Chief Legal Advisor | Tumuaki Kaitohu Ture (fixed term)

Auckland or Wellington based

Salary band: Exec24

• Join a passionate, diverse and dedicated team making a difference for Aotearoa New Zealand

• Exciting opportunity to lead and direct the legal work of Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission

• Flexible, collaborative, and supportive work environment

Mō te Kāhui Tika Tangata | About the Human Rights Commission

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata is an independent Crown entity with the mandate to protect human rights in Aotearoa|New Zealand and promote our human rights obligations domestically and internationally.

We have an excellent team with a true focus on building a Te Tiriti based organisation and a committed path to develop a commission that upholds Te Tiriti in all we do.

We are proud of the commitment of our people and their connection to our purpose. We are engaged, resilient and adaptable, using the breadth of our skills and experiences to support, advise and encourage a rights-respecting Aotearoa|New Zealand.

Ō mātau uara / Our Values are:

• Mana Tangata – Human Dignity

• Māia, Tika, Pono – Courage and Integrity

• Whanaungatanga – Relationships

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Our Legal, Research and Monitoring team works collaboratively to deliver expert legal advice, oversight of compliance requirements, reports to international human rights oversight bodies, submissions and legal policy work, management of the Commission’s role as a Central National Preventative Mechanism in monitoring places of detention and strategic legal interventions.

The Chief Legal Advisor will lead a small Legal, Research and Monitoring team to deliver legal solutions, being our lead internal legal counsel, and responsible for providing insightful and proactive services to our shared leaders, chief executive and Board. You will be a core member of Urungi, our senior leadership team and support the strategic and operational functioning of the Commission. The legal team must stay informed about detailed aspects of our daily operations while maintaining a clear strategic focus on a rights-respecting Aotearoa.

We envision this fixed-term role to commence early May 2026 to cover a period of Maternity leave for a minimum period of 12 months, with the possibility of an extension up to 18 months.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will need a law degree, a practicing certificate and a sophisticated understanding of domestic and international human rights law. Ideally, you also need experience in public and administrative law and public sector compliance requirements and you will also understand the complex and challenging landscape in which we operate. You will preferably have managed and led a team at a senior level and have experience operating as part of a senior leadership team.

You will have at least 10 years of legal experience, including experience managing a legal team and supervising legal staff. Some Government or state-sector experience would be an advantage in this role, as would relevant litigation experience.

You will be forward thinking, seek new ideas, accept challenges, identify opportunities, and manage risks. You will be a proactive, energetic and initiative-driven person who welcomes opportunities to work collaboratively with others.

You will have a track record in building meaningful professional relationships that drive positive change. Your demonstrated ability to apply policy and process in complex environments is essential, as is a working knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application to all work practices.

In return we offer a generous leave package, flexible working, inclusive and diverse work environment, where your contributions are valued and you can really make a positive difference.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

We are open to applicants with a broad range of relevant experience as we celebrate diversity.

To build a strong and representative workforce, we actively seek 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 position description and this advertisement are available in alternative formats and can be provided on request.

Click to download a position description and application form

To apply, please complete the application form by clicking “apply now”. Please ensure you include your cover letter and CV in your application.

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 and recruitment process. The job description and this advertisement are available in alternative formats and can be provided on request. 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

Please note that we will require referee details once a preferred candidate has been selected.

Applications close 3pm Tuesday 24th March 2026.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand. The role can be based in either our Auckland or Wellington office.