Lead Strategic Advisor | Wellington | Fixed Term

\n Lead Strategic Advisor | Wellington | Fixed Term\n

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• Apply your policy and/or legal expertise to real-world outcomes
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• Support resolution for survivors of abuse in care
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Help shape fair and lawful outcomes for historic claims.

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At MSD, we support New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent.

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The Historic Claims team works to resolve claims of abuse in state care in a way that is fair, lawful, and mana manaaki.

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This role sits at the centre of complex legal, policy, and operational work across agencies.

About the role | Mō te tūnga\n

As Lead Strategic Advisor, you will:

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• Lead strategic advice to support the resolution of historic claims
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• Work with MSD Legal on litigation and legal risk
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• Translate legal advice into practical operational and policy responses
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• Support preparation for litigation, including coordinating agency input
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• Provide advice to senior leaders and Ministers on complex and sensitive issues
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This is a legal–policy–strategy role, requiring strong judgement and the ability to operate in a highly sensitive environment.

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This is a fixed term role ending 30 June 2027 and is based in our Wellington office.

Why this role matters\n

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• You will help ensure decisions are fair, lawful, and consistent with human rights obligations
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• You will contribute to improving outcomes for survivors of abuse in care
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• You will support public trust in government decision-making
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Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working at MSD\n

We are committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our work. You will apply Treaty principles and support culturally responsive engagement with Māori, whānau, hapū and iwi.

Legal expertise\n

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• Law degree (LLB or equivalent)
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• 3–5 years’ experience in a law firm or legal environment in New Zealand
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• Familiarity with the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
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• Strong understanding of: \n
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  • Privacy Act 2020 and information law
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  • New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and the Human Rights framework
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  • Public law and Crown decision-making
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Applying legal advice in practice\n

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• Experience taking legal advice and translating it into operational or policy settings
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• Ability to identify and manage legal risk in complex cases
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• Understanding of litigation processes and supporting court preparation
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Communication and influence\n

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• Strong writing skills, including briefings for senior leaders and Ministers
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• Proven ability to communicate clearly with senior managers and decision makers
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• Ability to explain complex legal or policy issues in plain language
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Working in a complex environment\n

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• Strong relationship management skills across agencies and stakeholders
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• Sound judgement and ability to work with sensitive information
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• Ability to prioritise and deliver under pressure
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Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $122,381.00 - $152,296.00\n