Senior Legal Counsel

Bring your regulatory and corporate/commercial experience to this key role in RBNZ’s legal team working on issues that matter!

• Permanent, full-time role

• Wellington or Auckland based

• Join our collaborative and supportive team  

Te tūranga – The role  

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Legal Counsel to join our close-knit team of five lawyers based across our Wellington and Auckland offices. Reporting to the Associate General Counsel, this key role will have an important impact through the delivery of legal advice that enhances RBNZ’s reputation and helps us deliver on our priorities. Sitting within the Enterprise Services Group, your work will contribute to our purpose of driving RBNZ’s strategic objectives. You will also have the opportunity to mentor and coach more junior lawyers in the team.

The Legal team are highly regarded within RBNZ and are actively sought out to advise on a wide range of matters across the organisation.  You will work alongside senior leaders, policy experts, operational teams and supervisors on issues that matter—financial stability and resilience, regulatory reform, monetary policy and access to cash. Your advice will directly inform critical decisions that impact the New Zealand economy.  

In this role you will: 

• Act as a corporate legal adviser to the Bank under the direction and guidance of the RBNZ’s General Counsel, and Associate General Counsel, and in accordance with the RBNZ’s Legal Services Charter and Lawyers Conduct and Client Care rules. 

• Provide timely and high-quality legal services and advice to the Reserve Bank on a wide range of matters including: 

• Statutory interpretation,

• Public law issues,

• RBNZ’s functions, powers and obligations under relevant legislation, including in respect of its payment systems; supervision of banks, insurers and non bank deposit takers; issuance of currency; and monetary policy,

• General corporate matters.

Ō pūkenga – About you  

We are looking for a collaborative team member who can work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and develop trusted relationships across the organisation. To be successful in this role you will bring: 

• 6 years PQE in the public sector, a financial institution or regulatory body, with a current New Zealand practicing certificate 

• Strong statutory interpretation skills and an understanding of the regulatory environment 

• A pragmatic, solutions-focussed and client-centric approach to delivering legal advice 

• High quality written and oral communication skills, with an ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice 

Ko wai matou – Who we are  

We’re kaitiaki (guardians) of New Zealand’s financial ecosystem – enabling economic wellbeing and prosperity for all New Zealanders. We do this by providing money and cash, helping to keep prices stable and people in work, maintaining safe banking and underpinning the financial system that allows New Zealand to spend, save, insure and do business.   

We do all we can to support, a sustainable, productive and efficient economy built on integrity, innovation and inclusion. We’re building diversity and inclusion into everything we do. Our differences seed our innovation and help us deliver our best work – reflective of the needs of society. We welcome and value knowledge of Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Tikanga Māori.  

Ngā painga – What we can offer you  

The Reserve Bank - Te Pūtea Matua has so much to offer. From flexible working to an inclusive and positive workplace culture, our benefits include additional leave options, a wellness package, public transport subsidy, generous parental leave provisions, fitness passport, learning and development opportunities, and access to numerous social, networking and sporting activities.  Find more information about our benefits here: www.rbnz.govt.nz/careers/our-benefits     

The anticipated appointment range for this role is $149,338 to $174,228 (actual salary will be dependent on your skills and experience).

Come join us if you want to make an impact   

Working at the Reserve Bank – Te Pūtea Matua is about more than a job. Here you’ll have a career, a community, and an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others.  

Bring your talent, curiosity and expertise and we’ll help you do the rest. You’ll be part of one of the world’s most trusted and respected central banks. We’ll invest in you. And with you, we’re investing in New Zealand.  

Kōrero tāpiri – Additional information  

We welcome all people and we want everyone to be able to equitably participate in our recruitment process. Get in touch with us if there are any barriers to you applying, or if you have access needs and require support or adjustments.

Check out the position description or for more information email: [email protected]

Me pēhea te tuku tono – Interested?  

Apply online including your cover letter outlining why you think you’ll be a great fit for the role. Whilst acknowledging the growing use of AI, we kindly ask that the information you provide authentically represents you.

Applications close: Wednesday 19th August.