Solicitor | Rōia

Salary Band 3B: $81,003-109,593

Location – Auckland or Wellington

Applications are invited for the position of Solicitor | Rōia for the Office of Human Rights Proceedings (OHRP). This is an exciting opportunity to work at the cutting edge of New Zealand human rights law litigation.

The Director of Human Rights Proceedings is a statutory officer who can provide free legal representation to individuals who complain of discrimination under the Human Rights Act 1993 and can bring privacy interference proceedings under the Privacy Act 2020.

The Director heads the OHRP. He is seeking to employ a Solicitor | Rōia to be based in Auckland or Wellington, with one to two years of post-admission experience, particularly in litigation or public law advice.

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role

The role’s responsibilities include:

• Assisting the Director and Deputy Director to assess applications for legal representation in the Human Rights Review Tribunal or courts.
• Analysing facts, researching the law, and drafting legal opinions and reasons.
• Providing legal advice and representation to clients, including in relation to settlement negotiations and Tribunal proceedings.
• Appearing in the Tribunal/courts as opportunities arise.

He kōrero mōu | About you

To be successful in this role you will have or be developing the following:

• An understanding of the Human Rights Act 1993, the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and the Privacy Act 2020.
• At least one to two years’ experience working in litigation.
• Excellent analytical skills, and the ability to write clearly and succinctly.
• Able to effectively organise, prioritise and multi-task.
• A demonstrated commitment to human rights in Aotearoa and/or internationally.
• Resilience: some experience in dealing with vulnerable individuals/groups would be ideal.
• A current, or the entitlement to, New Zealand Law Society practising certificate.

Mō te Tari Whakatau Take Tika Tangata | About the Office of Human Rights Proceedings

OHRP is publicly funded to provide free legal representation in discrimination and harassment cases under the Human Rights Act 1993, and interference of privacy cases under the Privacy Act 2020. This includes acting for clients in settlement negotiations, mediations, and proceedings before the Human Rights Review Tribunal.

OHRP consists of a small team, headed by the Director of Human Rights Proceedings, and is currently supported by a Deputy Director, a Senior Solicitor, a Solicitor, a Legal Executive/Executive Assistant and occasional part-time law clerks. We are an independent office that sits within Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission.

We promote human rights for all/whakamana tangata. We work for a free, fair, safe and just Aotearoa New Zealand, where diversity is valued, and human dignity and rights are respected. OHRP seeks to work in a Tiriti-based way, and we value skills and knowledge to support that approach, including understanding of Te Ao Māori. We are committed to building diversity, cultural competence, accessibility and inclusion in our workplace.

Ngā whaipainga o te mahi kei te Tari Whakatau Take Tika Tangata | Benefits of working at the Office of Human Rights Proceedings

• Generous leave package of five (5) weeks Annual Leave + an additional suite of leave, (Commission Days, Cultural Leave, Sick leave)
• Te Tiriti Based Organisation
• 37.5 hrs working week
• Flexible Working
• Career Progression
• Enhanced (above legislation) Parental Leave provisions.

Ō mātau uara / Our Values are:

Our values guide how we behave as an organisation and as individuals to achieve our mission:

• Mana Tangata – human dignity
• Māia, tika, pono – courage and integrity
• Whanaungatanga – relationships

Te Whakauruuru me te Kanorautanga | Inclusion & Diversity

We are open to applicants with a broad range of relevant experience.

We celebrate diversity. We do not discriminate in our hiring practices and, to build a strong and diverse workforce, actively seek a diverse applicant pool including those with a range of lived experiences. We welcome applications from disabled people, and from people with diverse ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds.

Please let us know, if any of our processes pose a barrier for you, or there is any support or assistance that would facilitate your participation in the application process. The job description and this advertisement are available in alternative formats and can be provided on request.

To download a job description, please click here.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

To apply – please complete the application form by clicking “apply for this job”. Please ensure you include your cover letter and CV in your application. You can address your application to: Greg Robins, Deputy Director of Human Rights Proceedings.

If you would like to get in touch with the People and Culture Team at the Human Rights Commission, please email peopleandculture@tikatangata.org.nz.

Applications close at midnight, Friday 2 May 2025.

Applicants must have legal working rights in Aotearoa New Zealand.