their purpose. The Guardians’ recognise the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and invest in partnership with a range of Iwi/Māori organisations. They warmly welcome and value Mana Whenua who wish to work with them. They are committed to understanding Te Ao Māori and integrating it into their workplace culture, for the benefit of all future generations in Aotearoa. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Jennifer Williams at Williams Legal Recruitment Limited on 027 220 8003 or jw@williamslegalrecruitment.co.nz   Job Identification 1216 Posting End Date 26/04/2024#J-18808-Ljbffr